Wilderness Medicine Courses
Wilderness First Responder
Times: 8:00am-5:00pm each day
Location: University of Washington, Waterfront Activities Center
UW Students & members of the general public can register below!
Click here for more details UW Students- Register now
Dates: March 18-22, 2023
Times: 8:00am-5:00pm each day
Location: University of Washington, Waterfront Activities Center
UW Students & members of the general public can register below!
Click here for more details UW Students- Register now
Course Description
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. More information.
What topics are covered during the course?
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- 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
Wilderness First Aid
Fall 2022| TBD
UW Students & members of the general public can register below!
Course Description
The Wilderness First Aid course is designed to introduce the concepts of medical care in a wilderness setting. The course focuses on Basic Life Support skills, trauma, selected environmental topics, spine assessment, allergic and toxic reactions, and “common” medical emergencies. The majority of time is spent in hands-on skills practice and simulation.
Those looking to apply for UWild Field Instructor positions, the WFA is the minimum requirement for single day outings.
Who should take a WFA Course?
WFA courses are designed to meet the needs of individuals who are responsible for the medical care of others in a wilderness setting, people who work in remote settings, and recreationalists who want to be prepared in the case of an emergency. The course is also for medical professionals seeking ways to apply their skills outside of the clinic setting, as well as people who live in areas that are prone to natural disasters whose aftermath may delay emergency response.
What topics are covered during the course?
Topics in the 16-hour class include: patient assessment, how to provide long-term care with limited resources, the decision of when to call for more help, and treatments such as splinting, wound care and managing spine injuries. The course schedule includes classroom time, as well as extensive hands-on skills practice through medical scenarios and labs.
Cost
UW Students: $185.00
UW Employees & Public: $225.00
Registration will continue on a rolling basis, until class is full.
*Prices are subject to sales tax where applicable.
Course Resources
For more information call Nathan Page at 206-616-1143 or email at njpage@uw.edu
Wilderness First Responder, Hybrid Online/In-Person Format
2022 Course | March 19 – 23 (UW Spring Break)
UW Students & members of the general public can register below!
Course Description
The Wilderness First Responder provides advanced medical training for guides, expedition leaders, outdoor instructors and weekend warriors alike. Training covers injuries, illnesses, and rescues encountered while recreating in the wild. Additional certifications include adult CPR and AED.
For those that are CURRENTLY certified as an EMT, this course can enhance the standard EMT certificate to a Wilderness EMT (WEMT). A must for the EMT looking at search and rescue or work in a rural area.
What is a Hybrid WFR?
The WFR Hybrid course is a combination of online learning modules, online exams, and practical sessions. This format perfectly suites busy college students’ and working professionals’ schedule.
Prior to the start of class, students will complete coursework through an online classroom. The weekend sessions add the practical hands-on component to the learning process.
Word of Caution
Hybrid courses require the use of technology and the diligence of self-study. It is imperative that a student enrolls with enough time to study the online materials and pass the exams. This material is difficult, it should be expected to take a few hours each night to read and pass the exams.
Certifications Acquired Upon Completion
- Wilderness First Responder
- CPR and AED for Adults and Children
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector Administration
Course Location & Details
UW Students & members of the general public can register by clicking the button above!
Wilderness First Responder: Recertification
Times: 8:00am-5:00pm each day
Location: University of Washington, Waterfront Activities Center
UW Students & members of the general public can register below!
UW Students & members of the general public can register below!:
Course Description
Topics include: a review of LWM’s patient assessment system, how to provide long-term care with limited resources, the decision of when to call for more help, and treatments such as splinting, wound care and management of spine injuries. The class does include a CPR/AED for Adults and Children certification.
The course schedule includes classroom time, as well as extensive hands-on skills practice through medical scenarios and labs. There will be a written test for both CPR and WFR materials.
How Should I prepare?
Prior to the start of class, students will receive a pre-course assessment from LWM. An ungraded, scenario-based assessment that will be reviewed on the first day of class, this pre-course exercise allows participants to identify the places where they need the most review. As an additional resource, LWM maintains an assortment of case studies for students to review on the website.
Other review methods that have helped students prepare prior to recertification:
- Reviewing flash cards and other study materials from previous classes
- Reviewing treatment and evacuation guidelines for a variety of injuries and illnesses
- Consider injury and illness progressions and differentiators – for example, how can a responder identify the transition of compensated to decompensated shock? How can a responder discern the difference between mild and severe head injuries?
- Complete one of the LWM case studies and fill out a complete SOAP note for the patient identified
Upon registering, students taking a recert with LWM do have the option of receiving the LWM Wilderness First Responder book used in the course mailed to them prior to the start of the class.
Prerequisites
- A current Wilderness First Responder certificate or one that is within the previous certifying organization’s grace period.
- Individuals seeking re-certification for their WFR must present proof of current certification or a certification within the previous provider’s grace period no later than the first day of the course. A WFR certificate will not be issued to individuals without proof of current certification or who have a certification which has expired.
- WEMTs seeking recertification of the wilderness portion of their certification must present current EMT and WFR certifications at the start of the course.
Cost
UW Students: $235.00
UW Employees & Public: $285.00
*Prices are subject to sales tax where applicable.
Additional Information
- LWM accepts certifications from most wilderness medicine providers for recertification. If you have any questions, please contact LWM.
- Current WEMTs can recertify the wilderness portion of their certificate by taking a WFR Recertification course.
- LWM’s certification is nationally recognized and can be used with training officer approval for NREMT continuing education.
- LWM’s trainings meet American Camp Association 2012 Standards and are accepted by the Boy Scouts of America.
- Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) credits are available after participation in the WFR Recert course.
Questions About 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.
Request with Disability Services Office
Request Disability Resources for Employees:
- hr.uw.edu/dso
- dso@uw.edu
- (206) 543-6450 (Voice)
- (206) 543-6452 (TTY)
- (206) 685-7264 (FAX)
- (253) 642-0142 (VP)
Request with Disability Resources for Students
Request Disability Resources for Students:
- uwdrs.uw.edu
- uwdrs@uw.edu
- (206) 543-8924 (Voice & Relay)
- (206) 616-8379 (FAX)
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)
Questions About Refunds?
For questions about program or membership refunds check the Registration page or contact recinfo@uw.edu.