Wilderness First Responder Recertification

Itinerary

4 Consecutive days supplemented with online learning: Sessions run 8:30 am-4:30pm with a 1-hour lunch break.

This 40-hour course consists of a blend of classroom instruction and field scenarios. The program is highly practical and is presented using a blend of theoretical concepts and practical activities, scenarios and simulations. The course requires pre-reading and the completion of online learning assignments prior to the first course session. Students who have not taken a course with us in the past, will need to submit an electronic copy of their current (not-expired) 80-hour wilderness first aid certificate to the Yamnuska Office. Pre-Course reading materials and assignments will be sent to each student by email four weeks before their course start date. Students may use previous textbooks and first aid materials to study.

Every three years participants are required to refresh their Wilderness First Responder skills.

Course Agenda

This is an intensive course, so be sure to arrive prepared and ready to demonstrate your first aid skills. Each day will begin at 8:30 am and run until about 4:30 pm with a 1-hour break for lunch. Yamnuska has complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate for students, as well as a fridge and microwave available to use if you wish to bring your own lunch.
The program is highly practical. Sessions focus on practical activities, scenarios and simulations, with most theoretical concepts reviewed online. Students will be assessed on their practical first aid skills during scenarios and practice sessions. For successful re-certification, participants must complete the following course components:

• All online course elements with a score of 80% or higher
• 100% attendance
• Demonstration of all required practical skills at the WFR level

The WFR Re-certification program will focus on practical skills, scenarios and simulations. Most theoretical concepts will be reviewed through online learning.

Standard First Aid Re-Certification Content:

• Patient Assessment System
• Airway, Breathing and Circulation Management
• Choking
• CPR Level C with AED training
• Soft Tissue Injuries and their care
• Shock
• Heart Attack, Angina and Stroke
• Bone and Joint Injuries
• Spine, Head and Pelvic Injuries
• Chest Trauma
• Medical Emergencies
• Bites, Stings, Poisons and Toxins
• Heat and Cold Injuries

Wilderness First Responder Content:

• Principles of extended care
• Advanced airway management, including oropharyngeal airways, use of BVM’s and suctioning
• Wound management in the field
• Thermal burns
• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Dislocations and field relocation techniques
• Head and facial trauma
• Spinal injuries; spinal restriction techniques; protocol for continuing or negating the need for spinal control
• Abdominal trauma
• Lightning caused injuries
• Environmental Emergencies, including oral re-hydration guidelines
• Allergies and anaphylaxis, including use of an Epi-pen
• Altitude emergencies
• Drowning / near-drowning
• Water and foodborne illness, including water purification techniques
• Changes in the level of consciousness
• Respiratory distress, including use of an Epi-pen / Epinephrine for non-responsive patients
• Asthma
• Cardiology
• Abdominal pain
• Diabetes
• Outdoor first aid kits
• Bivouac skills
• Search and rescue principles
• Packaging and transportation
• Critical incident stress management
• Triage Rescue and transportation
• Oxygen administration, including both passive and active delivery devices
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Dental emergencies
• Backcountry CPR guidelines
• Anatomy, physiology and terminology

This is a re-certification course and is not designed to cover topics in detail. You will be expected to already have a high level of skill from your certification and will be responsible for demonstrating your knowledge and practical skills to obtain re-certification. Key topics will be discussed and reviewed at a re-certification level. If you have not practiced your first aid since your last course or are not comfortable with demonstrating key skills, you should consider a refresher course prior to re-certification.

FAQ’s

1. My certification is already expired. Am I still able to take the recertification course? Unfortunately, no. You must currently hold a valid 80 Hour certification in order to take the re-certification course. If you allow your certificate to expire you must take the full 80-hour program again to regain your certification.
2. What time of year do you usually offer the re-certification courses, and how fast do they fill up/sell out? Re-certification programs are typically run in the shoulder seasons- Spring (April/May) and Fall (September/October). Programs do tend to fill quickly (sometimes 2-3 months in advance), so be sure to register for the date of your choice as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
3. I took my original 80-hour course through a different company. Am I able to re-certify through Yamnuska and Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine? Yes. Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine can recertify any 80-hour certification. Students who have not taken a course with Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine in the past will need to submit an electronic copy of their current (not-expired) 80-hour course certificate to the Yamnuska Office.
4. Which provinces in Canada is my certification valid in? Am I able to use this internationally? Your Standard Fist Aid Certification is recognized in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Equivalence can be sought in BC at OFA1 level. The outdoor industry has no uniformity when it comes to recognition. Many outdoor companies simply want you to have a “wilderness” first aid. These courses can be anywhere from 20 hours to 120 hours long. We recommend checking with your employer, especially if working outside of North America. 80-hour certification is widely recognized as the industry standard for those working/ guiding in the outdoor industry.
5. With the OHS changes in 2023, how do I re-certify my wilderness certification so that I can gain equivalency in B.C. at OFA3 level? Individuals will now need to complete an Advanced First Aid Re-Certification course plus a Wilderness First Responder Re-Certification course. Advanced First Aid in Alberta is recognized as equivalent to OFA3 in B.C., but it is not a wilderness certification.

Getting to Canmore

Canmore is a 1-hour drive west of Calgary. If visiting the area from far away you may want a car so you can visit local attractions and enjoy the surrounding mountains.

Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore.

Logistics

The course begins at the Yamnuska office Day 1. Map  8:30 am-5:00 pm with a 1-hour lunch break.

Instructors

The course is being taught by professional instructors and practitioners from Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine (RMAM). They receive intensive vetting and training. Course quality is continually monitored and assessed to ensure it meets the most current standards.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation and meals in Canmore are not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo-style accommodation with kitchens or suites.  We recommend that you book your accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.

Certification

Wilderness First Responder Certification and Standard First Aid with Level C CPR. Both certifications are valid for 3 years. Within 3 years, graduates must recertify by taking the 40-hour program (4 days in-person supplemented with online learning).

The outdoor industry has no uniformity when it comes to recognition. Many outdoor companies simply want you to have a “wilderness” first aid. These courses can be anywhere from 20 hours to 120 hours long. We recommend checking with your employer, especially if working outside of North America. 80-hour certification is widely recognized as the industry standard for those working/ guiding in the outdoor industry. Your Standard Fist Aid Certification is recognized in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Equivalence can be sought for BC at OFA1 level.

Successful completion of this course is based on attendance (100% required), completion of all required skills at a WFR level and a score of 80% or higher on all online learning components. Not everyone passes this course.

What to Bring

We ask that you bring appropriate clothing for the location and time of year. Remember that rain or shine, much of our time is spent outside doing scenarios. You will also need a sleeping pad/mat (for simulations), pens, and a notebook.

• Lunch unless you want to head into town for the break
• Clothing suitable for whatever the weather throws at us for the outdoor portions of the program
• For the field days, we would recommend you bring a pack containing items that you would normally take with you on a day out into the backcountry e.g. extra clothing, tarp, ski poles, duct tape, fire starter kit, ensolite/Thermarest, Swiss army knife/Leatherman.
• Additionally, participants are welcome to bring equipment with them that they regularly use in a backcountry setting to use as part of scenarios, examples would be snowshoes, skis, snowboard, ice axes, avalanche probes etc.

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment at the time of booking.

Detailed booking instructions and conditions.

Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here.  Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.

There are two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider: Medical and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. We offer our guests coverage for both and highly recommend you purchase it.

Emergency Medical Expenses Insurance:

It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip.  Obtain extra coverage if necessary.  There is no charge for rescue in the national and provincial parks, however, costs such as air or ground transportation, long-term care, and other services are not covered.

Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance:

We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons; business, family, flight delays, injuries and other unplanned events.  For these eventualities, the Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment.

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend the Simpson Group.  This agency offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for Canadian Travelers.

Please note that this coverage is for Canadian residents only. For guests who are not from Canada and who are interested in the ‘Visitors to Canada’ insurance package please contact the Simpson Group directly at JSimpson@simpson-group.com and reference your Yamnuska Mountain Adventure trip.