This course is presented in 36 to 40 hours over 4 days. Typically, mornings are devoted to lectures, discussions and quizzes, with afternoons devoted to outdoor practical skills and scenarios. Evenings are reserved for study and assignments. Expect rescue scenarios with made-up victims and simulated wounds to prepare you for backcountry emergencies. Sessions may be videotaped for enhanced learning.

Day 1: Registration/Introduction; Review Pre-course Study Packet; Patient Assessment System; Circulatory/Respiratory Systems; PAS Drills; Basic Life Support (Healthcare Provider-level CPR)

Day 2: Quiz/Case Studies Review; Nervous System; Spine Management; Musculoskeletal; PAS Drill; Dislocations; Patient Immobilization; Litter Carries and Belays; PAS Drills

Day 3: Quiz/Case Studies Review; Emergency Childbirth; Allergy & Anaphylaxis; Altitude or Diving; Frostbite; Near Drowning; Search and Rescue; Traction Splints; Improvised Litters; Simulation and Debrief

Day 4: Case Study Review; Backcountry Medicine; Toxins; Medical Kits; PAS Drills; Written Test; Skills Testing; Conclusion

The lead instructor has been presenting these courses in beautiful Taos New Mexico for 30 years.  The course will be conducted in a COVID safe manner with multiple,
very experienced, instructors.

Included Materials:

The following teaching materials are provided by WMA International at no additional cost:

• The Field Guide of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine
• Wilderness and Rescue Medicine: A practical guide for the basic and advanced practitioner
• WFR Class Notes
• Wilderness Medicine Workbook
• SOAP Notebook

Certifications:

All eligible students who successfully complete the WAFA to WFR Bridge course will receive WMA International’s Wilderness First Responder certification including anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider-Level CPR or equivalent. All WMA International certifications remain valid for three years. This certification can be used to challenge the DOT First Responder Exam, which is at the discretion of the local or state EMS authorities.

Recertification:

Within three years, graduates may recertify by completing a Wilderness Advanced First Aid, retaking the Bridge (WAFA to WFR), or completing the Open Recertification course.

Prerequisites:

Current Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification within three years of the Bridge course. If using this course to recertify, students must have proof of a valid WMA International WFR or WEMT certification or a valid WFR certification from another organization, whose original training was at least 64 hours in length. Proof of certification is required.

Students will have access to the pre-course assignments 2-4 weeks prior to the course. Students should complete the study guide in preparation for the course. It was designed to familiarize students with the essential points in the curriculum. Instructors will collect it at the beginning of the course but it will not be figured into the final grade.

Students must be at least sixteen years old to participate in this course. Those under eighteen years of age will require the written consent of a parent or guardian.

Details

WMAI WAFA to WFR Bridge
Course Dates: April 15 – 18, 2024
Course Hours: 8am – 5pm

Location

Class will be at Quail Ridge: 88 Ski Valley Rd, Taos, NM 87571

What to bring

Clothing appropriate to the weather. We will be outdoors as much as possible within the curriculum and will train snow or sunshine. We recommend a wind/waterproof jacket of some kind. The classroom can be a little chilly in the morning so you may want to bring fleece/wool/warmies/etc.
Sit Pad/Closed-cell foam/Thermarest. As a simulated patient you will frequently be sitting or laying on the ground which could be wet or muddy.
Sturdy walking shoes/boots. There might be snow/wet ground, and the scenarios and simulations may be outside. You may be required to transport patients through a variety of terrain.
Clothing that can get dirty. You will be outside and we conduct hi-fidelity simulations complete with simulated blood (and other unsavories). Expect to get a little dirty… Sim blood will eventually wash out… 🙂
One set of destructible clothing–old shirts, pants, etc. Something you do not mind getting damaged or cut. We will use this during scenarios.
Any gear you wear or carry during your daily operations. e.g. If you are a wildland firefighter, bring your PPE and pack, etc. You do not need to show up in this to class–we may incorporate it into a scenario.
Optional (but useful): Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Extra socks, Gloves, Hat (ball cap, wooly)

Food

We are about 5-10 minutes from Taos and there are plenty of great food options close by. We will generally plan for lunch from 12:00-13:00. There will not be a fridge on-site.

Plan to bring all the snacks, drinks, etc. that you want.

Health Pledge

I promise to: 

• Comply with current New Mexico Public Health Order
• Stay home if I am feeling sick or having any symptoms of illness
• Wash or sanitize my hands frequently and be extra attentive to cleaning and hygiene standards
• Be smart and use common sense outside of class to avoid any exposure and possible spread of colds
• Have a great class focused on my personal wellness (both physical and mental).