Wilderness First Responder
These courses our run though our affiliate partner, Blue
Star Camps in Hendersonville NC. Contact them via
email or call
828-692-3591 with questions about the WMA Medical Courses.
This eight day course will be held at the 650 acre woodland campus of Blue Star
Camps in Hendersonville, NC. Accommodation and food is included in the course
tuition.
For dates and tuition fees click here.
Overview:
This 8-day (72 hour) course is the industry standard for outdoor professionals.
Many organizations require it as part of their job qualifications. It includes
all topics covered in the WAFA plus numerous additional topics, case studies,
patient assessment drills, and a final simulation. The course is recommended for
outdoor professionals as well as outdoor recreationalists who lead adventure
trips and those who are in the backcountry for days or weeks and may have to
care for a patient for days.
Course structure:
72
hours over eight days. The sponsor may add a day off. Mornings are devoted to
lectures and exams. Afternoons are devoted to practical hands-on sessions and
rescue simulations. Expect two or three rescue simulations with made-up victims
and stage blood that will be video taped for enhanced learning. Evenings are
reserved for study and assignments.
Prerequisites:
Students must be at least 16 years of age to participate in this course. 16 and
17 year olds must have proof of parental consent.
Textbooks:
The cost of the course includes a book of lecture handouts, a workbook, SOAP
notes, The Outward Bound Wilderness First Aid Handbook, and The Wilderness
Medical Associates Field Guide.
Completion and grades:
These are based on attendance (100% attendance is required), course
participation, performance on both written and practical final exams. To pass,
students must have a cumulative average of 80% or better. Not everyone passes
this course.
Certification:
All students who successfully complete the WFR course will receive a WFR
certification card, an Anaphylaxis certification card and a BLS-CPR
certification card from Wilderness Medical Associates. These certifications
remain valid for three years. The Wilderness Medical Associates WFR course meets
or exceeds all requirements of other similarly named courses (i.e. DOT First
Responder).
Standards:
The Wilderness Medical Associates WFR course meets or exceeds all requirements
of other similarly named courses (i.e. DOT First Responder).
Recertification:
Within three years, graduates may recertify by way of a 16-hour Recertification
course, a 36-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid course, a 36-hour Bridge course,
or a 24-hour Challenge course.
Day 1
10.5 hours |
Introduction/Registration
Infection control
CPR
Case studies |
|
Day 2
9 hours |
Anatomy & physiology
General concepts, ALS/BLS I
Patient assessment system
Case studies |
|
Day 3
89 hours |
Circulatory, respiratory systems
Fractures, dislocations
Stable injuries, Splints I - extremities
Case studies
|
|
Day 4
10 hours |
Nervous system, Spine injuries
Wounds, Burns
Principles of trauma, Splints II - spine
Emergency childbirth
Lifting, moving, extrication
Case studies |
|
Day 5
9 hours |
Quiz/Case studies
Toxins, bites & stings
Medical emergencies
Altitude or diving
Litter packaging and carries
Patient carries
Small group simulations |
|
Day 6
9 hours |
Hypothermia, frostbite & cold injury
Hyperthermia & heat illness
ALS/BLS II
Near drowning
Search and rescue
Simulation
Case studies |
|
Day 7
9 hours |
Lightning
Allergies & anaphylaxis
Backcountry medicine
Improvised litters
Simulation, Case studies |
|
Day 8
6.5 hours |
Medical & legal issues
Personal preparedness
Final case studies
Final simulation
Final exam |
Fox Mountain Guides
