Pre-Course

• If you’ve signed up for a hybrid WFR, you’ll receive login information and instructions to access your online learning platform. 
• Complete the modules, quizzes, and the midterm exam before the classroom portion of your class begins. Expect the online portion of your class to take about 30 hours. 
• Use the instructional videos as examples to guide your practice on real, live people.
• We cannot stress how important it is that you practice the skills taught in the online portion of the class out loud on real people. Yes, we know it’s a little awkward, but these assessment skills form the foundation of your training that you’ll return to again and again, so they need to be second nature before your first day of classroom learning begins. 
• To prepare for the classroom portion of your course be sure to pack a backpack or duffel bag with all the usual outdoor gear you’d have with you to use in our training simulations, including a headlamp and plenty of warm and weatherproof layers. While students are encouraged to practice with equipment they commonly have in order to simulate a real-world experience, please do not bring your nicest gear, as it may get a little dirty in practice sessions. Our practice sessions are in a classroom-style environment, but can be outdoors or in a campground where the ground may be moist or muddy.
  
•  Be sure to notify DMM of any physical limitations, medical conditions, or other personal concerns you might have prior to the start of your course. DMM courses take place in controlled, classroom environments, so you can be confident that you and your instructor can design a learning experience to meet your needs. 
• Come prepared to demonstrate your knowledge from the online portion of your course on day 1 through scenarios, discussions, and skills stations.

During Course

• Expect jam-packed days full of lectures, discussions, simulations, skills stations, and scenarios. 
• Unless otherwise stated, class begins promptly at 8:00am and runs to 6:00pm. If you’re in a WFR, the second to last day of course includes a prolonged care scenario where students will be asked to stay late for this fully immersive experience. 
• Come to class on time, prepared to learn, and dressed to learn in an outdoor classroom. 
• On the first day of class you will be given a list of skills to master before the final day. Your instructors sign off on each skill or ability once you have demonstrated it proficiently. It is best to begin working through your sign-offs early so you’re not cramming skills into the last days of the course. 
• Be prepared to be academically challenged, accept critical feedback, and work hard. The skills you’ll learn with us take practice and persistence to master.
• Plan on studying and practicing skills every evening after class. 
• Know that sometimes you will be the patient, and sometimes you will be the rescuer. There’s valuable learning to be gained from both roles. 
• When you are the patient, do your best to stay in character and perform your ailments accurately. This provides the best learning experience for you and your classmates.

Post Course

1. Follow the instructions to retrieve your certificate from DMM’s website, and save them for your records. 
2. Note the date of expiration of your certification and plan accordingly to ensure your training stays up-to-date. 
3. If you are working or are volunteer field staff, discuss with your agency and physician advisor your scope of practice, protocols, and risk management plan. It is your responsibility to know your scope of practice.
4. Review and assess what you carry in your med kit and pack, and update as needed based on what you have learned. 

You carry the responsibility of maintaining your skills:

1. Visit the Alumni Project within your student dashboard regularly to review and practice your knowledge and skills.
2. Volunteer as a patient for DMM courses in your area.
3. Check out our Blog
4. Check out our resources page – Wilderness Medicine Podcasts and Publications