Our Wilderness First Aid & Wilderness First Responder-Refresher courses will prepare you for your next adventure.
Combining a highly experiential in-person training with our self-paced Wilderness Medicine Online course, this program provides all the skills-practice and knowledge needed to handle a range of medical and traumatic emergencies in a wilderness environment. Practice treating life threats, stabilizing injuries, and evaluating and managing medical and environmental hardships. Additional e-labs apply for the WFR-Refresher. Ages 14+ (anyone under 18 requires guardian consent in order to participate).
Please note whether the program is listed as Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder-Refresher, or a combined WFA/WFR-R program. For those interested in refreshing their WFR certification in a program date listed as WFA-Only, please reach out to BMG. If a program is listed as sold out and you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email info@backcountrymedicalguides.org.
“One of the best educational experiences I have ever had. The different perspectives of [the instructors] were balanced and complementary. They worked together quite seamlessly and seemed to not only enjoy what they were doing, but each other’s company as well. The curriculum was well planned and executed. I learned so much and only wish I had taken this class decades ago!””
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• Wilderness First Aid, valid for 2 years
• CPR: AED Adult/Child/Infant, valid for 2 years
• Wilderness First Responder-Refresher for those holding a current WFR Certification or within their grace period, valid for 2 years. Additional e-labs apply. Please reach out if you are unsure of your eligibility for recertification.
• WA Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification, valid for 2 years
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• Manage risk through pre trip planning and preventative techniques: first aid kits, pre-trip medical assessments, travel medicine, telemedicine
• Assess and treat life threatening emergencies: airway management, hemorrhage control, CPR, shock, and stabilization.
• Practice common trauma techniques: wound and fracture management, head injuries, neck and spine injury, blunt trauma, burns, dental and eye trauma.
• Develop important judgment skills for the assessment and evacuation of medical and environmental emergencies in the backcountry: heat and cold emergencies, animal bites and stings, lightning and adverse weather, search and rescue basics, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, diabetes, seizures, anaphylaxis.
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Day 1
Location: Larrabee State Park
For April - September courses: 9:00AM - 5:30PM
For October - March courses: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Hike: 1-5 miles, maximum 500 - 1,000 vertical feet
Trails: Interurban, Fragrance Lake Overlook
Day 2
Location: Larrabee State Park
For April - September courses: 9:00AM - 5:30PM
For October - March courses: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Hike: 1-5 miles, about 200 vertical feet
Trails: Interurban, Clayton Beach
*Note: 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.
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The class embarks on a hike over moderate terrain (trail, gravel, roots). Actual daily totals vary between 1-5 miles and a maximum of around 500 feet of vertical feet gain. The amount of hiking will depend on factors such as the weather and is at your instructors’ discretion. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on the example trails. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about fitness requirements.
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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 14 (with anyone under 18 requiring a guardian’s consent). 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.
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This course is held rain or shine and will require clothing suited for any weather. The following is a list of recommended gear you will need to bring with you:
• Hat (sun hat or warm hat)
• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Rain jacket
• Warm layers
• Appropriate footwear for hiking
• Water bottle
• Food for lunch and snacks (lunch is not provided)
• Pen or pencil
***Notebooks are optional, a manual with lecture notes is provided at the beginning of the course and can be used to take notes.
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Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and 30 miles from the Canadian border, Bellingham, Washington, has recreation opportunities in all directions. Between the North Cascades’ beautiful peaks, the town’s abundant trails, and Bellingham’s gorgeous bay, you are bound to find something fun to do.
This course is held at Larrabee State Park which is Washington's first established state park. Larrabee hosts miles of scenic hiking trails which take you through forests of Douglas fir and down to beautiful beaches with views of the San Juan Islands.
Larrabee State Park
245 Chuckanut Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98229
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Bellingham is our home base for good reason. Mountains, trails, waterfront, islands; it's all right here. We're glad you're coming.
Where to Stay
We have partner rates with several hotels near our program locations:Hotel Bellwether: On the waterfront, pet-friendly, steps from downtown. 10% off with this link.
Hotel Leo— Historic building in the heart of downtown. 20% off with this link.
Heliotrope — Quiet, laid-back, close to the marina. Fire pits, outdoor space. Up to 15% off with this link.
Prefer to camp? Larrabee State Park has saltwater shoreline, 18 miles of trails, and views of the San Juans. Visit Parks.wa.gov for details.