Upcoming WFR recert courses
by M&M Outdoors LLC (Mike Schiller)
by M&M Outdoors LLC (Mike Schiller)
October 25-27, 2024 (Fri - Sun)
TIME: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM each day (Agenda)
COST: $395 Tuition Only; $15/person/night to camp/park overnight.
LOCATION: Camp Indianola, 10635 NE Shore Dr, Indianola, WA 98342
Registration.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Are your wilderness medicine protocols on the tip of your tongue or in the bottom of your pack? Join the leader in wilderness medicine for a three-day scenario-based course to review and practice evacuation and decision making guidelines. Our dynamic, experienced instructors will refresh you on the current techniques, protocols and controversies in the wilderness medicine field. You'll have opportunities to ask questions based on your real life experiences and practice scenarios and case studies that will challenge you. The WFR Recertification course also includes Adult/child/infant CPR and FBAO. This course is the most popular recertification program in Wilderness Medicine and is ideal for current Wilderness First Responders and Wilderness EMTs. The WFR Recertification course is pre-approved for 18 hours of EMT CEU’s by CAPCE.
See below for more details:
RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
All students are required to submit a photocopy of their current WFR certification card by the time the course begins. (You can upload a copy of your most recent certification as part of your registration.)
If you hold a current Wilderness First Responder certification of at least 70 hours, you will receive a NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR certification upon successful completion of your WFR Recert course. If you hold a valid WFR certification from NOLS/WMI, we ask you to bring your certification card so that the instructor can verify your expiration date. Students holding a current WFR certification from any other organization are REQUIRED to submit a photocopy of their certification card on the first day of the course. If you hold a current WFR certification from any other wilderness medicine organization with less than a 70 hour certification, you will receive a letter of course completion in lieu of a NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR certification. This letter of completion may allow you to recertify with your original certifying organization. You must contact that organization prior to your WMI course to ensure that our course will meet their requirements for recertification.
You must possess a current (unexpired) WFR certification of at least 70 hours to recertify through a WFR Recertification course. It is your responsibility to make sure that your certification meets this standard. If you are unsure, please contact WMI before enrolling in a course. NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications will be afforded a one-year grace period within which to recertify.
This course will also recertify those who hold a valid WEMT (wilderness portion only) or WAFA certification. Students recertifying the wilderness portion of their WEMT certification must submit a valid WEMT card and a photocopy of their current EMT card on course.
We ask NOLS Wilderness Medicine certified students to upload an image of their WFR certification card when they register for this course, or to bring their certification card to the course so the instructor can verify the expiration date. Students certified by any other organization are REQUIRED to submit a photocopy of their certification card on or before the first day of the course. Please note: We cannot issue you a new card until we verify your previous training.
To repeat: There is a one-year grace period for recertification of NOLS/WMI cards. There is NO grace period for holders of non-WMI cards, though the original issuer of your most recent card may accept NOLS' Letter of Completion and re-issue your WFR themselves. If you are uncertain about this, you should contact your current card issuer and ask them about their policies. (Keep in mind that your certification is not current during this grace period and therefore you can not work as a Wilderness First Responder.)
For more details regarding eligibility, please review NOLS' recertification policies to confirm your eligibility to take this course. If you still have questions, contact Mike directly, or contact NOLS at [email protected].
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOLS STUDENT AGREEMENT (including Assumption of Risks and Agreements of Release and Indemnity)
Please download this agreement from here and read it very carefully as it affects your legal rights. Bring the two-page signed document to the first day of the course. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must sign the document. Failure to provide a signed document will result in you not being able to participate in the course. NOLS participants, including minors, will have unsupervised free time throughout the course. Any activities during the free time are not part of the NOLS program and are at the sole risk of the participant. (We will have copies of the Agreement at the course if you forget to print and bring one of your own.)
COVID-19 Practices and Policies**
To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our classrooms, NOLS has instituted a set of policies regarding the use of personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.) and hygiene practices that all students and staff must follow. These policies can be read here. Please review this document ahead of your course. Willful failure to comply with these practices will result in dismissal from the course.
Click here for more details on NOLS' COVID policy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CURRICULUM
The NOLS curriculum has been developed and has evolved over decades by medical professionals and experts in outdoor education. NOLS instructors are expert educators with years of medical and wilderness leadership experience. Please see the WFR Recert Course Outline for an overview and schedule of topics covered during your course. You can read more about our curriculum on the NOLS website as well as view other curriculum resources here. When taking a WFR Recert, we strongly encourage pre-course study. Students who spend time reviewing their WFR textbook and our online curriculum resources enjoy these courses more and are able to focus on practicing skills and patient interactions.
TESTING
The course will begin with a multiple-choice written test for all participants where 70% is a passing score. Please review our online materials and your past course materials to ensure your success on this test. In the event that you do not pass this initial test, you will be offered a second test later on in the course and the average of these scores will need to be over 70% to pass the course.
Instructors will provide continuous evaluation and feedback throughout the course and each student will be required to complete a practical exam. The practical exam will require students to demonstrate their patient assessment skills. Your instructors can provide more info on testing procedures on the first day of your course.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CLASS FORMAT & EQUIPMENT
Course days run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. (These times coordinate nicely with the ferry schedule from/to Edmonds.) There is plenty of parking on-site, but carpooling and biking are encouraged. See the Logistics page for additional details and directions. We will have an hour for lunch each day.
An updated copy of the Wilderness First Responder handbook will be provided on Day One. You do not need to read or purchase this ahead of time.
The format for this 24-hour WFR recertification is one of scenario-based learning. Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Please bring clothing appropriate for laying on the potentially wet, snowy, muddy, cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Frequently stage blood and make-up (moulage) will be used to emphasize the reality of a scenario. Generally the classroom environment lends itself to a pair of comfy shoes/slipper and a camp-type chair. Please come equipped with a light daypack, waterproof top and bottom, light hiking boots and layers well suited for spending time outside playing the roles of patient and rescuer.
PACKING CHECKLIST
Notebook and pen
Watch with second hand or digital second timer
Sunglasses, prescription glasses, safety glasses, or other eye protection
Personal bottle of hand sanitizer
Water bottle AND coffee/tea mug
Light day pack
Waterproof outerwear top and bottom
Light hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Clothing layers that allow you to be comfortable in a variety of weather conditions
Slippers or comfortable shoes for classroom time (optional)
Camp chair for classroom time (optional)
MEALS
Coffee and tea will be provided in the classroom free throughout the course. Lunch is not provided on this course. There is only one store in Indianola, and it is a 15 minute drive back to the stores in Kingston. Bringing your own lunch will be a good option.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
This course is pre-approved for 18 hours of EMT Continuing Education Hours by the Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). For more detailed information, please see: www.nols.edu/en/wilderness-medicine/planning/continuing-education/
PRE-COURSE ACCESS TO COLLEGE CREDIT
The WFR Recert course is pre-approved for one semester hour credit through Western Colorado University (WCU) for an additional cost of $80. At least thirty days prior to the NOLS Wilderness Medicine course, interested students must initiate registration and payment for credit by requesting an enrollment form for WCU from NOLS Wilderness Medicine.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
OTHER COURSE POLICIES
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE TEACHING SITE. THIS INCLUDES LEASHING THEM OUTSIDE. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any student bringing pets to class will be asked to leave class until the pet is safely situated in a kennel or other facility.
NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED ON SITE. SMOKING IS PERMITTED ONLY IN THE UPPER PARKING AREA, NOWHERE ELSE ON CAMPUS.
**********************************************************************************************
REGISTRATION POLICIES
Tuition payment in full is required to reserve your spot in the course. Tuition is transferable to other qualified students. Tuition is payable by Visa/MasterCard, Venmo, or check. Please contact me if you would like to pay with PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, or another digital mechanism. Once the course has begun, no refunds of any moneys will be awarded. The tuition fee covers textbooks, syllabus, equipment and certification cards. NOLS Wilderness Medicine is not obligated to allow any student to attend a course until all NOLS paperwork has been received, reviewed and approved by NOLS. A full refund will be given if we are forced to cancel the course for any reason.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If a student cancels or withdraws from a course:
COVID POLICIES
Please note: NOLS Wilderness Medicine no longer requires students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (as of Dec. 26, 2022). Click here for more details on NOLS' COVID policy.
TIME: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM each day (Agenda)
COST: $395 Tuition Only; $15/person/night to camp/park overnight.
LOCATION: Camp Indianola, 10635 NE Shore Dr, Indianola, WA 98342
Registration.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Are your wilderness medicine protocols on the tip of your tongue or in the bottom of your pack? Join the leader in wilderness medicine for a three-day scenario-based course to review and practice evacuation and decision making guidelines. Our dynamic, experienced instructors will refresh you on the current techniques, protocols and controversies in the wilderness medicine field. You'll have opportunities to ask questions based on your real life experiences and practice scenarios and case studies that will challenge you. The WFR Recertification course also includes Adult/child/infant CPR and FBAO. This course is the most popular recertification program in Wilderness Medicine and is ideal for current Wilderness First Responders and Wilderness EMTs. The WFR Recertification course is pre-approved for 18 hours of EMT CEU’s by CAPCE.
See below for more details:
- Recertification Requirements
- Student Agreement Form
- Curriculum Details
- Testing Requirements
- Class Format and Equipment
- Packing Checklist
- Continuing Education Credits
- College Credit
- Other Course Policies
RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
All students are required to submit a photocopy of their current WFR certification card by the time the course begins. (You can upload a copy of your most recent certification as part of your registration.)
If you hold a current Wilderness First Responder certification of at least 70 hours, you will receive a NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR certification upon successful completion of your WFR Recert course. If you hold a valid WFR certification from NOLS/WMI, we ask you to bring your certification card so that the instructor can verify your expiration date. Students holding a current WFR certification from any other organization are REQUIRED to submit a photocopy of their certification card on the first day of the course. If you hold a current WFR certification from any other wilderness medicine organization with less than a 70 hour certification, you will receive a letter of course completion in lieu of a NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR certification. This letter of completion may allow you to recertify with your original certifying organization. You must contact that organization prior to your WMI course to ensure that our course will meet their requirements for recertification.
You must possess a current (unexpired) WFR certification of at least 70 hours to recertify through a WFR Recertification course. It is your responsibility to make sure that your certification meets this standard. If you are unsure, please contact WMI before enrolling in a course. NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications will be afforded a one-year grace period within which to recertify.
This course will also recertify those who hold a valid WEMT (wilderness portion only) or WAFA certification. Students recertifying the wilderness portion of their WEMT certification must submit a valid WEMT card and a photocopy of their current EMT card on course.
We ask NOLS Wilderness Medicine certified students to upload an image of their WFR certification card when they register for this course, or to bring their certification card to the course so the instructor can verify the expiration date. Students certified by any other organization are REQUIRED to submit a photocopy of their certification card on or before the first day of the course. Please note: We cannot issue you a new card until we verify your previous training.
To repeat: There is a one-year grace period for recertification of NOLS/WMI cards. There is NO grace period for holders of non-WMI cards, though the original issuer of your most recent card may accept NOLS' Letter of Completion and re-issue your WFR themselves. If you are uncertain about this, you should contact your current card issuer and ask them about their policies. (Keep in mind that your certification is not current during this grace period and therefore you can not work as a Wilderness First Responder.)
For more details regarding eligibility, please review NOLS' recertification policies to confirm your eligibility to take this course. If you still have questions, contact Mike directly, or contact NOLS at [email protected].
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOLS STUDENT AGREEMENT (including Assumption of Risks and Agreements of Release and Indemnity)
Please download this agreement from here and read it very carefully as it affects your legal rights. Bring the two-page signed document to the first day of the course. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must sign the document. Failure to provide a signed document will result in you not being able to participate in the course. NOLS participants, including minors, will have unsupervised free time throughout the course. Any activities during the free time are not part of the NOLS program and are at the sole risk of the participant. (We will have copies of the Agreement at the course if you forget to print and bring one of your own.)
COVID-19 Practices and Policies**
To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our classrooms, NOLS has instituted a set of policies regarding the use of personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.) and hygiene practices that all students and staff must follow. These policies can be read here. Please review this document ahead of your course. Willful failure to comply with these practices will result in dismissal from the course.
Click here for more details on NOLS' COVID policy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CURRICULUM
The NOLS curriculum has been developed and has evolved over decades by medical professionals and experts in outdoor education. NOLS instructors are expert educators with years of medical and wilderness leadership experience. Please see the WFR Recert Course Outline for an overview and schedule of topics covered during your course. You can read more about our curriculum on the NOLS website as well as view other curriculum resources here. When taking a WFR Recert, we strongly encourage pre-course study. Students who spend time reviewing their WFR textbook and our online curriculum resources enjoy these courses more and are able to focus on practicing skills and patient interactions.
TESTING
The course will begin with a multiple-choice written test for all participants where 70% is a passing score. Please review our online materials and your past course materials to ensure your success on this test. In the event that you do not pass this initial test, you will be offered a second test later on in the course and the average of these scores will need to be over 70% to pass the course.
Instructors will provide continuous evaluation and feedback throughout the course and each student will be required to complete a practical exam. The practical exam will require students to demonstrate their patient assessment skills. Your instructors can provide more info on testing procedures on the first day of your course.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CLASS FORMAT & EQUIPMENT
Course days run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. (These times coordinate nicely with the ferry schedule from/to Edmonds.) There is plenty of parking on-site, but carpooling and biking are encouraged. See the Logistics page for additional details and directions. We will have an hour for lunch each day.
An updated copy of the Wilderness First Responder handbook will be provided on Day One. You do not need to read or purchase this ahead of time.
The format for this 24-hour WFR recertification is one of scenario-based learning. Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Please bring clothing appropriate for laying on the potentially wet, snowy, muddy, cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Frequently stage blood and make-up (moulage) will be used to emphasize the reality of a scenario. Generally the classroom environment lends itself to a pair of comfy shoes/slipper and a camp-type chair. Please come equipped with a light daypack, waterproof top and bottom, light hiking boots and layers well suited for spending time outside playing the roles of patient and rescuer.
PACKING CHECKLIST
Notebook and pen
Watch with second hand or digital second timer
Sunglasses, prescription glasses, safety glasses, or other eye protection
Personal bottle of hand sanitizer
Water bottle AND coffee/tea mug
Light day pack
Waterproof outerwear top and bottom
Light hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Clothing layers that allow you to be comfortable in a variety of weather conditions
Slippers or comfortable shoes for classroom time (optional)
Camp chair for classroom time (optional)
MEALS
Coffee and tea will be provided in the classroom free throughout the course. Lunch is not provided on this course. There is only one store in Indianola, and it is a 15 minute drive back to the stores in Kingston. Bringing your own lunch will be a good option.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
This course is pre-approved for 18 hours of EMT Continuing Education Hours by the Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). For more detailed information, please see: www.nols.edu/en/wilderness-medicine/planning/continuing-education/
PRE-COURSE ACCESS TO COLLEGE CREDIT
The WFR Recert course is pre-approved for one semester hour credit through Western Colorado University (WCU) for an additional cost of $80. At least thirty days prior to the NOLS Wilderness Medicine course, interested students must initiate registration and payment for credit by requesting an enrollment form for WCU from NOLS Wilderness Medicine.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
OTHER COURSE POLICIES
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE TEACHING SITE. THIS INCLUDES LEASHING THEM OUTSIDE. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any student bringing pets to class will be asked to leave class until the pet is safely situated in a kennel or other facility.
NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED ON SITE. SMOKING IS PERMITTED ONLY IN THE UPPER PARKING AREA, NOWHERE ELSE ON CAMPUS.
**********************************************************************************************
REGISTRATION POLICIES
Tuition payment in full is required to reserve your spot in the course. Tuition is transferable to other qualified students. Tuition is payable by Visa/MasterCard, Venmo, or check. Please contact me if you would like to pay with PayPal, Zelle, CashApp, or another digital mechanism. Once the course has begun, no refunds of any moneys will be awarded. The tuition fee covers textbooks, syllabus, equipment and certification cards. NOLS Wilderness Medicine is not obligated to allow any student to attend a course until all NOLS paperwork has been received, reviewed and approved by NOLS. A full refund will be given if we are forced to cancel the course for any reason.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If a student cancels or withdraws from a course:
- Greater than or equal to 10 days prior to the course starting date, sponsor will retain a $50 administrative fee.
- Within 10 days of the course start date and once the course has begun, tuition is non-refundable.
COVID POLICIES
Please note: NOLS Wilderness Medicine no longer requires students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (as of Dec. 26, 2022). Click here for more details on NOLS' COVID policy.
For more information, please select one of the following:
COURSE AGENDA
STUDENT AGREEMENT FORM
DIRECTIONS AND LODGING INFORMATION
REGISTRATION
PHOTO GALLERY
NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE WEB SITE
CONTACT MIKE
COURSE AGENDA
STUDENT AGREEMENT FORM
DIRECTIONS AND LODGING INFORMATION
REGISTRATION
PHOTO GALLERY
NOLS WILDERNESS MEDICINE WEB SITE
CONTACT MIKE