Is there a minimum age requirement for participants?
All of our programs have a minimum age requirement based on physical intensity and/or the mature nature of the online and in-person content. Some programs require a chaperone (who must also enroll) for folks of a certain age. We reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy depending on circumstances. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@backcountrymedical.org to see whether an exception is possible.
Overnight Courses
The minimum age for overnight programs (Wilderness First Responder in the San Juans and Wilderness First Responder in Big Sur) is 18.
For anyone under 18, guardian consent and a chaperone are required.
High Adventure Day Programs
For any of our high-adventure day programs (Mountain Bike Medicine, Ski/Snowboard Medicine), anyone between the ages of 16-18 needs consent from a guardian to participate.
Anyone under 16 requires consent from a guardian as well as a chaperone.
All Other Programs
The minimum age for all other programs is 14 (with anyone under 18 requiring a guardian’s consent).
Are there prerequisites for any of the courses?
There are no prerequisites for any of our programs. They are all beginner friendly! For our sport-specific courses, we require a certain level of competence in the focus activity (which is described on each program’s page).
What does the “hybrid” component mean?
Each of our programs includes online pre-coursework that is completed prior to meeting in person. We send participants login information to our online learning site one month before their course begins. The time intensiveness of the pre-coursework varies by program, but each of our curricula consists of a lecture video series as well as several knowledge checks.
How long will my certification last?
Certifications for all of our programs last for two years, with the exception of Wilderness Life Support: Medical Professionals. The certification awarded through our WLS:MP training expires after four years.
How many people are in each course?
The maximum number of participants varies depending on the program. Most often, a course will be between 10-20 people, with an instructor to student ratio of around 1:6. Maintaining small class sizes is one of the most important assets to our hands-on, individual-focused model of learning.
Where should I stay during my course?
For our Wilderness First Responder programs in Big Sur and the San Juans, camping is included in the program price. Camping is also included for our Wilderness First Aid for Trail Runners program in the San Juans. For any other program, participants will need to secure their own lodging. Please find additional information below:
◆ Big Sur: For our Wilderness First Aid/WFR-R and our Wilderness Life Support: Medical Professionals programs, BMG reserves one site at a local campground. Upon registering for either program, participants can sign up to join at our site if space permits (an additional camping fee will be requested post-program). Camping spots are limited.
◆ Bellingham: Our general Wilderness First Aid/WFR-R and Wilderness First Responder courses take place at Larrabee State Park. Reservations for camping here are accepted 9 months in advance for the period of May 15-September 15 each year. The rest of the year is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do I need to be licensed to take a Wilderness Life Support: Medical Professionals course?
Although the training was designed with the provision of credits for medical professionals in mind, non-providers are eligible to take it. However, the curriculum is built on the expectation of prerequisite medical knowledge, so parts of the class may be confusing and/or hard to follow. For folks who are new to medical training, we strongly recommend a Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or Advanced First Aid/CPR for Mariners program.
Can I sign up your WFR-R course if my certification has expired?
If you received a two-year Wilderness First Responder certification and our recertification program is within your grace period, then yes. Please reach out to info@backcountrymed.org for details on other circumstances.
Can I cancel or transfer my participation to another program?
Yes, depending on the timeline. Please see our cancellation & transfer policy for more information.
Do you offer custom or private courses?
Yes! We love working with organizations and private groups to provide customized first aid training. Any of our certification options can be offered as a custom course (including basic First Aid and/or CPR). If you are interested in organizing a private program, please submit an inquiry here so that we can learn more about your needs.