Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

HYBRID WFR

 

DMM’s hybrid wilderness first responder (WFR) course format consists of a 30 hour self-paced, online instructional component, followed by a 50-hour in-person, practical component which takes place over five consecutive days.

The online section is hosted on CANVAS®, a cloud-based classroom and powerful learning management system that allows individual students to work at a their own pace. An instructor team assigned to each course supports participants with navigation of the online material and facilitates interactive elements and skill-based learning. The online material consists of reading assignments, case studies, videos, photos, animations, quizzes, and discussions, culminating in a comprehensive midterm exam. The online section is available to course participants approximately 1 month before the practical section is to begin.

The hybrid format works best for self-motivated individuals with good time management skills that have access to a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop and high-speed internet. This instructional format provides the opportunity for course participants to learn at their own speed, in their own space, at their own schedule.

Participants then apply knowledge and skills learned from their online WFR training to the 50 hour in-person section, which takes place mainly outdoors . This practical section consists of drills, skill stations, scenarios, and discussions with the same instructor team that supports the online section.

TRADITIONAL WFR

The traditional WFR course format offers in-person instruction in a classroom-style setting over eight or nine days. Course participants quickly integrate into the WFR curriculum with a balance of lecture and hands-on learning. The days are full of targeted lectures, skills stations, scenarios, drills, simulations, and discussions. The intensity of this course allows for camaraderie and strong teamwork to develop quickly throughout the group. In turn, this simulates the dynamics of a true backcountry expedition and reveals how individual group members would utilize their knowledge and skills in the event of an emergency.

OVERVIEW OF COURSE CONTENT

• Urban Vs Wilderness Medicine
• Wilderness Medicine Guidelines
• Wilderness Recreation Law & Liability
• Wilderness Risk Management
• Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training
• Genitourinary Issues
• Mental Health Illnesses
• Complex Environmental Medicine
• Avalanche Burial Resuscitation
• Patient Assessment
• Basic Life Support
• Airway Management & Adjuncts
• Backcountry Communication Devices
• Professionally Calling A Rescue

• Basic Vs Expedition First Aid Kits
• Improvised Litters
• Professional Incident Documentation
• Micromedics
• Complex Traumatic Injuries
• Dislocations
• Spine Injury Management
• Vacuum Spine Board
• Complex Backcountry Medical Problems
• Backcountry Medication Management
• Incident Management
• Leadership & Critical Thinking During An Incident
• Complex Night Scenario Simulation
• Psychological First Aid