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Whether you plan on working or guiding professionally, or just simply enjoy exploring on your own, this Wilderness First Responder course can help you stay safer and adventure further.
Over the course of five days, you’ll learn to plan, risk manage, respond to emergencies, and make important evacuation decisions in wilderness environments. You’ll get the chance to practice new skills with hands-on scenarios, enjoy short lectures in the woods from our knowledgable instructors, and research and present on a core wilderness topic to share knowledge with your peers. This industry standard WFR education will enable you take on adventures with the skills and confidence of being prepared for unexpected emergencies. This course will take place on the University of Washington campus, utilizing both a classroom setting for lectures as well as nearby green spaces for practical scenarios.
University of Washington students receive 10% off with the discount code UW10. Proof of student ID required.
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• Wilderness First Responder, valid for 2 years with 1 year grace period for recertification
• CPR/AED certifications, valid for 2 years
• Washington Epinephrine Certification, valid for 2 years
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Our guides train you how to prevent, manage, and treat a range of common emergencies that you may encounter in the wilderness. This course combines online self-paced pre-course work with a highly immersive in-person training in the beautiful Bellingham wilderness. You must complete the online learning portion within 30 days of the in-person skills training and assessment.
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 wilderness medicine. Ages 18+ (anyone under 18 requires guardian consent, and anyone between 14-16 requires a chaperone who must also enroll).
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
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Daily
University of Washington 8:30AM-5:30PM
Expect to be outside the vast majority of each day. We will venture off campus to nearby parks for scenarios and skills practice.
**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 will be physically active through scenarios and skills practice. Participants should expect light hiking throughout the program. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about fitness requirements.
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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:
• Day pack
• Rain gear
• Warm layers
• Appropriate footwear for hiking
• Water bottle
• Food for lunch and snacks (lunch is not provided)
• Pen or pencil
• Hat and gloves
**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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Class will start on the University of Washington’s campus each day. We will utilize their classroom and outdoor spaces. Participants should expect to spend a portion of the program off campus at nearby parks running skills and scenarios.
