Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is a lay medical responder trained to provide initial patient assessment and management, risk-benefit analysis, and evacuation decision making in an area where organized rescue and hospital care is delayed. The WFR has a limited advanced skill set to deal with specific, common issues in wilderness medicine.

Wilderness First Responder is taught by experienced wilderness and emergency medical providers from Base Medical. The course includes an independent first aid certification good for two years that is recognized nationally; graduates will be awarded the Wilderness First Responder badge. The course will include CPR training.

Course Introduction: 

The following must be sequentially completed in order to gain certification:

1. The 24 hours of online lessons, which are the foundational theory component for all WFR courses. These wi1l be available 6 weeks before the in-person practical training and *must* be completed 24 hours before the in-person practical training.
2. The 44-48 or more hours of in-person, hands-on practical training. 
3. The 2 hour online final assessment. This will become available 24-48 hours after the in-person, practical training and *must* be completed with an 80% or above passing score within 30 days. Students have the ability to retake the final assessment within the 30 day window.

Students will also need to complete the no-cost Low-Impact Recreation Course, pass the quiz, and receive the Low-Impact Recreation badge in order to graduate.

Upon completion, an individual is expected to:

• Assess a patient to identify potentially life threatening problems. (Evaluate)
• Complete the necessary non-invasive first aid and basic life support interventions to prevent medical problems and injuries from occurring or progressing. (Apply)
• Manage a patient in a remote setting for an extended time while mitigating environmental and terrain risks. (Analyze)
• Coordinate patient care as the lead medical provider in the absence of higher level care providers. (Create)
• Determine the need for additional resources and higher level care for patients with life threatening problems. (Evaluate)
• Determine the need for and urgency of evacuation for ill or injured patients. (Evaluate)

Cancellation Notice:

• Prior to 05/31/2024: 100% refund minus $10 club fee.
• Between 06/01/2024 and 06/06/2024: 50% refund minus $10 club fee.
• On or after 06/07/2024: no refunds provided.
• Course must be completed sequentially.
• In order to attend the in-person training, the on-line sessions need to be 100% complete.
• In order to attempt the final assessment, the in-person training must have been completed successfully.
• No refunds will be provided if a student neglects to complete any part of the course or if a student completes the entire course but fails to complete the Low-Impact Recreation Course.
• There are no make-ups for this course. Students need to be confident they can attend *all* 4 1/2 days of in-person training.

Course will not be open to non-members.

Special Announcement:

Foothills volunteers may be eligible for 50% reimbursement of the cost of a club-sponsored Wilderness First Responder course, including those offered by other branches. Please click here for details and application process. 

Please contact the leader with any questions at BMPeacock@aol.com.