The Wilderness First Responder certification is a five-day, internationally recognized course—the standard for industry professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
WFR: Wilderness Programs
A gem of the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham, WA hosts beautiful views of the San Juan Islands from its incredible forested landscape. This course takes you on adventures through the iconic trails of the historic Larrabee State Park. Gain your WFR certification in this amazing location with expert instructors.
December 14-18, 2024 *Sold Out* Waitlist Available: Please email info@backcountrymedicalguides.org
March 24-28, 2025
June 16-20, 2025
August 11-15, 2025
December 13-17, 2025
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 UW and Seattle adventure community.
June 23-27, 2025
This Wilderness First Responder program will be held at North Cascades Institute's Environmental Learning Center campus on Diablo Lake in Diablo, WA. Building from NCI's focus on environmental stewardship to teach the fundamentals of wilderness medicine delivers an insightful and engaging week-long learning experience.
February 5-9, 2025
WFR: Mountain Bike Programs
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.
2024 programs complete, 2025 dates TBA. This course is also available for private groups or organizations. Please email info@backcountrymedicalguides.org if you are interested in learning more!
This program focuses on critical, life-saving emergency medical skills in a format adapted specifically for mountain bikers. Auburn Trails Alliance (ATA) and Folsom Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition (FATRAC) have joined forces to bring this course to Auburn's riding community in an effort to help local riders be prepared for every adventure. Students will earn WFR, CPR/AED, and California Epinephrine Auto-Injector certifications in this five-day course.
May 7-11, 2025
WFR: Maritime Programs
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.
May 18-23, 2025
July 20-25, 2025
September 14-19, 2025
WFR: Backcountry Ski Programs
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.
March 24-29, 2025
Perhaps one of the most beautiful and wild places to embark on a WFR program, Big Sur hosts some truly impressive and stunning coastal terrain. This flagship program camps and backpacks to redwood groves, coastal mountain vistas, and unspoiled beaches. Join us in Big Sur, CA for this incredible journey.
December 14-18, 2024
March 24-28, 2025
June 16-20, 2025
September 15-19, 2025
December 13-17, 2025
Course Details and Registration