This 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.

——-

Hybrid Course Requirements

(when available)

This is a hybrid course, with online review to be completed before the in-person course start date.

Technology Requirements

• 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.

The Wilderness First Responder curriculum is written in-house by a team of remote medical rescue researchers and professionals. Ongoing evidence-based research and review contributes to a unique and innovative approach to patient care in backcountry and austere settings. The curriculum is comprehensive, complete, and kept current on an annual basis. This is the most current and cutting-edge course of any first response medical training (urban or remote) in the world.

The general principles of wilderness and rescue medicine with an emphasis on the prevention and identification of medical emergencies, appropriate technology, and risk management.

Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR, basic life support, and the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and asthma.

Environmental medicine including altitude illness, hypothermia and heat illness, frostbite and cold injury, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins.

Backcountry medicine including the assessment and treatment of common medical problems.

Musculoskeletal problems including unstable and stable injuries, overuse syndromes, and dislocations.

Wound management including open fractures, lacerations, burns and blisters.

Practical skills including splinting, bandaging, litter packaging and medical kit preparation.

WMA wilderness protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.

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.

$325 / person

Students must be at least 16 years old to participate in this course. Those under 18 years of age require the written consent of a parent or guardian.