CANADIAN
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER
72 training hours
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.
CWMT is a registered education centre for the Emergency Care and Safety Institute, which in
turn is endorsed by the American Academy of Emergency Physicians and the American
Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
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
Assessment areas
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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
Multiple Choice Exam - 75 questions
• Mark & review
Course Debrief
• Recommended reading
• Recommended practice
Course Feedback
Recertification of WFR: 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 re-certification 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.
For more information on our modular training programs or to review our commitment to training
and community please visit our website:
http:/www.cwmt.ca
Call us at 1-613-633-8785