This 5-day intensive course is designed for those holding current EMT-Basic certification through either State or National Registry, and is very fast paced. The course will build upon the advanced knowledge of patient care of the EMT and will introduce wilderness protocols and procedures that are significantly different from those taught in urban settings due to the element of time and therefore extended patient contact time and care.
Why Upgrade to Wilderness EMT?
Time is the essential element distinguishing wilderness first aid from standard first aid. When calling 911 is not an immediate option, or when help could be an hour or even days away, the task of managing the injured and the ill will challenge you beyond basic first-aid knowledge, and require the skills you will learn in this course.
In your Wilderness EMT Upgrade course, you will not only refresh your patient care and assessment skills, but you will also gain new insight into long-term care, improvisation techniques, and the addition of Wilderness Medical Field Protocols.
The equipment needed for treatment and evacuation may have to be improvised from what’s available, and communication with the “outside world” may be limited—or even nonexistent. Remote locations and harsh environments may require creative treatments. All of this comes into play being a wilderness first aider.
What To Expect
This course is an intensive course which offers a lot of hands-on practice through scenarios, case studies and simulations. Students will constantly be both indoors and outdoors for simulations and practice, regardless of the weather, barring severe inclement weather. Come to class prepared for the weather, as we spend a lot of time outdoors training.
| Course Length: | 45–55 hours of instruction Actual course may be longer, incorporating hands-on scenarios, skills practice & activities. |
| Course Format: | WEMT Upgrade is typically taught over 5 or 6 consecutive days (please see below). Courses taught over 5 consecutive days are typically 8am–5pm daily, with several night sessions. Courses taught over 6 consecutive days are typically 8am–5pm daily , with one evening session. |
| Course Tuition: | $485 – $685 Actual course tuition may vary depending on course location, logistics, meals accommodations, etc. |
| Certification: | Wilderness EMT (valid 3 years) * * Only valid with a current state or NR EMT certificate and healthcare provide CPR/AED certification. |
| Prerequisites: |
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| Recommended For: | Wilderness EMT Upgrade is an advanced 5 to 6-day training, designed for medical personnel who would like to enhance their skills and experience for use in rural, wilderness, and technical rescue setting. This course is geared toward current EMS providers looking to broaden their skills in remote and wilderness environments. |
The 45-hour Wilderness EMT Upgrade course is geared toward current EMS providers looking to broaden their skills in wilderness and remote environments. A sample list of topics covered in this course include (but are not limited to):
| ✓ | Airway Emergencies | ✓ | Life-Threatening Conditions |
| ✓ | Allergies + Anaphylaxis | ✓ | Lightning Safety |
| ✓ | Altitude Illnesses | ✓ | North American Snakebites |
| ✓ | Anatomy + Physiology | ✓ | Orthopedic Injuries + Dislocations |
| ✓ | Backcountry + Sudden Illnesses | ✓ | Patient Assessment System |
| ✓ | Bites + Stings | ✓ | Patient Care Documentation |
| ✓ | Body Substance Isolation | ✓ | Risk Management |
| ✓ | Burns + Blisters | ✓ | Scene Leadership + Control |
| ✓ | Chest Injuries | ✓ | Shock + ASR |
| ✓ | Cold Related Injuries | ✓ | Soft Tissue Injuries |
| ✓ | Common OTC Medications | ✓ | Submersion Emergencies |
| ✓ | CPR in Remote Settings | ✓ | Suspected Spinal Injuries |
| ✓ | Epinephrine Auto-Injectors | ✓ | Tick Safety |
| ✓ | Evacuation Considerations | ✓ | Traumatic Brain Injuries |
| ✓ | Hands-On Practical Simulations | ✓ | Venomous Spider Bites |
| ✓ | Heat Related Illnesses | ✓ | Vital Signs |
| ✓ | Improvisation / MacGyvering | ✓ | Wilderness Field Protocols |
| ✓ | Introduction to Wilderness Medicine | ✓ | Wilderness Medical Kits |
Your Wilderness EMT certification may be renewed by taking any Wilderness EMT Refresher or Wilderness First Responder Refresher class taught by Center for Wilderness Safety.
Criteria to Recertify:
- Current WFR certification (not expired)
- Current Adult CPR/AED certification (not expired; must be by an accredited certifying body)
- Candidates must successfully pass all practical scenarios and skills tests
- Candidates must successfully pass the written WFR exam (even if taking a WFA to recertify)
Recertification is offered to anyone who holds a current WFR certification from one of the following organizations: Center for Wilderness Safety (CWS), NOLS Wilderness Medicine (formerly WMI), Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) or Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO). CWS does not recognize any other organization's "grace periods" for recertification.
Unsure if your WFR certification is accepted?
Give us a call us at Toll Free 1 (855) 505-1700.
If your group or organization is interested in sponsoring a Wilderness First Responder course at your location, simply click the link above. Please note that we are scheduling courses out in advance (late Spring into early Summer) due to COVID-19 precautions.
