Wilderness First Responder

An Uncompromising Approach to Wilderness Medicine


Tuition

$1299

Duration

80 Hours

Includes

BLS (CPR/AED HCP)


Wilderness First Responder (Vancouver)
Vancouver Dates:
Quantity:
Register Vancouver

Wilderness First Responder (Squamish)
Squamish Dates:
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Register Squamish

About WFR

High Quality Training for Low Resource Environments

Whether you are an outdoor pro leading people out of the comforting reach of urban ambulance services, or a seasoned adventurer exploring the best Canada has to offer, this course will prepare you to manage accidents and medical emergencies in harsh environments where rescue might be hours or days away. From professional gear to improvised techniques, this is Canada’s top-tier training for anyone who spends time where resources are scarce, access difficult, and communications unreliable.

Is WFR Right For You?

Wilderness First Responders can be found in a wide variety of roles throughout the backcountry, including guides, instructors, outdoor educators, ski patrol, search and rescue, and many more. These positions are diverse, but all expect a high level of personal responsibility, and require that you are prepared to take the lead in high-stress, high-reward situations where you must make decisions quickly, keep your head, and maintain your professionalism under extreme circumstances for extended periods of time.

If you think you are well-suited to such a position, than this program is for you.

WARNING: This is training you can rely on, and an experience you will never forget! Wilderness First Responder training is intensive and challenging - both physically and mentally. Substantial parts of the class take place outside, no matter the weather, and the curriculum includes moderate hiking and an overnight experience that might occur in inclement weather. Full participation is required - please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about this experience.

Register with 50% Down

Take advantage of our 50-50 payment plan and defer 50% of your course payment until the first day of your course. Just use the code WFR50 when registering - no interest, and no application required!

Careers

WFR graduates are found in many diverse careers, including backcountry guides, coaches and instructors, high school and middle school outdoor education teachers, ski patrol, volunteer search and rescue and, many more. Furthermore, WFR is considered a strong asset when applying to any job that takes place outside of easy EHS access.

Further Studies

WFR graduates can upgrade their certification to an 80 hour Emergency Medical Responder, which offers many job opportunities in formal EHS systems, fire departments, and private ambulance companies. This also includes a pathway to achieving an OFA-3.

Course Details

Training Bases

Vancouver: 8168 Granville #209 + Pacific Spirit Park. (With field trips!)
Squamish: 1909 Maple Drive #101. (Steps from Smoke Bluffs!)


Training Schedule

Online Pre-Study: 4-6 Hours
In-Class: 9 days, Friday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM*

* Day 2 includes an evening scenario from 7-11 PM.
Day 5 is a day off, with homework. Day 7 includes a full overnight scenario.


Study Materials

  • Red Cross Emergency Care Manual (Early access to digital edition; access to hard copy during in-class training.

  • Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Field Guide

  • CWMT WFR Quick Reference: Licensing Reference: A resource of treatment guidelines, drug monographs, patient care flow charts, and useful information to have at your fingertips.

All study materials are included in tuition fees. For early access to text books and study materials, please contact us.


Certification

Successful participants will receive a Red Cross Wilderness First Responder with Basic Life Support (formerly CPR-HCP) certification. This certification is nationally recognized, and internationally recognizable.

FAQs

Q: WHICH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS RECOGNIZE THIS COURSE?
Our Wilderness First Responder course is recognized by the following organizations:

Q: I HAVE PREVIOUS MEDICAL TRAINING. AM I ABLE TO APPLY FOR AN EQUIVALENCY TO RECEIVE A WFR CERTIFICATION, OR CAN I AVOID SOME OF THE TRAINING?
Unfortunately, the nature of wilderness medicine would make such an assessment very difficult to conduct - the only current bridge program is for those currently holding a shorter certification in wilderness medicine. That said, we have previously trained health care providers including paramedics, nurses, physicians, care aides, dentists, and psychiatrists, and every one of them has been surprised and delighted by how much they learned, how much fun they had, and how many CE credits they earned to maintain their license!

Q: ARE THERE MANY JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR WFRS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?
Yes! WFR is not a specific job, but rather is a requirement or strong asset for a wide variety of careers that involve spending time in the outdoors. Adding a WFR certification to your resume can make you much more attractive to employers, and give you a step up to the job you want.

Q: I HAVE A PART TIME JOB OR GO TO SCHOOL - CAN I DO THE WFR PROGRAM WHILE WORKING OR STUDYING PART-TIME?
It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to take on the WFR unless you can clear your schedule for the 9 days of the course. Our WFR is mentally and physically taxing, and if you are not able to come to each day well-rested, you will find it very difficult to give your training the necessary attention to be successful.

Q: WHAT GEAR DO I NEED TO BRING?
A list of recommended gear will be sent to you with your course information package. In short, you should prepare for each day as if for a day hike, including adequate footwear, layers, rain protection, snacks, water, and your ten essentials. It is very important that you prepare for the worst weather the season might offer - you will spend a lot of time outdoors, and being cold and wet will negatively affect your learning.

**Recertify your WFR

Prerequisite: Unexpired 80 hour Wilderness First Responder or equivalent certification.

Tuition

$649*


Duration

40 Hours

Vancouver Dates:
Quantity:
Recertify in Vancouver
Squamish Dates:
Quantity:
Recertify in Squamish

More top-tier training for low-resource environments - learn the new stuff, refresh the classics, renew the certification, and get back out there! This course includes an online pre-study, 3 days of in-person training, and a half day of assessment.

Includes: Basic Life Support (CPR/AED-HCP)

*Alumni BONUS: If you are recertifying your WFR within one year, the cost goes down to $449. Contact us today!

Free Online WFR Pre-Study

Fill out the form below, and get access to Coast Wilderness Medical Training’s online Wilderness First Responder modules. It’s a free taste of our most popular program - no strings attached!