Wilderness EMS Upgrade (WEMS)
225 Harrison Ave.
Leadville, CO 80461
Course Info
Wilderness EMS Upgrade
The Wilderness EMS (WEMS) Upgrade course is designed to prepare licensed prehospital care professionals (EMT and Paramedic) and healthcare professionals (RN, NP, DNP, PA, MD, and DO) to assess, treat, and manage patients, within their scope of practice in wilderness and remote environments. Topics include: prevention and management of environmental illnesses, trip participants with pre-existing conditions and medications, assessment and treatment of trauma patients, pain management and extended patient care. The WEMS will challenge course participants to think outside of the comfort of an ambulance and/or clinic.
This course is an ideal professional upgrade for SAR members, rural ambulance or hospital personnel, ski patrol, EMT certified guides, wildland fire personnel, endurance race and expedition medical providers, military personnel, and other field-based staff. Our hybrid WEMS course format consists of a 10 hours of self-paced, online instructional component, followed by a 38-hour in-person, practical component which takes place over four consecutive days.
The 48-hour Hybrid Wilderness EMS Upgrade course starts with 10 hours of self-paced, online work followed by 38 hours over 4 days of in-person learning. The online section is emailed to you and available on Canvas approximately one month before the classroom section begins and consists of reading, case studies, videos, animations and quizzes. The online material must be completed by the start date of the classroom section.
You must have a valid EMT/NREMT Basic or higher to register for this course.
Registration Information
This is an open enrollment course held in Leadville Colorado. Please click below to register online.
Course Location
It doesn't get more "Colorado" than Leadville. This is the place to forget the complications of city life and embrace open space and miles of opportunity. There are lots of recreation opportunities close by including camping, hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hot springs!
Planning Your Trip
Leadville is a historic mountain town sitting at 10,200 feet above sea level. Winter lasts longer up here and the weather can change quickly. Be prepared for mountain conditions if you are camping, and keep an eye on the forecast when packing for your trip. A puffy jacket is a must 12 months of the year!
Lodging rentals abound in Leadville and the surrounding area. If you're considering camping, Turquoise Lake is a good place to reserve a site, while dispersed camping (free) can also be found in many areas outside town and within a reasonable drive to class. Be sure to give the Forest Service or BLM a call if you have questions about current rules or restrictions.
Specifics for your course like location, a packing list, and meeting times will be available on your Student Dashboard once you've registered. Questions before you register? After you register? Always feel free to reach out to [email protected] and we'll be happy to help.
Private Courses
Have a large group that needs a wilderness medicine training? We will gladly set up a private course for your group. Please email [email protected] for more information.