Northern Cairn, LLC | P.O. Box 172, Charlevoix, MI 49720
231-437-3400 | toll free: 866-221-8176 | info@northerncairn.com
Michigan 5-Day Wilderness First Responder Training
View upcoming 5-day Wilderness First Responder classes.
Summary:
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 and extreme environments. This 5-day format is for individuals and sponsors with less time available for on-site training and requires 25 hours of pre-course preparation.
Description:
25 Hours Pre-Course Preparation and 45 Hours On-Site Training
Wilderness and Rescue Medicine
Wilderness and Rescue Medicine differs significantly from conventional EMS courses and other programs that are oriented toward the urban environment. This course teaches what to do with a medical emergency when help is miles away and calling 911 isn’t an option. We prepare students for emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments and improvised equipment.
Class Format
This course covers the same material and meets the same criteria as our standard Wilderness First Responder. It is designed for students and professionals who have tight schedules and the self-discipline to complete approximately 25 hours of pre-course preparation.
Upon receipt of a course roster from the sponsor, a pre-course Study guide is mailed to students two to four weeks before the course starts allowing time to complete the assigned reading, case studies, study guide, and tests. The on-site instruction that follows reinforces and expands on the knowledge already acquired. Because students arrive familiar with the didactic material, on-site daytime training can focus on wilderness and rescue scenarios and practical skills. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments. Expect rescue scenarios with made-up victims and simulated wounds to prepare you for backcountry emergencies. Sessions may be videotaped for enhanced learning.
The Five-Day WFR course has been through five years of development and testing. The pilot courses have been well received and very effective. However, we do need to emphasize that conscientious preparation is essential for success. This is not a short-cut version of our standard course.
Course Sponsors and Instructors
Northern Cairn courses are offered by a variety of sponsors in the US and abroad. All courses are taught by Northern Cairn instructors who have been through WMA's our rigorous selection and training process and adhere to our course standards and curriculum.
Textbooks
All teaching materials are provided by Northern Cairn at no additional cost. This includes the Wilderness and Rescue Medicine (WARM) textbook, case studies workbook, field guide, lecture notes, and handouts. Our textbook, Wilderness and Rescue Medicine, is included in the pre-course package for the five-day course.
Completion and Grades
Successful completion with certification is based on 100% attendance, satisfactory performance on homework assignments and written quizzes, demonstrated proficiency with practical skills and a grade of 80% or better on final written exam. Northern Cairn is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.
Certification
All eligible students who successfully complete the course will receive Wilderness Medical Associates’ Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and Healthcare Provider level CPR certifications. The CPR course is based on the ILCOR/AHA guidelines as published in Circulation in November 2005. All WMA certifications remain valid for three years. At the discretion of your local or state EMS authorities, the WFR certification may qualify you to challenge the DOT First Responder Exam.
Recertification
Recertification can be earned at anytime during the three years following your course, but no later than the last day of the month in which your original certificate expires. Recertification options include the 36-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course, the 36-hour WAFA-to-WFR Bridge Course, or the 24-hour Open Recertification Course.
Prerequisites:
Students must be at least eighteen years old to participate in the Five-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.
Syllabus:
General Concepts in Wilderness and Rescue Medicine;
Patient Assessment System Critical Body Systems: BLS and CPR; Anaphylaxis and Asthma
Practical Skills: Lifting, Moving and Extrication; Spine Stabilization and Litter Packaging; Wound Cleaning and Exploration
Environmental Topics: Exposure Control; Bites and Stings; Altitude Illness; Cold Injuries; Diving Emergencies; Thermoregulation; Lightning; Near Drowning; Avalanche
Musculoskeletal Systems: Spine Injury Assessment; Musculoskeletal Injuries; Extremity Splinting; Dislocations
Other: Medical Legal Issues; Soft Tissue Injury; Toxins; Search and Rescue; Backcountry Medicine; Emergency Childbirth; Medical Kits
What to bring:
Bring appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that, rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside. You will also needs pens, a notebook, and a watch with a second hand.
Course Fees
Cost: $665.00 includes all texts and materials; Lodging and meals are not included. There are local hotels that offer discount lodging for our students at $49/per night,for a private room. Please contact us for further lodging info.