Big Sur, CA | Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

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, huge stands of old-growth redwoods, unspoiled beaches, and outrageous wildlife viewing. 

Classes will take place within Big Sur’s Big Creek Reserve at a series of cabins, campsites, and trails scattered throughout the Reserve. This creates the ideal environment for medical scenarios throughout your course. 

Big Creek Reserve

CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

• Wilderness First Responder, valid for 2 years with 1 year grace period for recertification

• CPR/AED certification, valid for 2 years

• California 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.

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 precourse work with a highly immersive day hiking and overnight backpacking skills training trip in the beautiful Big Sur wilderness. You must complete the online learning portion within 30 days of the in-person skills training and assessment in Big Sur.  

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.

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

The class embarks on numerous hikes over moderate to steep terrain (trail, gravel, roots) each day. Depending on site availability, students may be required to carry all their gear to the next campsite. 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 hiking fitness requirements.

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 18. Anyone between 14-18 years who wishes to participate requires a guardian’s consent as well as a chaperone (who must also enroll in the course). 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.

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:

• Backpacking gear: backpack, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag 

• Camping plate, bowl, mug, utensils 

• Hat (sun hat and/or warm hat)

• Gloves

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Rain jacket

• Warm layers

• Long sleeves for sun protection

• Appropriate footwear for hiking

• Water bottle

• Pen or pencils

**Notebooks are optional. A manual with lecture notes is provided at the beginning of the course and can be used to take notes. 

Join the group meal program or bring your own food. Most students go with the group option, and for good reason. At $150 for the week, you'll eat well: fresh, wholesome meals cooked communally with a crew that's just spent the day in the field together. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, and gluten free. Filtered water is available throughout camp.

Consider Trip Insurance — Plans Change, and Accidents Happen

Life in the backcountry teaches us that conditions can shift fast — and so can the circumstances that brought you to a course in the first place. A twisted ankle on a training hike, a sick family member, a last-minute work conflict, a flight delay, or a flare-up of a pre-existing condition can all derail months of preparation.

Because our courses require significant advance planning — instructor staffing, permits, lodging, food, and gear logistics — we are unable to issue refunds for cancellations made within 30 days of a course start date, and refunds outside that window are limited.

That’s why we strongly encourage every registrant to consider purchasing travel or trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking. Read more on our Policy Page.