Wilderness First Responder: Essential training for outdoor leadership

For students pursuing outdoor leadership or planning to spend extended time in remote environments like Alaska, a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is essential. Often called the "gold standard" in wilderness medicine, this training provides the critical skills to assess, manage, and respond to medical emergencies when professional help may be hours—or even days—away.

Dr. Benjamin Rush’s Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course, offered through SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities), is a four-credit class that prepares students to provide emergency medical care in backcountry settings. The curriculum covers essential topics such as anatomy, injury assessment, patient care, and evacuation strategies.

Key skills gained in the WFR course:
Patient assessment – Quickly evaluate a patient’s condition and prioritize care.

Trauma management – Learn to treat fractures, dislocations, and wounds.

Environmental emergencies – Address conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, heatstroke, and altitude sickness.

Evacuation planning – Develop and execute safe evacuation strategies.

Leadership and decision-making – Strengthen critical thinking skills for high-stress situations.

CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) – Gain essential life-saving techniques.

Risk management – Identify potential hazards and create strategies to mitigate them.

Upon completion, students earn a nationally recognized Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certification, a crucial qualification for anyone leading backcountry expeditions or working in remote environments.