UPCOMING WFR COURSES
- Seattle, WA - January 17-19 AND January 24-25, 2026
- Sandpoint, ID - February 25-March 1, 2026
- Seattle, WA - March 25-29, 2026
- Duluth, MN - May 30-June 3, 2026
Course basics
Course length: 80 hours delivered in one of two models
Certification Length: 2 years + 1 year of additional certification with completion of continuing education Industry Information: LWM's Wilderness First Responder certification is nationally recognized, meets American Camp Association (ACA) Standards HW.2.2/ST.3.2 First Aid & Emergency Care Personnel and is an accepted Wilderness First Responder provider of the Boy Scouts of America.
The LWM Wilderness First Responder course meets the WFR certification standards set by the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative.
- Hybrid - 35+ hours of self-paced, online content followed by 45+ hours of in-person learning, typically over 5 days
- Fully in-person - 9 days of in-person learning
Certification Length: 2 years + 1 year of additional certification with completion of continuing education Industry Information: LWM's Wilderness First Responder certification is nationally recognized, meets American Camp Association (ACA) Standards HW.2.2/ST.3.2 First Aid & Emergency Care Personnel and is an accepted Wilderness First Responder provider of the Boy Scouts of America.
The LWM Wilderness First Responder course meets the WFR certification standards set by the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative.
who is it for?
The Wilderness First Responder certification is the recognized industry standard for people who work or have a leadership role in remote environments including wilderness guides and trip leaders, camp counselors, research expedition members, and search and rescue team members.
The WFR course is also an excellent option for individuals who are seeking intensive medical training in order to be prepared during personal wilderness trips or extended expeditions, for medical professionals seeking ways to apply their skills outside of the clinic setting and for people who live in remote areas or locations that are prone to natural disasters whose aftermath may delay emergency response.
The WFR course is also an excellent option for individuals who are seeking intensive medical training in order to be prepared during personal wilderness trips or extended expeditions, for medical professionals seeking ways to apply their skills outside of the clinic setting and for people who live in remote areas or locations that are prone to natural disasters whose aftermath may delay emergency response.
What topics are covered?
Topics in the 80-hour class include: patient assessment, how to provide long-term care with limited resources, the decision of when to call for more help, and treatments such as splinting, wound care, and managing spine injuries. CPR for adults and children is also included. The course schedule includes classroom time, as well as extensive hands-on skills practice through medical scenarios and labs. The WFR course does include an in-depth final scenario as well as a written exam.
Certification information
Successful completion is based on attendance, participation, demonstration of skill competence, and a written exam. Participants who meet completion requirements will receive the following certifications:
LWM Wilderness First Responder certifications are valid for two years with no grace period. A third year of full certification is extended to LWM WFR certificate holders who complete the online WFR Continuing Education Module. This module is fully online and self-paced and must be completed prior to the expiration date listed on the LWM WFR certification card. Learn more about why LWM has moved to the 2 year certification + continuing education module.
- Wilderness First Responder
- CPR and AED for Adults and Children
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector Administration
LWM Wilderness First Responder certifications are valid for two years with no grace period. A third year of full certification is extended to LWM WFR certificate holders who complete the online WFR Continuing Education Module. This module is fully online and self-paced and must be completed prior to the expiration date listed on the LWM WFR certification card. Learn more about why LWM has moved to the 2 year certification + continuing education module.
continuing education
The Wilderness First Responder initial certification course is pre-approved for 20 hours of EMT continuing education by the Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE)
The WFR is approved for a significant number of core and elective credits for the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine through the Wilderness Medical Society. Please contact us for further details.
The WFR is approved for a significant number of core and elective credits for the Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine through the Wilderness Medical Society. Please contact us for further details.
Additional options
If you do not see a course listed in your area or want to schedule a course specifically for your organization, please contact us for additional options and course hosting information.
