how hard is the wfr course

A typical WFR certification requires 72-80 hours of classroom and practice training, as well as both a written and practical exam. Although all certified individuals are called WFRs, the actual certification is controlled and tracked by the organization providing the training.

Full Answer

What is a WFR course?

Nov 16, 2019 · What topics does the WFR class cover? To quote the NOLS course description: Upon completion [of a WFR course] you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions.. What this sentence means in practical terms is you’ll learn to treat …

How long does it take to get a WFR certification?

Dec 16, 2019 · A WFR is 80 hours of instruction and costs ~$775, while a WFA is just 16 hours and ~$245. The WFR takes 8-10 days while the WFA is usually taught over a single weekend. That said, if you have the money and time for a WFR, I’d still highly recommend it. You’ll learn more, practice more, and have more fun!

What are the requirements to take the 5-day WFR course?

A WFR course can range from 10-5 days. Courses less than 7 days are a hybrid format, meaning there’s some portion of online learning prior to the in person course start date. All in person classes will be broken up into classroom lectures and hands on practice.

When will students have access to the WFR study guide?

Courses taught over 9 consecutive days often include a day off (day 5), and class is 8 am – 5 pm daily. Course Tuition: $585 – $875. Actual course tuition may vary depending on course location, logistics, meals, lodging options, etc. Certification: ‣ Wilderness First Responder (valid 3 years) ‣ Adult + Pediatric CPR/AED (valid 2 years)

Can you fail WFR?

The written exam requires a 70% or above to pass. If you fail either test, there is a second chance test option to be taken at a later date.Mar 12, 2019

How long is a WFR certification good for?

Wilderness First Responder (WFR): After the one year grace period, WFRs will need to retake the entire course to regain WFR certification. Other: We recommend WFRs retake an entire WFR course every six years.

Is Wilderness First Responder worth?

I found the biggest benefit of the WFR was drilling vitals and patient assessment. I'd say that the WFR is worth the extra time and money over a WFA. Also, it is traditionally an 80-hour course, so any 5-day you are seeing is probably just a re-cert. I'll also put in a shout-out for Desert Mountain Medicine.Feb 17, 2016

Does WFR include BLS?

Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR, basic life support (BLS), and the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and asthma.

How long does NOLS WFR last?

NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications will be afforded a one-year period after expiration within which to recertify. This one-year re-entry period is only offered for NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications.

How long does a NOLS WFR certification last?

two yearsHow long does my certification last? All NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications are current for two years from the end of the course. For information about recertification please visit our recertification page.

What do you learn in a WFR course?

Upon completion [of a WFR course] you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions.Nov 15, 2019

What is the difference between WFA and WFR?

WFR is far more involved and advanced, but is also more expensive and lengthy. WFA is more than red cross first aid, but doesn't really go too in depth. Fewer hours, fewer topics, less practice and fewer scenarios.

What does a Wilderness First Responder do?

Wilderness first responders are individuals who are trained to respond to emergency situations in remote locations. They are part of a wide variety of wilderness medical providers who deal with medical emergencies that occur in wilderness settings.

Does Wilderness First Responder include CPR?

Wilderness First Responder is a three-year certification. This course includes CPR+AED.

Additional Skills taught in a WFR include

These additional skills are useful anywhere, be it at home or off shore sailing learning more about this situations and problems will come in handy and could save a life.

How is the course learning structured?

Of course a WFR course teaches medical concepts, but where all wilderness medical courses really shine is the hands on learning! Practicing hands on skills in the most life like situations available is a core component of the course. This means all participants will spend a portion of the course role playing both as a patient and as rescuer.

People who will benefit from this course are

This course is hands down the best investment for people who live or play in remote areas, have field work or desire to work in the outdoor industries. It’s worth every penny of the investment. Don’t just take my word for it, check out these testimonials!

Want to know more about WFR?

Wilderness First Responder is an intensive 72-80 hour course specifically designed for outdoor educators, adventure guides, Search and Rescue professionals, as well as others who are in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting, or individuals who want a higher level of emergency medical training due to extended back-country trips or expeditions..

What To Expect

This intensive course is fast paced, and focuses heavily on hands-on learning through practical scenarios, case studies, simulations and more. Students will constantly be both indoors and outdoors for simulations and practice, regardless of the weather, barring severe inclement weather.

How long is the WFR?

This is the industry-standard certification for outdoor professionals. The WFR is a 9-day comprehensive course that teaches students to assess and treat injuries and illness in the wilderness and covers the standards of backcountry medicine.

What is a WFR?

The WFR is designed for guides, trip leaders, ski patrollers, wildland firefighters, and others who are responsible for others while far from help. Students will learn how to safely manage illnesses and injuries in the backcountry. Instruction is skill-focused with many hands-on scenarios and exercises. All WFR courses include an adventure day ...

What is a WFR?

A Wilderness First Responder, sometimes referred to as a “ woofer ,” is an individual trained and certified to provide extended emergency medical care in a wilderness setting.

Who is a WFR?

Woofer’s are usually individuals who are in leadership positions for outdoor adventures such as backpacking, mountain climbing, river rafting, skiing, and similar remote activities. They may be in roles such as trek leader, river guide, or ski patrol.

Who certifies WFRs?

There is no one certification body for Wilderness First Responders. A variety of medical and wilderness training organizations appear to have co-operated fairly well in creating training and testing standards. A typical WFR certification requires 72-80 hours of classroom and practice training, as well as both a written and practical exam.

What content is covered?

Each training provider’s website offers a detailed course outline, but some common themes include:

What is the difference between the organizations?

Because the schedule and location worked for me, I certified through NOLS/WMI. They are the only organization with which I have first hand experience, but during my research I found very strong advocates for each of the major players and some of the smaller ones. I suspect their curriculum and exams are similar.

Conclusion

After experiencing through mock rescues and practice the wide variety of things that can go seriously wrong in the wilderness, I find myself wanting to add more and more things to my first aid kit. The reality, of course, is that my pack has limited space, but my brain is still relatively empty.

How old do you have to be to take WFR?

Students must be at least 18 years old to participate in the 5-Day WFR course. Certain course sponsors may set a higher minimum age or establish other requirements consistent with their program. No previous medical training is required.

What is a wilderness first responder?

Wilderness First Responder ( WFR) is the definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators, guides, SAR team members, and others who work or play in remote areas. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including all of the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated ...