Wilderness First Responder Recertification
Wilderness First Responder Recertification
2-DAY (20-HOUR) WFR Recert
REFRESH YOUR MEDICAL SKILLS
The BVMA SOLO WFR Recertification course recertifies current Wilderness First Responders for another three years and ensures continued competency at the WFR level. Students review essential skills, protocols, and updates in wilderness medicine, including emergency response and patient assessment, musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, environmental and medical emergencies, survival skills, prolonged patient care in remote environments and evacuation. This course also includes American Heart Association-approved BLS for Healthcare Providers, CPR, and AED certification. This WFR Recert is accredited through the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC).
If your preferred course date is sold out, please Contact Us to join the waitlist.
Course Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES . . .
General principles of wilderness and rescue medicine with an emphasis on identifying emergencies, critical thinking, and risk management
Patient assessment and emergency care, including CPR and AED use, basic life support skills, the patient assessment system, patient reporting, and calling for help
Practical skills including, bleeding control, wound management, bandaging, splinting, patient packaging, and medical kit preparation
Treatment of musculoskeletal injuries from traumatic mechanisms and overuse, such as fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations
Environmental medicine, including illness and injuries related to altitude, hyperthermia, hypothermia, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins
Management of medical problems, including the assessment and treatment of common issues such as heart attack, stroke, asthma, anaphylaxis, seizures, and acute abdominal illness
Non-technical lifting, moving, and extrication of patients with an emphasis on spinal motion restriction when applicable
Extended care protocols, including treatment of traumatic, environmental, and medical emergencies in a remote setting
Seasonal Course Differences . . .
Spring, Summer Fall WFR Recertification Courses run April through November. These programs take place on dry trails, alpine terrain, rivers, lakes, and accessible backcountry environments. Hiking, mountain biking, bikepacking, kayaking, packrafting, river rafting, climbing, hunting, and other warm-season activities will be integrated into scenarios based on the student group and regional conditions. Skills and protocols apply to all seasons.
Winter WFR Recertification Courses run December through March. These programs take place in true winter conditions and snowy terrain. Participants must travel on AT skis, a splitboard, or snowshoes. This course is ideal for backcountry skiers, splitboarders, cross country skiers, and snowshoers. The course covers the full WFR Recertification curriculum with additional emphasis on winter mountain travel and cold weather field care. Core skills and protocols apply year round.
Private Courses . . .
We also offer private Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Recertification courses for organizations, companies, groups, and high schools with the option to host at our location or bring the training to you, Contact Us for more information
Prerequisites . . .
18 years of age or 16 accompanied by a parent in the course
Current (not expired) Wilderness First Responder certification from SOLO or an approved reciprocity organization must be submitted to the instructor before the course start date; accepted reciprocity organizations include Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA), Desert Mountain Medicine (DMM), AERIE Backcountry Medicine, Wilderness Medicine Training Center International (WMTC), NOLS Wilderness Medicine (formerly Wilderness Medical Institute (WMI)); if you are unsure about your provider, please Contact Us
Equipment . . .
A detailed gear list will be sent in your welcome email about two weeks before the course begins
What to Expect . . .
Be prepared for two full days of learning
You’ll be in both indoor and outdoor classroom settings, with time spent sitting, standing, and moving in variable conditions
This course is pass/fail
100% attendance is mandatory
Evaluation is based on practical patient simulations, hands-on activities, and a written test
Upon successful completion, students earn a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certificate valid for three years
Upon successful completion, students earn a BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR and AED Certificate, valid for two years
Students are advised to re-take a full WFR Certification course after three recertifications
Buena Vista, Colorado Logistics . . .
Need a place to stay? Check out our Local Lodging Partners, your confirmation email will include discount codes for participating locations
Here are our favorite local places to eat and drink in Buena Vista, CO
Embudo, New Mexico Logistics . . .
Hosted by New Mexico River Adventures (NMRA)
Directions to the NMRA Classroom Location in Embudo, NM
Orilla Verde Recreation Area provides both primitive and more developed camping nearby
Anchorage Area, Alaska Logistics . . .
More details coming soon
Max Client to Guide Ratio . . .
15 Clients : 1 Instructor
BVMA teaches the SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning) curriculum. SOLO is the oldest, most innovative, and one of the most respected wilderness medicine schools in the United States, and its curriculum follows the international education standards established by the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC).
