Wilderness First Responder Recertification Montana
Overview
Wilderness First Responder Recertification in Whitefish, Montana
The WFR recertification is a 24-hour emergency medicine course that renews your Wilderness First Responder certification. The Mountain Guides offers a three-day, in-person format taught by a Wilderness Medical Associates instructor, with courses held in and near Whitefish, Montana.
WFR Recertification at a Glance
- Location: In and near Whitefish, Montana
- Length: 3 days in person, 8 AM to 6 PM
- Prerequisites: A current WFR, or one within its grace period; a pre-course exam is due before day one
- Format: Classroom sessions mixed with scenario-based outdoor practice
- Season: Spring and fall
- Certification: Renewed 3-year WFR certificate from Wilderness Medical Associates plus 3-year professional CPR
What's Included in the WFR Recertification
- A renewed 3-year Wilderness First Responder certificate from Wilderness Medical Associates
- Updated medical skills and decision-making strategies for managing life threats in outdoor environments
- 3-year professional CPR training
- All medical training equipment
Course Format & Schedule
Pre-course information is sent three weeks before your start date, and the pre-course exam must be turned in before the first day. Class runs 8 AM to 6 PM daily for three days, and the schedule adapts to the group’s needs and experience. Full attendance and completion of the pre-course work are required for recertification, which is issued by Wilderness Medical Associates.
Who Can Recertify
This course is for current Wilderness First Responders, or those within their grace period, who need to renew before their certification lapses. If you took your original WFR with a different provider, Wilderness Medical Associates will recognize it as long as it included at least five days of in-person instruction. Exceptions for expired certifications are handled case by case.
Our Approach to Wilderness Medicine
- Understand how the human body works first; without that foundation it is difficult to recognize when it is not working
- Prioritize individual needs in a communal learning space
- Empower individuals by building a foundation of knowledge and medical skills
Book Your Recertification
Check the Schedule tab for this season’s dates in Whitefish.
Itinerary:
· Pre-course information will be delivered 3 weeks prior to your course start date.
· 3 day in person course with a Wilderness Medical Associates Instructor
The specific daily schedule is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and previous experience. The general daily schedule is a mix of classroom and hands on outdoor scenarios.
8 AM – 6 PM Daily
$425/person
The Mountain Guides will provide all of the necessary medical equipment.
Spring weather can be sunny one moment and snowing/raining the next. Come prepared to be outside for much of the day. Layer Up!!
Please be ready to get dirty and to get stains on your clothes. Do not wear your favorite anything during class.
FOOTWEAR
- Closed Toed Atheletic shoes or work/hiking boots are best. We will be out in all weather conditions so brining a back up pair and some variety is often good.
- Socks: 2-4 pairs. Lightweight wool or synthetic socks - sized for your boots and blister prevention.
UPPER LAYERS
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Top: Men’s Lightwire LS Tech Tee, Women’s Lightwire LS Tech Tee
- Synthetic/Wool Sun Hoody: Men’s Alpenglow Hoody, Women’s Alpenglow Hoody
- Synthetic T-shirt: Men’s Distance SS Tech Tee, Women’s Distance SS Tech Tee
- Lightweight Insulating Jacket - lightweight fleece or synthetic: Men’s Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody, Women’s Coefficient Hoody, Men’s Solution 2.0 Hoody, Women’s Solution 2.0 Hoody
- Rain Jacket - waterproof/breathable with hood: Men’s Fineline Stretch Shell, Women’s Fineline Stretch Shell
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Synthetic/Wool Long Underwear Bottom: Men’s Coefficient LT Pants, Women’s Coefficient LT Pants
- Hiking Shorts or Pants (for approach): Men’s Pursuit Shorts, Women’s Pursuit Shorts
- Synthetic Climbing Pant: Men’s Alpine Pants, Women’s Alpine Pants
- Rain Pant: Men’s Fineline Stretch Pants, Women’s Fineline Stretch Pants
ACCESSORIES
- Hat: lightweight to medium-weight warm hat and sun hat - both should be sleek enough to be worn under a helmet.
- Sun Hat: 5-Panel Synthetic Cap, Desert Mullet
- Warm Hat: BD Reversible Beanie
- Gloves: BRING TWO PAIRS – one lightweight, one mid-weight/synthetic or fleece.
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- ESunscreen: 35+SPF
- Lip Balm: with SPF
- Headlamp and Fresh Batteries: Spot 400 Headlamp
RECOMMENDED & OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Small daypack (25L) or Camelbak for snacks, water, and layers
- Camp Chair
- Insect Repellent (Ask the office if this is necessary)
- Headnet (Ask the office if this is necessary)
COLD WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Early and late-season temperatures require warmer clothing. You may consider additional clothing if you get cold easily or if it is unusually cold or windy.
- Extra Down Vest or Jacket: Men’s Access Down Hoody, Women’s Access Down Hoody
- Expedition Weight Long Underwear
- Extra Gloves: Alpine Softshell Gloves
- Buff or Neck Gaiter: BD Neck Gaiter
Can I take the course if my WFR certification is expired?
In general you must have a valid WFR certification or be within your grace period for recertification. Wilderness Medical Associates does authorize certain exceptions on a case by case basis.
Can I recertify my WFR with Wilderness Medical Associates if I took my original WFR with a different provider?
As long as your WFR certification included a minimum of 5 days of in-person instruction then Wilderness Medical Associates will recognize your certification as valid.
Is 100% attendance required?
Yes, you must complete all of the pre-course work and attend all 5 days of class time in order to receive your certification.
Does my certification come from The Mountain Guides?
No, your certification will come from Wilderness Medical Associates and the course will be taught by a WMA instructor. The Mountain Guides is only providing access the course through its branches.