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Detailed Description PDF »
The internationally recognized Wilderness First Responder course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to administer emergency and medical care in non-urban environments. The curriculum covers basic anatomy and physiology, assessment and treatment of a variety of injuries and illnesses, appropriate short-term to multi-day patient care, and evacuation considerations as applicable to remote environments. The Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) Wilderness First Responder training program is a nationally recognized program that trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for urban and extended care situations. Special topics include, but are not limited to: wound management and infection, realigning fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting techniques, patient monitoring and long term management problems, up-to-date information on all environmental emergencies, and advice on drug therapies. Emphasis is placed on prevention and decision-making. Course format includes lectures as well as hands-on application of skills. The course includes several major mock-accident scenes where students will be given the opportunity to assess, treat and evacuate patients. Video debriefs will also be used.
Lectures, hands-on in-class practice, scenarios, case studies and reading assignments will be used. Quizzes and an exam will be used to test progress and understanding of material.
Included in Course Fees:
This course will introduce students to:
By the end of the course, the successful participant will be able to:
Upon successful completion of practical and written exams, you will receive a nationally recognized, three-year Wilderness Medical Associates, Wilderness First Responder certification card, a two-year American Heart Association provider level CPR certification card, certification of blood-borne pathogen training, certification of anaphylaxis training, and a WMA patch and pin.
Students must earn 80 percent or better on the final exam and show satisfactory application of assessment skills and treatment methods in order to receive a Wilderness Medical Associates Wilderness First Responder certification. Students who earn 70-79 percent on the final exam and have shown satisfactory skill performance will receive a Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification. Students who earn 80 percent or more on the final but who have not shown satisfactory skill performance will also receive a Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification.
Please Note: Students missing more than 2 hours of instruction will not receive a passing grade or certification.
The course will be held at the AMS Mountain Shop on F street in East Talkeetna, Alaska, 113 miles north of Anchorage. Course days will run from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the exception of the final course day, which may end at 6:00 or 7:00 pm. There will be no class on day five of the course. Please note that this course is academic and very intensive. It involves long days, 50-100 pages of required reading each night, written homework, and a quiz each morning. There will be short breaks throughout each day, with a break for lunch and a 20-30 minute evening break for a quick dinner. We encourage students to bring snacks. The course format integrates classroom lectures with practical scenarios, skills practice sessions, case studies, role-playing and simulated rescues. Attendance is required for all scheduled classes. Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Frequently, stage blood (moulage) and makeup will be used to emphasize the reality of a scenario.
Wear or bring loose clothing (such as sweats, shorts, t-shirts, etc.) for practical exercises. A lot of indoor practical work will be done in the Mountain Shop which has carpeted floors. Also, a number of outdoor sessions will be held. You must be dressed appropriately to spend several hours outdoors, regardless of weather! Please wear "grubby" clothing and outdoor wear so we don't have to worry about damaging or staining it.
Temperatures in Talkeetna can range from the 50's during the day to zero at night, and there will be snow on the ground. Expect snow or rain, but hope for sunshine. Be prepared for Talkeetna's climate with warm clothing. You will want to have sturdy, insulated boots, warm layers of upper and lower body clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, a warm hat and sun hat, sunglasses, headlamp or flash light, a watch with a second hand, a day pack, and a full-length, closed-cell, insulate pad. An all day outdoor mock rescue is part of the curriculum, so please dress accordingly. Kneepads, a Crazy Creek chair, and a bike are also convenient. For those planning to camp at AMS, you will need a tent, warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, cooking utensils, water jug and food storage bin. Camping is free. Experienced climbers may bring rock shoes to boulder on AMS' indoor bouldering gym. Don't forget your notebook, pens, and reusable mug for coffee and tea available during the course. The classroom environment lends itself to a pair of comfortable shoes, slippers, or sandals. Bring your favorite pair to wear.
If you are not properly dressed for an outdoor session, and the instructor determines it would be detrimental to your health and safety to participate outdoors, you will not be allowed to participate and will not receive credit for attending that part of the class.
The Talkeetna Roadhouse offers a special lodging discount to WFR students. They also have a breakfast special for all WFR students that should not be missed.
You are welcome to camp at AMS for free. We have plenty of space for you to set up your tent. You will need to provide your own camping set up: warm sleeping bag, pad, tent, stove, pots, etc. We have an outhouse, but no shower. Showers are available for a few dollars at the Laundromat on Main Street. The Talkeetna Roadhouse is one block away and will be open in the evenings for a warm place to study and for evening tea and baked goods.
Please contact the Roadhouse to for more information about their student lodging and breakfast specials. The Talkeetna Hostel also offers special rates for WFR students and is 3 blocks from the classroom. Options include camping with the use of indoor facilities, and bunkrooms. Contact information:
Talkeetna Roadhouse, 907-733-1351, www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com, WFR discount, famous breakfasts and bakery, internet, fireplaces, private and bunk rooms.
Talkeetna Hostel International, 907-733-4678, www.talkeetnahostel.com, WFR discount, bunks or camping, kitchen, bath and internet.
There are six restaurants in Talkeetna, two small grocery stores, four bars, a lodge, two motels, and several bed and breakfasts and cabin rentals. There is also an ATM machine, laundry, and shower facilities. The closest major grocery stores and pharmacies are located in Wasilla, a 1.5 hour drive south. It is best to stock up on food before arriving in Talkeetna if you choose to cook your own meals.
Day 1: MORNING Meet at 7:45 am at the AMS Mountain Shop
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Day 2: MORNING Meet at 8 am from this day forward
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Day 3 MORNING
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Day 4 MORNING
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Day 5 No Class!
Day 6: MORNING
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Day 7 MORNING
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Day 8: MORNING
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Day 9: MORNING
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