Wilderness First Responder (5 day)
Viristar’s classic wilderness medicine course, the standard training for those in wilderness and remote settings
The flagship wilderness medicine course, providing comprehensive training and hands-on practice in patient assessment, Basic Life Support, musculoskeletal injuries, spine injury management, allergy & anaphylaxis, wound management, common backcountry medical problems, medical-legal issues, and more.
Recommended for those traveling to remote wilderness areas, disaster response situations, and remote areas in low-income countries.)
Course Overview
Wilderness First Responder (5 day)
Course # wm-wfr-230901
Dates
October 16 –
November 27
Location
Boise, Idaho
Registration deadline
October 16
Cost
USD 837.03
Language
English
Certification
Wilderness First Responder
Course Description
25 Hours Pre-Course Preparation and 45 Hours On-Site Training
Class Format
This course covers the same material and meets the same criteria as our standard Wilderness First Responder course. It is designed for learners and professionals who have tight schedules and the self-discipline to complete approximately 30 hours of pre-course preparation.
Learners will have access to the WFR Study Guide two to four weeks before the course starts. They are required to complete the assigned reading, case studies, study guide, and tests. The on-site instruction that follows reinforces and expands on the knowledge already acquired.
Because learners arrive familiar with the didactic material, on-site daytime training can focus on wilderness and rescue scenarios and practical skills. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments. Expect rescue scenarios with made-up victims and simulated wounds to prepare learners for backcountry emergencies. Sessions may be videotaped for enhanced learning.
The five-day WFR course has been through years of development and testing. Conscientious preparation, studying, and time prior to the course is essential for success. This is not a short-cut version of our standard course. Established Viristar clients and other groups who are interested in this new format are encouraged to contact us about this offering.
Course Content
The Wilderness First Responder curriculum is written 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.
- 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 (BLS), 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.
- Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.
Certifications
Upon successful course completion, learners will receive a Wilderness First Responder certification and certification of CPR (based on ILCOR/AHA standards) at the BLS CPR for healthcare professionals level.
The course is registered for 70 hours of continuing education credit through the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
Local EMS authorities may permit this certification to be used to challenge the US DOT First Responder exam.
Certifications are valid for three years.
Evaluation
Successful completion with certification is based on 100 percent attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills and a successful grade on a final written exam. Viristar is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any learner with special needs.
Recertification
Recertification can be earned at any time during the three years following your course. Recertification options include the 36-hour WAFA-to-WFR Bridge Course or the 24-hour WFR Recertification Course.
Contact us more information about recertification options.
Prerequisites
Upon course host registration, the host will send learners information to access their online pre-course materials through an online e-learning platform two to four weeks prior to the first day of their course.
Learners must be at least 18 years old to participate in the five-day WFR course. Certain course hosts may set a higher minimum age or establish other requirements consistent with their program.
No previous medical training is required.
Continuing Education hours
- First Responder: 70
- EMT: 70
- Advanced EMT or Paramedic: 70
- Approved by Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE)
Materials Provided
All teaching materials will be at no additional cost. Participants will receive the following books on this course:
- Wilderness and Rescue Medicine: A Practical Guide for the Basic and Advanced Practitioner
- The Field Guide of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine
- Wilderness Medicine Workbook
- Wilderness First Responder Class Notes
- SOAP Notebook
Equipment
We ask our sponsors and course hosts to provide basic outdoor equipment and any specific gear relevant to their personnel when in remote and austere environments. Viristar will supply a specific equipment list to cover simulation and classroom needs.
Customization
As part of Viristar’s commitment to your medical rescue training, our instructors and management will inquire about your group’s needs and teach according to your group’s backgrounds, environments, and experience. Simulations and hands-on activities will be realistic and relevant. Relevant adult education is incorporated directly into our curriculum to maximize learning of medical theory and development of practical skills.
Syllabus
DOWNLOAD FULL SYLLABUSTopics
Day 1
Introduction
General Principles
Patient Assessment System (PAS) I, II
Infection control
Basic Life Support & CPR
PAS III
Critical Body Systems
Spine Anatomy
Lifting, Moving, Extrication
Day 2
Spine Splinting
Litter Carries
Improvised litters
Spine Injury Evaluation
Improvised Patient Carries
Musculoskeletal System
Dislocations
Allergy & Anaphylaxis
Day 3
Asthma
Hypoglycemia
Wounds & Burns: Wounds Lab
Practical sessions
Simulation
Day 4
Backcountry Medicine
Environmental Medicine
Simulation
Day 5
Altitude
Medical Legal
First Aid Kits
Elective Topics
Testing
Cleanup
Paperwork
Graduation
Instructor
Kaelan Young
Kaelan Young (she/her) brings her passion for the outdoors and a rich background in outdoor and experiential education to her role as Communications Manager at Viristar. With a degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Kaelan has seamlessly woven her experiences as an outdoor educator and her expertise in marketing and operations for outdoor education organizations into her professional journey.
Outside of her work, Kaelan finds solace and joy in nature. An intrepid traveler and dedicated backpacker, she finds fulfillment in discovering new landscapes and immersing herself in the wonders of the natural world. Whether she’s blazing trails, designing content, or crafting compelling narratives, Kaelan approaches each endeavor with boundless enthusiasm and a profound reverence for the beauty of our world.
Course Description
25 Hours Pre-Course Preparation and 45 Hours On-Site Training
Class Format
This course covers the same material and meets the same criteria as our standard Wilderness First Responder course. It is designed for learners and professionals who have tight schedules and the self-discipline to complete approximately 30 hours of pre-course preparation.
Learners will have access to the WFR Study Guide two to four weeks before the course starts. They are required to complete the assigned reading, case studies, study guide, and tests. The on-site instruction that follows reinforces and expands on the knowledge already acquired.
Because learners arrive familiar with the didactic material, on-site daytime training can focus on wilderness and rescue scenarios and practical skills. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments. Expect rescue scenarios with made-up victims and simulated wounds to prepare learners for backcountry emergencies. Sessions may be videotaped for enhanced learning.
The five-day WFR course has been through years of development and testing. Conscientious preparation, studying, and time prior to the course is essential for success. This is not a short-cut version of our standard course. Established Viristar clients and other groups who are interested in this new format are encouraged to contact us about this offering.
Course Content
The Wilderness First Responder curriculum is written 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.
- 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 (BLS), 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.
- Wilderness Protocols including wound cleaning and exploration, spine injury assessment, dislocation reduction, CPR in the remote setting, and anaphylaxis and asthma.
Certifications
Upon successful course completion, learners will receive a Wilderness First Responder certification and certification of CPR (based on ILCOR/AHA standards) at the BLS CPR for healthcare professionals level.
The course is registered for 70 hours of continuing education credit through the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
Local EMS authorities may permit this certification to be used to challenge the US DOT First Responder exam.
Certifications are valid for three years.
Evaluation
Successful completion with certification is based on 100 percent attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills and a successful grade on a final written exam. Viristar is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any learner with special needs.
Recertification
Recertification can be earned at any time during the three years following your course. Recertification options include the 36-hour WAFA-to-WFR Bridge Course or the 24-hour WFR Recertification Course.
Contact us more information about recertification options.
Prerequisites
Upon course host registration, the host will send learners information to access their online pre-course materials through an online e-learning platform two to four weeks prior to the first day of their course.
Learners must be at least 18 years old to participate in the five-day WFR course. Certain course hosts may set a higher minimum age or establish other requirements consistent with their program.
No previous medical training is required.
Continuing Education hours
- First Responder: 70
- EMT: 70
- Advanced EMT or Paramedic: 70
- Approved by Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE)
Materials Provided
All teaching materials will be at no additional cost. Participants will receive the following books on this course:
- Wilderness and Rescue Medicine: A Practical Guide for the Basic and Advanced Practitioner
- The Field Guide of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine
- Wilderness Medicine Workbook
- Wilderness First Responder Class Notes
- SOAP Notebook
Equipment
We ask our sponsors and course hosts to provide basic outdoor equipment and any specific gear relevant to their personnel when in remote and austere environments. Viristar will supply a specific equipment list to cover simulation and classroom needs.
Customization
As part of Viristar’s commitment to your medical rescue training, our instructors and management will inquire about your group’s needs and teach according to your group’s backgrounds, environments, and experience. Simulations and hands-on activities will be realistic and relevant. Relevant adult education is incorporated directly into our curriculum to maximize learning of medical theory and development of practical skills.
Syllabus
DOWNLOAD FULL SYLLABUSTopics
Day 1
Introduction
General Principles
Patient Assessment System (PAS) I, II
Infection control
Basic Life Support & CPR
PAS III
Critical Body Systems
Spine Anatomy
Lifting, Moving, Extrication
Day 2
Spine Splinting
Litter Carries
Improvised litters
Spine Injury Evaluation
Improvised Patient Carries
Musculoskeletal System
Dislocations
Allergy & Anaphylaxis
Day 3
Asthma
Hypoglycemia
Wounds & Burns: Wounds Lab
Practical sessions
Simulation
Day 4
Backcountry Medicine
Environmental Medicine
Simulation
Day 5
Altitude
Medical Legal
First Aid Kits
Elective Topics
Testing
Cleanup
Paperwork
Graduation
Instructor
Kaelan Young
Kaelan Young (she/her) brings her passion for the outdoors and a rich background in outdoor and experiential education to her role as Communications Manager at Viristar. With a degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Kaelan has seamlessly woven her experiences as an outdoor educator and her expertise in marketing and operations for outdoor education organizations into her professional journey.
Outside of her work, Kaelan finds solace and joy in nature. An intrepid traveler and dedicated backpacker, she finds fulfillment in discovering new landscapes and immersing herself in the wonders of the natural world. Whether she’s blazing trails, designing content, or crafting compelling narratives, Kaelan approaches each endeavor with boundless enthusiasm and a profound reverence for the beauty of our world.
