Sharpen Your Wilderness Medical Knowledge for the Winter!
As we head into the final stretch of the year, there’s no slowing down for the wilderness medical community. This month, learn about the latest announcement from the Medical Director Regarding neffy® Epinephrine Nasal Spray, explore a featured course, get to know Instructor and WMA Education Specialist, Brigitte Denton, and check out our new blog page where you can find all previous newsletters!
Industry News
Announcement from the Medical Director Regarding neffy® Epinephrine Nasal Spray
In August of 2024, the Federal Drug Administration in the U.S. approved an intranasal epinephrine spray called neffy® for the treatment of anaphylaxis. In September, 2024, we released a statement indicating we did not consider neffy® to be a suitable replacement for injectable epinephrine. We are once again receiving a lot of student questions about this alternative, so we looked at the most current data available, and are providing the following statement:
Based on its delivery method and resiliency to cold and heat exposure, neffy®(intranasal epinephrine) continues to be an intriguing non-injectable alternative to intramuscular epinephrine injections. However, current evidence does not yet support its use as a replacement for intramuscular epinephrine in austere or remote environments where back-up injectable epinephrine may not be available. Therefore, WMA International does not recommend substituting neffy® in place of injectable epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis in these environments at this time.
Click the button below to read our full statement and to view references:
Instructor Spotlight
Brigitte Denton
Brigitte first encountered Wilderness Medical Associates International in 2003 while working as a lifeguard for the L.A. County Fire Department and teaching middle school science. That initial course left a lasting impression. “It turned me into a better EMT because I had to think about what I was doing—the why behind every action,” she recalls. She fell in love with both the curriculum and WMA’s teaching style, returning for recertification in 2006, where she met her husband. Over a decade later, in 2017, she became a WMA instructor.
A seasoned educator and rescuer, Brigitte’s background spans 18 years as an ocean lifeguard in Venice Beach, years of guiding and outdoor education work with NOLS, and ongoing part-time work on an ambulance. These experiences deeply impact her teaching. “I’ve lived in both the EMS world and the outdoor education world,” she explains. “I bring prevention and patient care together—teaching students to stay calm under pressure while also creating habits that prevent emergencies in the first place.”
Course Highlight
Wilderness First Responder at SEA
Falmouth, Massachusetts | December 6–12, 2025
Looking for a meaningful way to grow your skills before the new year? The upcoming Wilderness First Responder course at Sea Education Association (SEA) combines world-class instruction, realistic simulations, and a welcoming campus atmosphere—plus affordable lodging and meals right on site.
Previous students rave about the experience:
“This course was exceptional. Deborah and Seth shared so much knowledge and kept the course moving in such an efficient way. I feel so well prepared from all of the real-life scenarios we went through.” — SEA WFR student, 2022
“This class was so much fun. I have a new love for medicine. I am so proud to be a WFR now and am considering higher medical education.” — COA WFR student, 2024
With affordable on-site lodging for just $25, and many meals provided, this is an opportunity to train with a passionate instructional team in an inspiring environment.
Host Spotlight
Meramec Adventure Ranch
Meramec Adventure Ranch is partnering with Wilderness Medical Associates International to bring world-class wilderness medicine training to their incredible setting. Meramec Adventure Ranch offers transformative programs that blend adventure, learning, and personal growth. Serving at-risk youth and Wounded Warriors and their families through experiences like climbing, paddling, team challenges, and wilderness exploration.
Associate Director, Kassey Odneal, says:
“We are so excited to host WMA at the Meramec Adventure Ranch this year. I got my initial WFR certification with WMA many, many years ago now. It was such a great training, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every recertification I have done. I always learn so much! So this year, when the opportunity to host a WMA course at the Ranch came open, we jumped on it! Having my WFR certification has been invaluable in my life and career. And Darren ‘Daz’ Stokes, who is leading this training, is a top-notch instructor who always offers a practical, purposeful, and engaging course.”
Together, we’re supporting Meramec Adventure Ranch’s mission of empowering participants through meaningful adventure building confidence, competence, and community in the great outdoors.
Don’t miss this chance to train at Meramec Adventure Ranch with WMA Instructor Darren Stokes (Colorado Outside) at Meramec Adventure Ranch! Join us January 17–19, 2026, for a WFR Recertification Course an engaging, hands-on experience!
Interested in hosting a course? Expand your organization’s potential with the specialized medical training of WMA International.
Live from the Wild
The latest shares from WMA International students & instructors!
Wilderness EMS course in Carrabassett Valley that was run by the Rescue Medicine Training Group and taught by Julie Anderson, Gabe Gunning, Abby Rowe, and Mitchel Stapleton.
Send us photos from your course!
We’d love to see the behind-the-scenes of your experience.
