Wilderness First Responder Certification (NOLS)

Our 10 day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is for you if you work or recreate in an outdoor setting or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable.

Delve into the essential principles of wilderness medicine, learning how to perform a comprehensive physical examination, gather critical patient history, and evaluate vital signs – crucial elements of proficient wilderness medical care. You'll acquire the foundational skills necessary to administer emergency treatments, manage musculoskeletal injuries, and navigate the intricacies of medical evacuations.

Whether you're a seasoned wilderness enthusiast, a dedicated outdoor educator, or an aspiring wilderness guide, this WFR course is designed to empower you with the experience and practical skills required to stay calm and responsive in disaster relief and medical emergency scenarios.

We are proud to be partnering with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) to bring their highly trained educators and Wilderness First Responder curriculum to SRI. NOLS courses are the industry standard for professional wilderness guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, outdoor enthusiasts, and international travelers.

WFR Curriculum

The 10-day WFR curriculum is meticulously crafted to foster an in-depth understanding of medical intervention in outdoor scenarios. Spanning a duration of 10 consecutive days, this Wilderness First Responder course offers you a dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills development. You will receive in-depth wilderness-based experiential education that goes beyond conventional medical training, targeting those moments when immediate medical care is hampered by distance or unreliable communication. 

The outdoor portions of our courses take place regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments!

Upon successful completion of this 10-day WFR course, you'll not only earn a prestigious WFR certification but also garner the confidence to tackle medical emergencies, make critical evacuation decisions, and offer reassurance and guidance when it's needed most.

You'll be primed to tackle medical emergencies in remote environments, rendering vital assistance when high-speed internet and immediate medical assistance are distant luxuries.

Embark on this transformative journey, where medical knowledge, outdoor practicality, and leadership development converge. Prepare to be challenged and inspired, gaining the tools to be a confident and competent wilderness first responder.

With the exception of our expedition programs, most of our courses are hosted within a 30 mile radius of Charlottesville, VA. The diverse nature of our programs is best served by a constellation of sites that includes both public and private land. To protect the safety and privacy of our host site partners as well as the safety of our participants, we do not disclose the addresses or coordinates of our sites online. Upon registering for a course — or no later than 2 weeks prior to its start date — all participants will receive details and directions to the public, pre-course meetup location, from which we will caravan to the host site.