WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER

The WFR is the gold standard for outdoor professionals and serious adventurers. Five days, fifty hours of hands-on training and the skills and judgment to manage what the backcountry sends your way.

WFR: Wilderness Programs

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Big Sur, CA | Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

$975.00

Five days of wilderness medicine training at Big Creek Reserve in Big Sur, CA. Coastal redwoods, rugged canyons, and instructors who know this coastline. Complete self-paced online coursework before you arrive, then spend the week in the field. You leave with WFR, CPR, AED, and EpiPen certifications and the skills to back them up.

Bellingham, WA | Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

$775.00

Five days of wilderness medicine training at Larrabee State Park on the Pacific Northwest coast. Old-growth forest, Salish Sea shoreline, and instructors who know the terrain. Complete self-paced online coursework before you arrive, then spend the week in the field. You leave with WFR, CPR, AED, and EpiPen certifications and the skills to back them up.

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Seattle, WA | Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

$775.00

2027 courses TBD

With Mt. Rainier, the North Cascades, and the Olympics on the horizon, Seattle is surrounded by world-class mountain adventures. For those who take advantage of the Emerald City’s epic surroundings, be that day hikes or week-long climbing trips, we’re excited to be partnering with the University of Washington to offer a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course for the Seattle adventure community.

Email Training@backcountrymedicalguides.org to set up a custom private course for your team/group.

WFR: Mountain Bike Programs

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Bellingham, WA | WFR for Mountain Bikers

$895.00

Learn critical, life-saving emergency medical skills in a course format adapted specifically for mountain bikers. Hosted on Galbraith Mountain, you’ll need a bike and good physical fitness to access this classroom. This program provides WFR, CPR/AED, and Washington state Epinephrine Auto-Injector certifications.

This program does not currently have any public dates scheduled, however, it can be made available for private groups or organizations. Please email info@backcountrymedicalguides.org if you are interested in learning more!

WFR: Maritime Programs

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San Juan Islands, WA | WFR

$2,795.00

This is an epic sailing and camping trip! The San Juan Archipelago consists of over 100 named islands sandwiched between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Strait of Georgia. This gorgeous cluster also boasts some of the most well-protected public marine reserves and trails in the country. With an abundance of unspoiled nooks and coves, charming coastal towns, and rich history, this Maritime WFR has almost limitless itineraries depending on the wind direction and tide profile. No sailing experience required.

Upcoming: (2027 TBD)

September 14-19, 2026

WFR: Backcountry Ski Programs

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Mt. Baker, WA | WFR for Skiers & Splitboarders

$1,565.00

The Mt. Baker backcountry is an exceptional setting to learn important medical skills tailored to skiing and snowboarding. With numerous route options, terrain for everyone, and some of the best views around, this springtime ski/snowboard WFR program will help you expand your first responder skillset in a dynamic environment.

Email info@backcountrymed.org to be the first to know when new dates are published!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

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Like most professional healthcare credentials, WFR certifications run on a two-year cycle. Skills that go unpracticed degrade, and two years is the industry standard. We also offer a continuing education pathway to extend your cert to three years.
Our nationally recognized curriculum is informed by the Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines and current evidence‑based best practices.
Our highly skilled instructors have responded to medical emergencies in both frontcountry and backcountry settings. Their experience shows up in every scenario, every story, and every question we answer.
Currently, the Wilderness Medicine field does not have a governing body.