Wilderness First Responder

Katahdin Rescue’s Wilderness First Responder course is the most intensive Wilderness Medicine course we offer, spanning 72 to 80 hours. These courses are comprehensive, providing essential skills in wilderness medicine, leadership, and critical thinking in remote outdoor environments. Wilderness First Responder certifications have become standard for many outdoor recreation professions, as they prepare leaders to remain calm and confident in responding to emergency situations and to make better decisions in the backcountry.

Katahdin Rescue’s Wilderness First Responder courses follow Sierra Rescue curriculum. Sierra Rescue is a member of the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative and follows set WMEC standards in its curricula.

Katahdin Rescue emphasizes context-built delivery in our instruction. Wilderness First Responder courses may be tailored to various environments, work or trip logistics and equipment, and participant groups. Complete the pre-course customization survey here and let us know how we can best cater to your needs.

Who should take a Wilderness First Responder course?

Wilderness First Responder certifications have become a standard requirement for many jobs in the outdoor industry, developing an essential skill set for outdoor leaders and educators in remote wilderness areas who may need to assess and manage medical problems for days or weeks. Potential participants could include:

  • Outdoor Educators
  • Registered Maine Guides
  • Summer Camp Counselors
  • Wilderness Expedition Leaders and Guides
  • Ecotourism Operators
  • Adventure Sports Instructors
  • Members of Search and Rescue
  • Ski Patrollers
  • Forest Rangers
  • Wildland Firefighters

No previous wilderness medicine experience is necessary.

General Information

Topics Covered
  • Scene Survey and Patient Assessment
  • Basic Life Support Skills
    • CPR
    • AED
  • Assessing and Addressing Major Problems in Critical Body Systems, with Specific Explorations Within These Systems
    • Nervous System
      • Evaluating Level of Consciousness
      • Maintaining Spine Stability
    • Respiratory System
      • Establishing an Airway
      • Airway Management
    • Cardiovascular System
      • Checking for Pulses
      • Controlling Bleeding
      • CPR
    • Shock
  • Trauma
    • Nervous System Injuries, Specifically Increased ICP, Concussion, Head Wounds, Unstable Spinal Injuries
    • Respiratory Injuries and Respiratory Arrest
    • Circulatory Injuries and Volume Shock
    • Musculoskeletal Injuries
      • Exploration of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System
      • Stable vs. Unstable Injuries
      • Splinting Labs
      • Dislocations
    • Spinal Injuries
      • Spine Assessment
    • Wound Management
      • Wounds
      • Infections
  • Environmental Problems
    • Burns and Cold-Related Injuries
    • Heat Illnesses and Hypothermia
    • Lightning
    • Altitude Sickness
    • Drowning
    • Toxins
    • Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis and Local Reactions
  • Medical problems
  • Evacuation Plans
  • Documentation (SOAP Notes)
  • Multiple Scenarios
  • Mass Casualty Scenario
  • Final Written Test
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand basic anatomy and physiology
  • Be able to conduct thorough patient assessments
  • Be prepared to manage environmental, medical, and traumatic emergencies in a wilderness environment where help, supplies, and evacuation could be delayed
  • Practice team rescues, group management, leadership, and decision making
  • Understand long-term patient management (multiple days) in the field, including evacuation decisions and logistics
Typical Course Format
  • Course Duration: 72-80 hours over 8-10 days
  • Participants should be dressed appropriately for weather, prepared to be outside for extended periods of time.
  • Courses will include a mix of indoor and outdoor time.
  • Attendance is mandatory.
Packing List
  • Appropriate clothing and footwear
    • Synthetic or wool based layers
    • Waterproof jacket and pants
    • Warm socks
    • Shoes or boots appropriate for weather and rough terrain
    • Hat
    • Gloves
    • Extra warm clothes for fall, winter, and spring
    • Clothing that can be stained or cut during scenarios
  • Large backpack to carry supplies and personal gear
  • Snacks, water, and lunch
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Repellent
  • Notebook and pens
  • Watch for taking vitals (cell phones are not acceptable as a watch)
  • Optional:
    • Sunglasses
    • Personal or company-issued first aid kit
    • Equipment that you would typically have in the field (sleeping pads, paddles, hiking poles, snowshoes, tarp, etc.)
    • Camp chair or crazy creek chair

Inquire about our Wilderness First Responder courses

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