5-Day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership, and critical thinking for professionals, leaders, and outdoor adventurers to be successful in outdoor, low resource, and remote environments.
Learn the general principles of wilderness and rescue medicine with an emphasis on identifying medical emergencies, critical thinking, and risk management. This course combines 30 hours of independent, pre-course textbook work and 45 hours of in-person training.*
Start from any skill level
Learn from licensed medical professionals
Gain valuable continuing education hours
Earn your WFR certification and BLS CPR certification
*Required training hours may vary based on country. Canadian courses require 80 hours of in-person training.
Dedicated to teaching practical medicine in remote and low-resourced settings — globally
Taught on all 7 continents
Our curriculum is taught by medical professionals around the world.
10,000+ trained every year
WMA International annually trains over 10,000 students and participants worldwide.
Hosts from every industry
Our hosts range from colleges, guide services, and summer camps to government agencies.
Practicing, licensed medical professionals
Our instructors are licensed medical practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Peer-reviewed curriculum
Our Medical Director and Curriculum Director review and edit our curriculum annually, keeping our practices current.
Training for remote adventuring
We prepare students with the skills, training and knowledge needed to face any challenge, anywhere.
Testimonials
I learned more than I ever imagined I could in 5 days. Michelle [Murphy] is great and has such a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to keeping my certification current.
– Sarah B. 5-Day WFR Student
Two of our staff that took the WFR course with Lucy Tate in Juneau were recently the first responders to the plane crash. They made it clear how much the training helped and how all our remote field crews should have it. They controlled bleeding for hours before the coast guard arrived. The first thing they said after the accident was how much their WMA training helped and potentially saved lives today.
– N. Frost – WFR Student
Thank you, thank you, thank you guys for all that you provide in these very real and in-depth courses. Your instructors are top notch. As a registered Maine Sea Kayak Guide, I was hoping to never have to use my WFR skills, however, I am incredible thankful that I did have them. The competency of your instructors is why I was able to do what I did in the field.
– WFR Student
WMA really cares about the students. They don’t just toss info at you and expect you to regurgitate it. They make sure you know it and can use it, without apprehension when you really need it.
– WFR Student Sheridan Mountain Campus
Meet our hosts
Led with experience, knowledge, and passion.
Wilderness Medicine Associates International instructors are licensed medical providers with diverse backgrounds in medicine, education, and rescue work. Their passion for their craft lends itself to vibrant, engaging, and practical courses that have the power to change lives.
Our classroom has no limits
Our globally accessible Wilderness First Responder courses integrate hands-on training, scenario-based learning, and expert-led instruction from experienced hosts all over the world.
Gain essential skills for outdoor safety and leadership during the 5-day WFR course. This comprehensive, hybrid program allows you to dive into wilderness medicine, leadership, emergency protocols, and critical thinking. Textbook work is completed independently before attending five days of in-person training.
