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?
Learn to adapt with constantly changing environmental conditions including weather and terrain, not to mention limited resources; while learning to make difficult medical decisions with confidence. This course will test your abilities to provide basic treatment interventions while our experienced instructors guide you through scenario-based, hands-on learning. Be prepared to spend time not only in the classroom, but also outdoors; regardless of weather conditions (after all, this is 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 length may vary due to hands-on scenarios, skills practice & activities.
Course Format:
WEMT 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 at least one evening session.
Course Tuition:
$485 – $685
Actual course tuition may vary depending on course location, logistics, meals, lodging options, etc.
Certification:
‣ Wilderness EMT (valid 3 years)*
* Only valid with a current state or NR-EMT certificate and healthcare provide CPR/AED certification.
Prerequisites:
CWS requires all Wilderness First Responder participants to:
• Be at least 18 years of age.*
• Current BLS Level CPR/AED certification is required, and must be through Am. Heart or Red Cross.
• Complete the two required forms (waiver & medical forms) prior to class.**
** All Prerequisites MUST be completed at least 48 Hours prior to your course start date (if a course starts on Saturday, they are due the Thursday before at Midnight). Failure to do so will result in not being permitted to attend the course with no refunds. NOTE: Access to these forms is granted once enrollment is complete.
Audience:
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):
✓ | Allergies + Anaphylaxis | ✓ | Life-Threatening Conditions |
✓ | Altitude Illnesses | ✓ | Lightning Safety |
✓ | Anatomy + Physiology | ✓ | North American Snakebites |
✓ | Backcountry + Sudden Illnesses | ✓ | Orthopedic Injuries + Dislocations |
✓ | Bites + Stings | ✓ | Patient Assessment System |
✓ | Body Substance Isolation | ✓ | Patient Care Documentation |
✓ | Burns + Blisters | ✓ | Risk Management |
✓ | Chest Injuries | ✓ | Scene Leadership + Control |
✓ | Cold Related Injuries | ✓ | Shock + ASR |
✓ | Common OTC Medications | ✓ | Soft Tissue Injuries |
✓ | CPR in Remote Settings | ✓ | Submersion Emergencies |
✓ | Epinephrine Auto-Injectors | ✓ | Suspected Spinal Injuries |
✓ | Evacuation Considerations | ✓ | Tick Safety |
✓ | Hands-On Practical Simulations | ✓ | Traumatic Brain Injuries |
✓ | Heat Related Illnesses | ✓ | Venomous Spider Bites |
✓ | Improvisation / MacGyvering | ✓ | Vital Signs |
✓ | Introduction to Wilderness Medicine | ✓ | Wilderness First Aid Kits |
CERTIFICATION
Your Wilderness EMT certification may be renewed by taking any Wilderness EMT Refresher or Wilderness First Responder Refresher (or WFR) class taught by Center for Wilderness Safety.
Recertification Criteria:
- Current WEMT certification from CWS, WMA, NOLS or SOLO (font color=”#ff0000″>not expired).
- Current state level or National Registry EMT certification (font color=”#ff0000″>not expired).
- Candidates must successfully pass all practical scenarios and skills tests.
- Candidates must successfully pass the written (WEMT/WFR) exam.
Recertification is offered to anyone who holds a current WEMT 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 WEMT certification is accepted?
Give us a call us at Toll Free 1 (855) 505-1700.
RECERTIFICATION
Currently, your Wilderness EMT certification can only be renewed by taking either another Wilderness EMT Upgrade course, or any WEMT Refresher, WFR Refresher, or WFR course. Wilderness medicine is constantly changing as science and medical research make greater and greater strides, and thus it is important to constantly refresh your skills and knowledge.
Center for Wilderness Safety’s Wilderness First Aid course curriculum changes every several years, as new and improved techniques and science move forward to offer better ways of providing patient care.