Recreation

Wilderness Medicine Courses

More Information

We are offering both a Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder course this year!

Wilderness First Aid/WFR-R with Backcountry Medical Guides

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Dates:  June 28th-29th 2025
Times: 9:00am-4:30pm
Location: Waterfront Activity Center
Tuition: $350.00

UW students receive 10% off with the code UW10 when they register.

Curriculum and Objectives:

  • Manage risk through pre trip planning and preventative techniques: first aid kits, pre-trip medical assessments, travel medicine, telemedicine.
  • Assess and treat life threatening emergencies: airway management, hemorrhage control, CPR, shock, and stabilization.
  • Practice common trauma techniques: wound and fracture management, head injuries, neck and spine injury, blunt trauma, burns, dental and eye trauma.
  • Develop important judgment skills for the assessment and evacuation of medical and environmental emergencies in the backcountry: heat and cold emergencies, animal bites and stings, lightning and adverse weather, search and rescue basics, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, diabetes, seizures, anaphylaxis.

Certifications Gained:

  • Wilderness First Aid, valid for 2 years

  • CPR: AED Adult/Child/Infant, valid for 2 years
  • Wilderness First Responder-Refresher for those holding a current WFR Certification or within 1 year of expiration, valid for 2 years. Additional e-labs apply.
  • WA Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification, valid for 2 years

Wilderness First Responder Course with Backcountry Medical Guides

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The Wilderness First Responder course is the recognized industry standard for people who work or have a leadership role in remote environments including wilderness guides and trip leaders, camp counselors, research expedition members, and search and rescue team members.

Dates:  June 23-28, 2025
Times: 8:00am-5:30pm
Location: Waterfront Activity Center
Tuition: $715.00

UW students receive 10% off with the code UW10 when they register.

Course Topics Include:

  • ​Patient Assessment
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries and Splinting
  • Spine Care
  • Extended Patient Care
  • Evacuation Planning
  • Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Administration
  • Wound Care and Management
  • Backcountry Medical Emergencies
  • Full WFR Schedule

Certification information

Successful completion is based on attendance, participation, demonstration of skill competence, and a written exam. Participants who meet completion requirements will receive the following certifications:

  • Wilderness First Responder
  • CPR and AED for Adults and Children
  • Epinephrine Auto-Injector Administration

Certification Length: 2 years + 1 year of additional certification with completion of continuing education

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

UW Recreation’s programs, operations, and facilities are intended to be inclusive and accessible. If at any time, you have a need or concern please contact us, we encourage everyone to participate in our department offerings. For accommodation requests connected to a disability or health condition contact us at (206) 543-4590 or at recinfo@uw.edu. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance as possible, preferably at least 10 business days.

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Insurance

UW Recreation does not provide accident or medical coverage for participants. It is recommended that participants obtain their own personal coverage. Students may obtain additional information on student accident/sickness insurance by contacting:  Insurance & Cost | Husky Health & Well-Being (uw.edu)

Refunds

For questions about program or membership refunds, please review our refund policies, and contact our help desk recinfo@uw.edu if needed.

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