Summary
The WFR Recertification course is designed to recertify and refresh current Wilderness First Responders. WMA International invites eligible WFR graduates from other wilderness medical schools to recertify with us. Students will review essential skills and wilderness protocols and will discuss relevant updates in wilderness medicine. The course focuses heavily on hands-on learning through patient assessment drills and guided discussion. To earn certification, students must meet the criteria set forth in our Functional Position Description as well as the minimum performance and testing standards by the last day of course. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Wilderness First Responder certification as well as a CPR certification equivalent to the American Heart Association's BLS CPR standard. These certifications remain valid for three years. Note: WMA WEMS graduates with a current EMS license may also recertify the wilderness portion of their WEMS certification with this course.Description
To meet a variety of student needs, WMA offers two different course models for the WFR Recertification course.
3-day WFR Recertification
This course is offered in person over three days for a total of 24-30 hours of class time. Students are expected to review their previous course literature and come prepared to perform.
Hybrid WFR Recertification
This course is divided into two components: A self-paced, e-learning module (12+ hours), followed by two days (16+ hours) of in-person instruction. Some students may need more time to complete activities based on pre-assessment scores to ensure that they are prepared for the in-person session. Students must register at least 2 weeks before the course date to ensure that there is enough time to complete the e-learning course work prior to the in-person session. Please review the minimum technology requirements for the Hybrid WFR course before registering.
Course Content
This course covers:
Patient Assessment System, Basic Life Support (including BLS/Healthcare Provider-level CPR), Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Nervous System, Lifts, Moves and Extrications, PAS Drills, Musculoskeletal injuries, Dislocations, Splinting, Spine Management, Wounds and Burns, PAS Drills, Allergies and Anaphylaxis, and Environmental Injuries.
Eligibility to Recertify
WMA International invites WFR graduates from other wilderness medical schools to recertify with us. Eligible graduates from other wilderness medical schools must have a current WFR certification (unexpired or within your grace period) earned in one of the following course types: A WFR course with a minimum of 72 hours of in-person instruction, 2) a 72-hour Hybrid course with a minimum of 45 hours of in-person instruction, or 3) a WFR Recertification course with a minimum of 16 hours of in-person instruction. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WMA International currently accepts one-year on-line extensions of WFR courses that meet the above requirements. We do not accept online extensions that are greater than one year. We do not allow students with a certification from an exclusively online WFR (or WFR recertification) course to attend a WMA recertification course.
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification holders are eligible to recertify in WMA recertification courses. Upon successful completion, students will receive a WFR certification.
Only WMA International-trained WEMS cardholders are eligible for WEMS recertification.
Note: If you are a WMA WEMS graduate using this course to recertify your WMA WEMS certification, it is your responsibility to let the sponsor know when registering, and to inform the instructor on the first day of class.
Materials & equipment
WMA will provide:
- Wilderness and Rescue Medicine Textbook
- The Field Guide of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine
- SOAP Notebook
Recertification
Within three years, graduates of this course may recertify by taking the Bridge (WAFA to WFR) or by repeating this course.
Prerequisites
Must be at least 16 years old. Students under 18 years of age must have the written consent of a parent or guardian to participate.
WFR recertification candidates must have passed an eligible course. Proof of current certification is required at the start of the course.
Technology Requirements for Hybrid Courses
- High speed Internet Access
- A computer with:
- a PDF Reader
- Anti-Virus Software
- Internet Browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). Note: the system is NOT compatible with Safari.