Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification and Recertification
The WFR is a 9-day comprehensive course that teaches students to assess and treat injuries and illness in the wilderness and covers the standards of backcountry medicine. The WFR-Recertification is a 2-day refresher designed to cover the WFR curriculum with updates and new protocols.
Overview
The WFR is designed for guides, trip leaders, ski patrollers, wildland firefighters, and others who are responsible for others while far from help. Students will learn how to safely manage illnesses and injuries in the backcountry. Instruction is skill-focused with many hands-on scenarios and exercises. All WFR courses include an adventure day (rafting or hiking) as well as night rescue scenarios.
Current Wilderness First Responders can renew their certification through the 2-day WFR-Recertification course. This class is designed to refresh skills as well as deliver updates to protocols and best practices. CPR+AED is available. SOLO WFR cards are valid for 3 years
What You’ll Learn
- Patient Assessment
- Treatment of Common Injuries
- Treatment of Medical Emergencies
- CPR
- Basic Wilderness Survival Skills
- Introduction to Rescue and Evacuation
What to Expect
This course takes place at SOLO Southeast offices on NOC’s main campus in Bryson City, NC. We will offer one WFA class in May 2023 in Collegedale, TN. See the “Dates” section below for specific course selections. Course check-in is at 8AM and this course will end at 5PM each day. Students will receive both hands-on and classroom-style training.
Dates
Bryson City, NC WFR Course Dates
| Dates | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17-25, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Jul 22-30, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Aug 12-20, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Sep 9-17, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Oct 14-22, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Nov 11-19, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | ||
| Dec 9-17, 2023 | Bryson City, NC |
Bryson City, NC WFR Recert Course Dates
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 10-11, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Jul 8-9, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Aug 5-6, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Sep 6-7, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Oct 28-29, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Nov 18-19, 2023 | Bryson City, NC | |
| Dec 16-17, 2023 | Bryson City, NC |
Locations
Address
SOLO Southeast
13077 US-19
Bryson City, NC 28713
**May 9th-16th, 2023 Collegedale, TN
Southern Adventist University
Learn More →
Before You Visit
- 3-Year SOLO WFR Certification
- 2-Year ASHI CPR & AED Certification (Optional for Recertification)
- Textbook
NOC provides the primary gear needed for each course. Course participants should plan to have seasonally appropriate clothing as we will spend a significant amount of time outside.
Necessary Items
- Backpack
- Headlamp
- Rain Gear
- Extra Layers
- Water Bottle and at least 1 Liter Water
- Pen and Notepad
- Close-Toed Shoes (Boots Recommended)
- Work Gloves
- Sleeping Bag
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Students must be at least 16 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Recertification can only be taken by those who have taken the WFR extended course certification.
NOC in Bryson City, NC is home to two onsite restaurants, and hours vary seasonally. View hours for River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser. Snacks are available for purchase at the General Store.
