Preparing Outdoor Enthusiasts for Medical Emergencies in the Backcountry

Wilderness Medicine Courses

Prepare for medical emergencies in the backcountry with our expert-led training.

Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

Ready for the Unexpected in the Outdoors

The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course, taught under the Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) curriculum, is the gold standard entry point into wilderness medicine. It’s designed for hikers, campers, guides, outdoor educators, and anyone who ventures into the backcountry where 911 help is hours away.

This 16-hour, two-day training blends classroom learning with realistic outdoor scenarios to give you the confidence and skills to handle emergencies when definitive care isn’t close by.

What You’ll Learn

Patient Assessment System — how to quickly evaluate injuries and illnesses in remote settings.
Trauma Management — bleeding control, wound cleaning, burns, fractures, splinting, and improvised carries.
Environmental Emergencies — hypothermia, heat illness, dehydration, altitude problems, and lightning.
Medical Concerns — allergic reactions, diabetic issues, asthma, seizures, chest pain, and other sudden illnesses.
Evacuation & Decision Making — when to treat in place, when and how to move a patient, and how to communicate effectively with rescuers.

Why Choose SOLO WFA

Nationally Recognized Certification — widely accepted by outdoor programs, camps, and guiding companies.
Scenario-Based training — you’ll practice hands-on skills in realistic outdoor environments, not just the classroom.

Course Details

Length: 16 hours (2 days)
Certification: SOLO Wilderness First Aid (valid for 2 years)
Prerequisites: None — open to all outdoor enthusiasts ages 14+
What to Bring: Outdoor clothing suitable for the weather, sturdy footwear, a notebook, and a willingness to get hands-on.

Perfect For

Camp counselors & trip leaders
Scout leaders & outdoor club members
Hunters, anglers, paddlers, and hikers
Are you preparing for an extended backcountry adventure?

The Gold Standard in Wilderness Medicine

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is the definitive course for outdoor professionals and serious adventurers. Often called the “Woof-er,” it’s the industry standard certification for trip leaders, guides, backcountry rangers, and anyone spending extended time in remote areas where advanced medical help could be hours—or even days—away.

This intensive 72-hour training goes far beyond first aid. You’ll learn to prevent, recognize, and treat a wide range of medical problems in wilderness settings, all while practicing decision-making and leadership during high-stress scenarios.

What You’ll Learn

Comprehensive Patient Assessment — master systematic evaluation techniques for trauma and medical cases.
Advanced Trauma Management — head, neck, and spine injuries; long-bone fractures; dislocations; and wound care.
Medical Emergencies — cardiac, respiratory, diabetic, neurological, and allergic reactions.
Environmental Conditions — hypothermia, hyperthermia, altitude illness, cold-related injuries, lightning, and drowning.
Evacuation & Rescue Planning — how to lead a group safely, improvise litters, communicate with rescuers, and make the tough call between staying put or moving.
Leadership & Teamwork — decision-making, scene control, and group dynamics during emergencies.

Why Choose SOLO WFR

Nationally Recognized — trusted by outdoor organizations, camps, and guiding companies worldwide.
Scenario-Driven — train in real-life outdoor settings, practicing hands-on patient care under pressure.

Course Details

Length: 70–80 hours (usually 8–10 days, or hybrid with online + in-person sessions)
Certification: SOLO Wilderness First Responder (valid for 3 years)
Prerequisites: None (though prior outdoor or medical experience is helpful)
What to Bring: Outdoor gear for all weather, sturdy shoes, backpack, water, notebook — you’ll spend significant time outside.

Perfect For

Wilderness guides, trip leaders, and outdoor educators
National/state park staff, search & rescue volunteers
University outing club members & expedition travelers
Anyone who wants the highest level of wilderness medical preparedness.

$250.00

$1,350.00

Wilderness EMT Module

The Wilderness EMT Module (WEMT) is a 40-hour continuing education program designed specifically for EMS providers who are already state-licensed.

Offered through Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO), this intensive course bridges the gap between standard urban EMS practice and the realities of providing patient care in remote and austere environments.

Who Is It For?

Medical First Responders (MFRs): Earn the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) credential, adding advanced wilderness medicine skills to your existing foundation.
EMT-Basics: Upgrade to a Wilderness EMT (WEMT), integrating your professional EMT knowledge with the decision-making and improvisation required for prolonged patient care and delayed evacuation.

What You’ll Learn:

Wilderness Patient Assessment: Adapt EMT skills to backcountry settings where definitive care is delayed.
Extended Care Principles: Manage patients for hours or days, including ongoing monitoring and documentation.
Environmental & Expedition Emergencies: Hypothermia, hyperthermia, altitude illness, drowning, bites, and stings.
Improvised Techniques: Creative splinting, shelter building, and patient packaging with limited gear.
Rescue Scenarios: Hands-on simulations involving backcountry evacuations, group dynamics, and leadership in stressful situations.

Why Take This Course?

The WEMT Module provides high-level continuing education for EMS providers seeking to expand their scope into wilderness medicine. Graduates earn a nationally recognized SOLO credential that demonstrates readiness to deliver advanced patient care in any environment — from rural search and rescue operations to remote expeditions.

This is also one of the most enjoyable ways to earn continuing education credits!