Wilderness First Responder

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership, and critical thinking for professionals, leaders, and outdoor adventurers to be successful in outdoor, low resource, and remote environments.

Essential training

Learn and practice the general principles of wilderness and rescue medicine with an emphasis on identifying medical emergencies, critical thinking, and risk management. The 70+ hours* of in-person training can be completed in a 7, 8, or 9-day schedule.

  • Start from any skill level
  • Learn from licensed medical professionals
  • Ideal for aspiring guides, outdoor leaders, and first responders
  • Earn your WFR certification and BLS CPR certification

*Required training hours may vary based on country.

Dedicated to teaching practical medicine in remote and low-resourced settings — globally

Taught on all 7 continents

Our curriculum is taught by medical professionals around the world.

10,000+ trained every year

WMA International annually trains over 10,000 students and participants worldwide.

Hosts from every industry

Our hosts range from colleges, guide services, and summer camps to government agencies.

Practicing, licensed medical professionals

Our instructors are licensed medical practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Peer-reviewed curriculum

Our Medical Director and Curriculum Director review and edit our curriculum annually, keeping our practices current.

Training for remote adventuring

We prepare students with the skills, training and knowledge needed to face any challenge, anywhere.

Testimonials

Meet our hosts

Our classroom has no limits

Our globally accessible Wilderness First Responder courses integrate hands-on training, scenario-based learning, and expert-led instruction from experienced hosts all over the world.

World map of WMA course locations.
Wilderness rescue students utilizing skills learned throughout courses.

Prepare for the unpredictable

Gain the skills required for outdoor safety and success in remote environments. This comprehensive in-person program spans 7, 8, or 9 days, providing a deep dive into wilderness medicine, leadership and critical thinking, emergency protocols, and risk management.

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Wilderness rescue students utilizing skills learned throughout courses.

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