About Wilderness Medicine
In the 1980s, programs such as Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) were created to address a real and ongoing reality: medical emergencies with minor or major injuries in remote areas require a skill level beyond the first aid standard. Traditional emergency care often isn’t enough when help is hours away, so these courses were designed to teach practical, field-focused techniques for real-world backcountry situations.
​
Now, we see WFA and WFR courses giving outdoor leaders and adventurers the ability to evaluate, stabilize, and manage patients in the wilderness, helping prevent minor incidents from escalating into major emergencies and ensuring a safe outdoor experience for everyone.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) – Great for beginners or those who spend occasional time in the backcountry. This course covers essential skills for assessing injuries, managing common outdoor emergencies, and improvising care when medical help is hours away. *This course can be used for a recertification of your WFR
​
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) – A more comprehensive program for outdoor leaders, guides, or anyone who wants an in-depth understanding of wilderness medical care. WFR builds on WFA skills, including patient assessment, extended care scenarios, and leadership during backcountry emergencies.​
1.
2.
We offer two levels of training
*Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) certification is provided for students who hold a current EMT license and successfully complete a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course.
Course Format & Time Commitment
WEOL courses combine interactive classroom learning with hands-on, scenario-based training that is designed to prepare students for real-world medical situations in wilderness and remote settings.
Course length:​
-
Wilderness First Aid (WFA): 3 days
-
Wilderness First Responder (WFR): 6 days
​
* Each course includes a required one-hour Zoom session.
​
What to expect:
-
A mix of indoor instruction and outdoor practice
-
Hands-on simulations and realistic medical scenarios
-
Individual and team-based problem solving
-
Full-day participation during scheduled course dates
Daily schedules, total instructional hours, and specific details are provided with each course offering.
Through a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and realistic scenarios, students will build practical skills for managing medical emergencies in remote and wilderness settings.
Key topics include:
-
Patient assessment and decision-making in wilderness environments
-
Managing common medical emergencies and traumatic injuries
-
Bleeding control, wound care, and infection prevention
-
Musculoskeletal injuries, splinting, and patient packaging
-
Environmental illnesses and injuries (hypothermia, heat illness, altitude, etc.)
-
Evacuation planning, communication, and documentation
-
Teamwork, leadership, and scene management in remote settings
What You’ll Learn
Course Fees &
What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
CA Residents = $46.50
(WFA) / $139.50 (WFR)
Non-CA Residents = $460.50
(WFA) / $1381.50 (WFR)

​
Additional Course Fees: $70.00
​
When you enroll in a Wilderness Medicine course, you’re getting more than instruction time.
​
Materials You'll Receive:​
-
​WEOL Branded First Aid Kit
-
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Textbook
-
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Pocket Guide
-
Rite in the Rain Notebook with Mini Pencil
-
WEOL Branded Chapstick
-
WEOL Branded Mini Sunscreen
-
Mini Hand Sanitizer
Certifications
Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certification for the corresponding course level (such as Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder)
Certification Information
-
Certification are issued upon successful course completion
-
Certification validity periods vary by course level
-
Recertification and refresher options are available
Certification details, including expiration and renewal requirements, will be reviewed during the course
Outdoor Lovers
Who it’s for
Search and Rescue
Outdoor Educators
Professional Guides
Ski Patrol & Mountain
Volunteers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructors
Name & preferred pronouns: Sarah, (she/her)
Favorite outdoor activities: So hard to choose just one, but I do really love trail running these days.
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: I made the switch to a quality pair of sunglasses with transition lenses a couple years ago (Julbo Fury), and absolutely love them for everything!
Favorite outdoor meal: Dutch oven peach cobbler.
Name & preferred pronouns: David Kolet-Mandrikov
Favorite outdoor activities: Rock/ice climbing, skiing, mountaineering, backpacking
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Western Mountaineering HotSac VBL
Favorite outdoor meal: JetBoil Pho
Name & preferred pronouns: Abbey Stamats
Favorite outdoor activities: Backcountry skiing, trail running, camping
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: Ski straps for literally everything.
Favorite outdoor meal: Veggie skewers over the campfire
Enrollment into these courses do not require any prerequisites or advisories​
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. What if I need to miss part of the course or can’t attend?
Due to the hands-on and cumulative nature of these courses, full attendance is required for certification.
2. How physically demanding is the course?
Courses involve a mix of classroom learning and hands-on, scenario-based practice. Some activities may take place outdoors and include standing, kneeling, lifting, and moving over uneven terrain. You should be prepared for moderate physical activity.
3. Do I need prior medical or outdoor experience?
No prior medical training is required unless specifically noted for a course. Many students come in with little to no medical background. Some outdoor experience is helpful, but not required for most courses.
4. Can I get a recertification my Wilderness First Responder (WFR) by taking a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course?
Yes. In many cases, students can recertify an active or recently expired WFR certification by successfully completing a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course. This option is a great fit for those looking for a shorter refresher while still maintaining their WFR credentials.
Your classroom starts where the pavement ends.
Step into hands-on learning, challenge yourself in real environments, and develop the leadership skills needed to move confidently in the outdoors. Our courses are built for those ready to grow, explore, and lead.
​
We'll see you out there!