Wilderness First
Responder (WFR)
WFR COURSE TOPICS
Anatomy & Physiology (A & P) of Respiratory System and Cardiothoracic Region
A & P of the Cardiovascular System
A & P of the Central Nervous System
A & P of the Gastrointestinal System and Genitourinary System
A & P of the Integumentary System
A & P of the Musculoskeletal System
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Trauma
Allergic Reactions
Altitude-Related Injuries
Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
Bites & Stings: Animals & Plants
Bivouac Skills
Bloodborne Pathogens & Infectious Disease
Body Systems: Anatomy & Physiology
Burns
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Changes in Level of Consciousness
Chest Pain
Chest Trauma
Cold-Related Injuries
Common Expedition Problems
CPR Considerations in the Remote
Environment
CPR Practical Exam
Diabetic Emergencies
Dislocations & Reduction Techniques
Drowning-Related Injuries
Environmental Emergencies
Fractures & Splinting Techniques
Group Preventative Medicine
Head Trauma
Heat-Related Injuries
History Taking & SAMPLE
Improvising Litters
Leadership in a Backcountry Emergency
Lifting & Moving Techniques
Lightning-Related Injuries
Long-Term Patient Care
Long-Term Management of the Shock Victim
Long-Term Wound Care
Medical Emergencies
Medical Emergencies and Patient
Assessment
Medicolegal Issues
Mock Rescue
Organizing the Rescue
PAS in the Extreme Environment
Patient Assessment System (PAS)
Poisoning
Primary Survey: “The First Five Minutes”
Prudent Heart Living
Role of the Wilderness First Responder
Secondary Survey & Vital Signs
Shock & Bleeding Control
Shortness of Breath
SOAPnote & Getting Help
Soft Tissue Injuries & Bandaging Skills
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury Management
Splinting Practice
Sprains & Strains
Techniques of CPR & CPR Skills
The Anatomy of a Backcountry Crisis
The Ten Essentials
Use of Epinephrine
Wilderness Stabilization & Bivouac
Wilderness versus Urban First Responder
Wilderness First Responder Practical Exam
Wilderness First Responder Written Exam
SOLO’s Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is the recognized industry standard for those who work as backcountry trip leaders, camp counselors, mountain guides, river guides, and ski patrollers.
WHO IS THE WFR COURSE FOR?
The WFR is the perfect course for anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions.
WHAT IS TAUGHT?
The WFR is 72-80 hours long (7 to 10 days), and is a comprehensive and in-depth look at the standards and skills of dealing with: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies and Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. Although these appear to be the same basic topics covered in our two-day WFA course, they are covered far more extensively, and there is much more hands-on practice (See sidebar). Additional topics, such as CPR, are also included.
WHERE AND WHEN IS IT HELD?
The WFR is held across the US and internationally throughout the year—click the schedule link at the top of the page to go to our course calendar.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The price will vary depending on the sponsor and what amenities, if any, they include. WFR courses taught at the SOLO campus cost $895 (includes class-day meals and lodging).
WHAT ABOUT DAY STUDENTS?
This is also up to the sponsoring organization. The day-student price at the SOLO campus of $795 includes all meals, but no lodging.
IS THERE AN EXAM?
There is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and a written test.
DO I GET CERTIFIED?
Yes. Your SOLO WFR certification is good for three years.
HOW DO I RECERTIFY?
You may take either a 2-day WFR Refresher Course or a 2-day WFA course (click this Recertification link for more information).
DOES THE WFR COUNT AS CONTINUING EDUCATION?
The WFR typically counts as continuing education credits, although it may depend on what certification you have. Street EMTs who take the WFR course may become certified as Wilderness EMTs. Within the first year of completing a SOLO WFR, students may enroll in a SOLO WEMT Part II Module (the last two weeks of a WEMT course) to get their WEMT certification (they must pass practical and written EMT exams). Call 603-447-6711 for further information.