Wilderness First Responder Course BCOC June 7-13, 2025
Description
Overview
The Wilderness First Responder is currently the requisite level of training for outdoor guides / leaders and other individuals who work or recreate in remote environments. These individuals may have a legal obligation to respond to emergency situations where life or limb threats may be immediate or evolving.

Rationale
This advanced (72 hour) program integrates urban first aid training with the realities of a wilderness setting to develop comprehensive patient assessment skills and effective field management strategies. CWMT instructors build knowledge and confidence through a graduated series of practical scenarios and situational training by means of repeated practices, simulations and discussions of principles. We focus on a “hands on” approach to proficiency development. Based on student feedback, this has proven to be the most effective learning method.

Assessment
Ultimately the Wilderness First Responder must be capable of recognizing and managing a wide variety of medical or traumatic conditions and additionally play a proactive role in prevention. Evaluation of skills and knowledge is done through quizzes, tests, case studies and ongoing practical testing.

Based on competency guidelines developed by the Wilderness Medical Society, this program identifies a selection of skill sets that define the first responder standard.

Topics Covered
Day 1
Welcome / Registration / Course Objectives
Practical Scenario
First Aid and Wilderness Emergency Care
Leadership & Liability
Wilderness First Responder Scope of Practice
Anatomy & Physiology
Homeostasis
CNS structure and function
Circulatory System structure and function
CNS structure and function
Patient Assessment System
Scene Survey
Primary Survey – drills & practice
Rapid trauma Survey
Secondary Survey – scenarios / drills & practice
Patient interview, SAMPLE, OPQRST
Vital Signs/ Recording / Interpretation
Physical Assessment Focused or Head to Toe
Rapid trauma assessment
Neuro assessment
Chest Auscultation
Documentation
Basic Life Support
Airway management and evacuation considerations
CPR in the Wilderness
Day 2
Traumatic Injuries
Head / Chest / Abdomen / Spine – practical scenarios
Shock: Recognition & Management
Patient Stabilization and Evacuation
Patient Positioning / Carries – drills & practice
Spinal structure and function, cord injury
Spinal Cord Injury Management – drills & practice
Managing the spine injured patient over a long evacuation
Spinal assessment
Day 3
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Assessment of Limb threatening injuries
Sprains / Strains / Fractures / Dislocations
TIP, reducing dislocations
Traction Splinting
Immobilization & Splinting Techniques – scenarios / drills & practice
Issues
Day 4
Environmental Emergencies
Heat Illnesses / Hyperthermia
Cold injuries / Hypothermia – practical scenario
Drowning / Near Drowning
Animal / Reptile Issues
Lightning
Allergies, Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine – practical scenario
AMS / HACE / HAPE
Acute Abdominal Pain
Medical Emergencies
Abdominal Assessment & History Gathering
Scenario / Assessment Drills / Study
Day 5
Wound Management in a Remote Setting
Guiding Principles
Short Term / Long Term Care
Penetrating Injuries
Burns / Blisters / Eyes / Teeth
Practical Skills / Drills & Scenarios
Water Disinfection – What Works / What is Available
Medical Problems
Diabetes
Seizures
Medications
Practical Scenario
Common Expedition Problems
UTI / Blisters / Constipation / Diarrhea / URTI
Day 6
OTC Medications
Case Studies
Day 7
Leadership and Incident Command
Large scale Scenario
Day 8
Review of course material
Short Term / Long Term Care
Penetrating Injuries
Burns / Blisters / Eyes / Teeth
Practical Skills / Drills & Scenarios
Water Disinfection – What Works / What is Available
Practical Assessment
Group Interests / Review Course Objectives
Exam
Course Wrap-Up / Feedback / Keeping Your Skills Up To Date
Recertification Information
Both theoretical and practical lessons help the participant develop the knowledge base and necessary skill sets. After the initial training program, individuals may maintain their level of certification with a practical weekend. This gives individuals the opportunity to review concepts, practice skills and debrief training simulations. Participants are eligible for the weekend recertification clinics provided it is within 2 years of their last training date. If more than 2 years has lapsed between training dates, a 4-day upgrade course is required to maintain WFR certification.

Course Notes
Assessment Areas
Basic Life Support – CPR / Rescue breathing / Assessment
Managing a spinal injury – 1. Collaring 2. Rolling 3. Boarding
Criteria for clearing a spinal injury in the field
Recognition / Management – musculoskeletal injuries
Recognition / Management – soft tissue injuries
Rapid trauma assessment
Competency in relation to anaphylaxis / asthma issues
Vital sign interpretation – compensatory mechanisms
Common expedition injuries / conditions
Environmental emergencies – heat / cold related immersion
Common medical problems – seizures / diabetes / allergies / GI / disorders / headaches
Over the counter medications
Location:
Canadian Wilderness Medical Training
Dates:
5/31/2025 - 6/6/2025
Ages:
Ages 14 and up
Cost:
$1,095.00
Availability:
This session has openings
Registration will end on 6/5/2025.
Additional Fees:
Booking fee2.50%
HST13.00%
Discounts
OCA10%
Paddle Canada/ORCKA Member Discount
This discount will be activated upon verification of Paddle Canada/ORCKA Membership number.		10%