Wilderness First Responder, valid for 2 years

CPR/AED certifications, valid for 2 years

Washington Epinephrine Auto Injector certification, valid for 2 years

Our WFR curriculum satisfies the Wilderness Medical Society’s published recommendations for Wilderness First Responder curriculum and is certified by our Medical Advisory Board. 

Accreditations Include:

World Sailing Offshore Special Regulation (OSR 6.05) Medical Training requirement

US Sailing Senior First Aid Requirement

United States Coast Guard: Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section AVI/1 and Table A-VI/1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 11.202(b)(3); AND if presented within one year of the date of training, the First Aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.205(e)(1)(ii) and 11.205(e)(2)(iii) for original issuance of an officer endorsement.

During this 80-hour course, our guides will train you how to prevent, manage, and treat a range of common emergencies that you may encounter in the wilderness and maritime environment. This course combines online self-paced precourse work with a highly immersive camping and sailing training trip in the beautiful San Juan Islands. You will complete the online learning portion on your own time prior to the in-person skills training and assessment in the San Juans.  

This combination of focused learning and practical experience provides you with the conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills to face common emergencies that you may experience while exploring the wilderness. Expect to work hard, get out in nature, make new connections with other like minded people, and learn a ton about maritime medicine. 

By the end of the course, you will:

Build strong patient assessment skills

Demonstrate common treatments of traumatic injuries and life threats

Recognize and treat medical emergencies

Prevent, recognize, and treat environmental emergencies

Learn improvisation, evacuation, and rescue techniques

Practice pre-trip and expedition planning

Practice preventative strategies

The San Juan Islands are truly unique in the maritime world. This gorgeous cluster of islands boasts some of the most well-protected public marine reserves and trails in the country. With an abundance of pristine moorings and anchorages, charming coastal towns, and rich history, the Salish Sea host our Maritime WFR and offers almost limitless itineraries depending on the wind direction and tide profile.

Day 1

We will meet at Squalicum Harbor at 8:00AM for a 8:30am departure to one of the beautiful islands in the San Juans. Once we hit land we will unload, set up camp, and begin a lesson before having dinner. 

Days 2 - 4

Our days will begin early, meeting at 7:15AM for breakfast. Then the class will spend the days hiking, practicing skills, and running scenarios both on land and on the boats. We will have a lunch break around noon and dinner will be served around 6:00PM. 

Days 5 & 6

The group will break camp early, have breakfast, and set sail to relocate to a new island where the last nights will be spent. At the end of the last day the course will end at 6:00PM back at Squalicum Harbor. 

*The itinerary is fluid and is subject to change for safety and weather/ environmental factors including wind, rain/ snow, Air Quality Index, trail closures, traffic considerations, etc.

*All meals are included.

For our program, participants should be able to hike up to 7 miles, comfortably, on steep and variable terrain. Actual mileage may range from 3-7 miles per day. Your assistance with sailing the boats will also be needed while underway. The skills that are taught in this program require the ability to get up and down from the ground, kneeling, squatting, and some lifting. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about fitness requirements.

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. The minimum age for this program is 18. Anyone under 18 who wishes to participate requires a guardian’s consent as well as a chaperone (who must also enroll in the course). 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.

This course is held rain or shine and will require clothing suited for the weather. The following is a list of recommended gear you will need to bring with you:

Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad

Camping plate, bowl, mug, and utensils 

Foul weather gear

Hat (sun hat or warm hat)

Gloves

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Rain jacket

Warm layers

Long sleeves for sun protection

Appropriate footwear for hiking

Water bottle

***A manual with lecture notes is provided at the beginning of the course and can be used to take notes.