Wilderness First Responder Montana
Overview
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course in Whitefish, Montana
Wilderness First Responder is a 72-hour emergency medicine course that focuses on managing medical emergencies in remote settings. The Mountain Guides offers a five-day hybrid format taught by a Wilderness Medical Associates instructor, with courses held in and near Whitefish, Montana.
WFR at a Glance
- Location: In and near Whitefish, Montana
- Length: 30 hours of online pre-course learning plus 5 days in person, 8 AM to 6 PM
- Prerequisites: None; no prior medical experience needed
- Format: Hybrid; classroom sessions mixed with scenario-based outdoor practice
- Season: Spring and fall
- Certification: 3-year WFR certificate from Wilderness Medical Associates plus 3-year professional CPR
What's Included in the WFR Course
- A 3-year Wilderness First Responder certificate from Wilderness Medical Associates
- 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 four weeks before your start date. Complete the 30 hours of self-guided learning first, then join five days of communal, in-person learning that runs 8 AM to 6 PM daily. The schedule adapts to the group’s needs and experience. Full attendance and completion of the pre-course work are required for certification, which is issued by Wilderness Medical Associates.
Who Should Take a Wilderness First Responder Course
WFR is the industry standard for guides, outdoor educators, ski patrollers, search-and-rescue volunteers and anyone whose job or trips take them hours from definitive care. This course satisfies the requirements for employment that calls for a wilderness first responder certification, including Forest Service positions. No prior medical experience is required.
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
Keep Your Certification Current
Already certified? Renew with our three-day WFR recertification in Whitefish. Check the Schedule tab for dates.
Itinerary:
· Pre-course information will be delivered 4 weeks prior to your course start date.
· 5 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
$695/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
Does this course satisfy the requirements for Forest Service employment?
Yes, this course satisfies all requirements for employment requiring a wilderness first responder course.
Do I need to have prior medical experience?
No, you do not need to have any prior medical experience for this course.
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.