Next month, the Outdoor Program at PSU will be sponsoring a Wilderness First Responder course. The five-day program offers attendees the knowledge and support to learn what to do in the event of a medical emergency out in the wild. The course is scheduled for March 23 to 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, but may be extended if necessary. A trip to Tryon Creek State Natural Area is included in the package.
“The WFR five-day course is for anyone who wants to be prepared if life-threatening medical situations should arise,” course coordinator Dylan Erickson said. “While the WFR certification is touted for those who work in remote areas, it would be a boon for anyone’s credentials. But for those who are or would like to be an outdoor educator, a guide [or] a [Search and Rescue] team member, this is the unequivocal medical course for them.”
A WFR recertification course is also being held by the Outdoor Center March 29 to 31, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, for those looking to update their WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates) WFR certification. Before signing up, it is important to understand the commitment required for courses like these.
“[Participants] should have a strong self-discipline because…there are approximately 25 hours of pre-course preparation,” Erickson said. “This includes reading, case studies, [a] study guide and tests. It is very important to have this pre-course preparation accomplished, because once on site the instructors will assume you have done the work, which will then be reinforced through wilderness rescue scenarios and practical skills with made-up victims, simulated wounds and all.”
The WFR five-day course costs $559 for ASRC members and $659 for nonmembers. The price for the recert course is $285 for members and $315 for nonmembers.
“The marriage of the pre-course, preparation and the on-site work will prepare all participants for just about any back-country emergency,” Erickson said.
The deadline to register is March 8 at noon for the regular course, and March 27 at noon for recertification. For more information, contact the Outdoor Center at 503-725-5668.