Wilderness First Responder
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This 80-hour course taught by NOLS Wilderness Medicine is the industry standard for field-based medical training for outdoor trip leaders, instructors, and folks who just like to spend a lot of time outdoors. You will be prepared to handle all types of medical issues that may arise when in the backcountry. The class will meet 8 to 12 hours per day over the scheduled days (Class length may vary, due to outdoor scenarios and rescue training being taught.) We recommend you don’t have any other commitments during the course, as you will be busy! Passing the course will result in a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification from NOLS.
Housing is available for an additional fee through Campus Living, only for students with a spring housing contract. Meal plans are not available, but a shuttle will be run to Fred Meyers by College Outdoors staff to take people to get groceries. Stop by the office in Fowler 239 for more information and details about lodging, meal, and transportation options.
Course Overview Document
How to Register
- $925 for General Public: Register by calling 503-768-7116, ask for Kori Campbell
- $695 for L&C Undergraduate Students: Register in-person at the College Outdoors office in Fowler 239, or by calling 503-768-7116
The fee for this course covers instruction, tuition, books, and first aid materials for the scenarios.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel from the course more than 30 days prior to the course start date, you will be charged a $50 administrative fee but the remainder of your course fee will be refunded. Within 30 days of the course start date we are unable to provide a refund unless we can fill your space. If we do fill your space, you will be issued a refund less the $50 administrative fee.
Trip Type
- On Campus
Physical Demands
Participants should be prepared to sit, stand, kneel, bend, twist, walk, and carry >20 lbs. The class involves classroom learning and outdoor rescue scenarios on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Participants will be in close contact with one another, including physical contact (disposable gloves & masks are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own). Participants will need to be able to make visual observations of patients.
Accessibility accommodations are available, contact outdoors@lclark.edu.
What to Expect
- ☐ Sleeping indoors
- ☐ Sleeping outdoors
- ☑ Electricity
- ☑ Wifi
- ☑ Cell phone service
- ☑ Heating
- ☐ Beds
- ☑ Bathrooms
- ☑ Gender-inclusive bathrooms
- ☐ Showers
- ☐ Wheelchair accessible
- ☐ Food for any Dietary Restrictions
Details
Schedule:
This 80-hour course will meet 8 to 12 hours per day over the 10 scheduled days, starting at 7:45am the first day and at 8:00am on all other days. Class length may vary, due to outdoor scenarios and rescue training being taught. Day 6 of the course is a day off, and days 3 and 8 of the course are when the evening sessions are scheduled to occur. Click here for a general outline of the course schedule. We recommend you don’t have any other commitments while taking this course, as you will be busy!
Course Location:
This course is held at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Material is taught indoors with frequent scenarios performed in the natural outdoor settings around campus and in the nearby forests.
Housing & Transportation:
On-campus housing is available only to LC students with a current housing contract, for an additional fee per night, paid directly to Campus Living. Housing is not available for the general public. Public transportation is not a viable option for accessing Lewis & Clark College during all of the course days, but parking on campus is free during this course.