Our Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder-Refresher course 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).
“It’s a very well-organized training program with fantastic instructors. And, it’s conducted in one of the most beautiful places in the world. What could possibly be better?”
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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.
• CA Epinephrine Auto Injector Certification, valid for 2 years **Please note: to formalize your California Epinephrine Certification, you will need to complete the state's application and pay a $15 fee to the state of California post program. For the most updated information on how to apply to the state, please see here.
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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
9:00AM - 5:30PM
Hike: 3-5 Miles, 100 vertical feet
Day 2
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Hike: 3-5 miles, 810 vertical feet
**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 totals vary between 3-5 miles and up to 1000 feet of vertical feet gain. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these 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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Spanning California's Central Coast for approximately 90 miles, the region of Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and rugged coastal mountain ranges in the entire world. This remote stretch of coastal terrain offers stunning views of cliffs dropping abruptly into the Pacific Ocean.
