WFR Course Details

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is fast becoming the Canadian standard for outdoor professionals. With 80 hours of instruction the Yamnuska sponsored WFR meets pre-requisite requirements for mountain guides, ski patrollers and western land-managers. It is complete medical training for anyone tripping or working in remote areas. Wilderness Medical Associates teach the course at the Yamnuska HQ in Canmore.

Topics include:

• Patient Assessment

• Hands-on simulations with theatrical make-up and video feedback

• Wilderness Medical Protocols:

  • anaphylaxis treatment, dislocation reduction, spinal assessment, advanced wound

  • management, modified CPR protocol

• Accident Management and Leadership

• Long Term Care of the Sick and Injured

• Improvisation Skills

• Basic Search and Rescue

• Patient Packaging and Evacuation Techniques

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"Wilderness Medical Associates has become the de facto standard in wilderness medical training"

Canoe Magazine

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DATES

2010:  January 5 - 14, April 2 - 11, April 16 - 25, October 28 - November 6

2011:  January 6 - 15

(note: there will be a day off during each course)

 

 

Cost

$795 Cdn  includes instruction and course materials.  GST is extra.  Medical Cancellation Insurance available for $41. 

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Recerts

2010: April 30 - May 2, May 8 - 10, May 14 - 16 (New), October 22 - 24

$395 Cdn.  GST is extra. Medical Cancellation Insurance available for $21. 

Meeting Time & Place

The course begins at the Yamnuska office at 8.30am on Day 1. Map

Sample Course Outline

Copywrite - Wilderness Medical Associates, Canada 1995 1 877 945-3633 WFR-CFS Rev

 

Prerequisites

Whilst helpful, no prior first-aid certification is needed for this course. Minimum age is 16 years.

Instructors

The course is being taught by professional instructors from Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). They receive intensive vetting and training. Course quality is continually monitored and assessed by WMA.

Certification

WMA certification is recognized throughout Canada (including by the ACMG) and the US. Successful students will receive a certification card from WMA, which is valid for 3 years. Within 3 years, graduates may recertify by way of a two-day course.

Grades

Grades are based on attendance (100% required), and performance on both written and practical final exams. Not everyone passes this course.

Class Format

80 hours, over 9 days with one day free for study. Mornings are devoted to lectures and exams. Afternoons are devoted to practical hands-on sessions and video taped simulations*. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments.

* Expect two or three emergency rescue simulations with made-up victims and stage blood that will be video-taped for enhanced learning.

Content

Topics include patient assessment, body systems, equipment improvisation, trauma, environmental medicine, toxins, backcountry medicine, and wilderness rescue.

Bring

Appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that, rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside. You will also need a sleeping bag, pens, and a notebook.

Getting to Canmore

Canmore is a 1 hour drive west from Calgary. Greyhound (1 800 661 8747) services Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 609 0030 for taxis in Canmore. If visiting the area from far away you may want to a car so you can visit local attractions and the like in the evenings.

Accommodation & Meals

These are your responsibility. There are lots of options available including campgrounds, hostels, B'n'Bs, motels and hotels! Check accommodation options on our links page for our recommendations. The Alpine Club Clubhouse (403 678 3200) is a good hostel here in Canmore with good facilities and reasonable prices.

Booking Information

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a $292 CDN plus 5% GST deposit with the balance due 8 weeks in advance of the program. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance for an extra non-refundable $42, this must accompany your deposit.

For detailed booking instructions and conditions, click here.

Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the trip. Please view our sample waiver copy.

 

To find out more about course content contact Wilderness Medical Associates tel. 1 877 945 3633; office@wildmed.ca or visit their site www.wildmed.ca.

Contact Yamnuska with logistical questions