Wilderness Medical Associates courses are proudly based upon the most contemporary training standards that exist in emergency medicine today. All courses are based upon the language and skills standards designated by the Department of Transportation (the governmental agency responsible for defining emergency medicine training curriculums for First Responders, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedics).

Each course awards the successful graduate with certification at the corresponding level. Certifications last three years, and can be recertified according to the terms listed below. Additionally, graduates receive certification of anaphylaxis training, as well as CPR certification (including Challenge/Recertification Courses).

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) - 72 hours, 8 course days
Intended for: Full-time outdoor professionals and expeditionists looking for comprehensive medical training.

If you are a career-minded outdoor professional, or regularly venture into remote environments, this is the course for you. The WFR has become the “Industry Standard’ preferred by Outdoor and Adventure Education programs such as Outward Bound and NOLS, and is preferred by governmental agencies such as the National Park Service for positions that involve remote field work. Regardless of your interest, this course will completely prepare you for emergencies in any delayed-transport context. Fact Sheet and Course Syllabus

Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) - 36 hours, 4 course days
Intended for: Part-time outdoor professionals and recreationalists.

The WAFA is a comprehensive introduction to the concepts of wilderness medicine, and will prepare you for the most common injuries and emergencies. The WAFA is a great stand-alone level of training, or may be used as a springboard to higher levels of training (see WAFA to WFR Bridge course). Fact Sheet and Course Syllabus

WAFA to WFR Bridge - 36 hours, 4 course days
Intended for: WAFA graduates looking to upgrade to a higher level of training.

The BRIDGE course is intended to provide WAFA graduates with an opportunity to enhance and increase their skills, and upgrade to WFR certification without having to re-take an entire 8-day WFR. To be eligible for certification, you must possess a WMA WAFA certification that is 2 years old or less at the start of the Bridge course. (Verification of certification is required.) A Pre-Course study packet (included in the price of tuition) must be completed and turned in at the start of the Bridge course, so register early for this course to ensure ample time for completion. Fact Sheet and Course Syllabus

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) - 16 hours, 2 course days
Intended for: Those looking for an introduction to wilderness medicine.

The WFA course is a great way to sample the concepts of Wilderness Medicine in a short, time-efficient course. You will walk away with an understanding of the importance of patient assessment, and some of the emergencies that can arise in the wilderness environment. The American Camping Association requires WFA training as the minimum for those who will be working in environments that have wilderness located nearby, such as summer camps. Fact Sheet and Course Syllabus

Wilderness EMT Upgrade (WEMT Upgrade) - 45 hours, 5 course days
The Wilderness EMT Upgrade course re-orients EMS professionals to the concepts of delayed-transport patient care utilizing critical thinking skills and the development of improvisation skills when commercial medical equipment is not available. Course content also includes management of critical systems injuries, environmental emergencies, and several ‘Wilderness Protocols’, including management of dislocations, use of epinephrine, spine injury assessment, and more.

Prerequisites include: Current EMT certification (Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic). PA’s, RN’s, or MD’s may also participate in the course for a WEMT Audit card. Others with medical backgrounds (i.e. military medics, EMT’s with expired licenses, foreign pre-hospital personnel) will be admitted subject to approval of Wilderness Medical Associates. Fact Sheet and Course Syllabus

Challenge/Recertification - 27 hours, 3 course days
The Challenge/Recertification course is an opportunity to recertify WFR certifications from any wilderness medicine training provider, and upon successful completion, receive a Wilderness Medical Associates WFR certification. (This course may also be used as a recertification option for WMA grads.) Professional level CPR Certification is included in this course.

Prerequisites include: Certification must be 64 continual hours in wilderness-based medical training, within three years of the Challenge Course. Completion of an extensive pre-course study packet (included in the course tuition), which is due on the morning of the first day of the course. Fact Sheet and Course Syllabus

Please refer to the document entitled Recertification Answer Sheet for more information and options for recertifying. Alternatively, you may contact Wilderness Medical Associates at 207.665.2707. You are responsible to ensure your own eligibility for the course. The Recertification Course does not include CPR certification, if your CPR certification is lapsed or the incorrect level, you may participate in the Recertification Course, but your certification will not be ‘activated’ by WMA until they receive verification of your CPR certification.