Wilderness First Responder

Get the skill to save a life! The legal requirement for anyone working outdoors.

Learning facilitators whether regularly functioning in a hostile rugged terrain or in a more “tamed” environment medical skills important. Participants will be equipped with the skills necessary to react in crisis situations and take care of those clients.

The theory will be taught while students integrate theory to practice in an experiential manner.

Accreditation received: Wilderness Medical Society Accreditation & NQF Level 2.

Advanced training in wilderness emergency care for the wilderness professional or serious adventurer. Adapted to remote African conditions our WFR course is more intensive and comprehensive than similar courses in the USA and UK.

This course is aimed at everyone who travels off the beaten track whether on foot or in a vehicle. It is ideal training for adventure guides and other professionals who work in the wild and may end up in a situation where they need to take prolonged care of sick or injured clients or colleagues.

True wilderness professionals realise their responsibility to their clients and colleagues and obtain the best training possible for their work conditions.  This course syllabus meets and exceeds the international norm for adventure guides.

Topics covered:

Introduction to wilderness first aid & legal issues in wilderness first aid.
Basic principles of first aid and safety, scene management.
Anatomy and physiology, advanced patient assessment & equipment.
CPR, advanced CPR equipment, oxygen, AED.
Choking, shock, unconsciousness and fainting.
Head and spinal injury.
Wounds, bleeding, dressings and bandages, wound closure.
Infection control and long-term wound care.
Fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations, splints.
Improvised splinting, traction and other treatments.
Burns.
Diabetes, seizures and epilepsy, cardiac conditions.
Hypothermia, hyperthermia and other environmental conditions.
Altitude-related conditions, decompression illness, diving emergencies.
Motion sickness.
Behavioural problems.
Allergies and allergic reactions.
Poisoning, bites and stings.
Water emergencies and ocean-related emergencies.
Patient lifting, self-extrication and transport.
Wilderness medicine and pharmacology.
Inter-venous therapy and IM injections (remote supervised).

This training takes place both indoors and outdoors.

Process: Theory will be taught while students integrate theory to practice in an experiential manner.

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Assessment.

Accommodation and catering are included only for Level 1 students.