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Wilderness first responders

WFR participants will learn valuable skills to assist them in outdoor survival. Photo courtesy of PDX.edu.
WFR participants will learn valuable skills to assist them in outdoor survival. Photo courtesy of PDX.edu.

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.

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