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Train to go farther, safer. Whether that's for a professional certification or just being the person your group can count on.
Five days of hands-on wilderness medicine training at Larrabee State Park on the Pacific Northwest coast, led by paramedics and EMTs who've trained guides, rangers, ski patrollers, and search and rescue teams across the Northwest. You'll work through patient assessment, trauma management, evacuation decision-making, and environmental emergencies through field scenarios, trail-side instruction, and peer presentations on core wilderness topics. Complete self-paced online coursework before you arrive so day one is in the field, not in front of a slideshow.
10% off for Western Washington University students with discount code WWU10. Proof of student ID required.
If dates are marked as sold out, please email info@backcountrymed.org to be added to the waitlist.
Registration closes one week prior to the program’s start date.
“The biggest highlight of 2023 so far! Loved everything about my experience! The instructors, the people in the group, the material, the hands on training, the environment, and everything else!”
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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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Day 1
South Whatcom Fire Station 18/ Larrabee State Park: 8:30AM-5:30PM
Hike: 2-5 miles, about 500 - 1,000 vertical feet
Trails: Interurban, Fragrance Lake Overlook
Day 2-5
South Whatcom Fire Station 18/ Larrabee State Park: 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Hike 2-5 miles each day on different trails within Larrabee State Park. Your instructor will let you know where each day will take you.
**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 hikes over moderate terrain (trail, gravel, roots). Actual daily totals vary between 2-5 miles and about 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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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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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 the waterfront and island access, outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of this vibrant community. This course is held at Larrabee State Park which has a wonderful trail system with access to both wilderness and coastal scenes. Depending on weather, class will meet at either Larrabee State Park or the South Whatcom Fire Station 18 on the first day.
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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.
