Course Breakdown
This program is designed for participants with a current Advanced Wilderness First Aid certification to upgrade their training to Wilderness First Responder. This performance-based program requires participants to assess and treat patients in practical simulations. Written and practical examinations are used at completion. Students bridging to a WFR must hold a current (non-expired) Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification.
This Course Is For
Holders of a current Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) certification looking to upgrade to the Wilderness First Responder level. Also open to Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification holders seeking WFR recertification.
What You Will Gain
Participants bridge the gap between AWFA and WFR — expanding scope of practice, deepening decision-making skills, and earning a nationally recognized WFR certification through CWMT.
Course Details
Eligibility
- A current WAFA certification with a minimum of 36 hours of overall instruction.
- For recertification: a WFR course with a minimum of 70 hours (including 45 hours in-person).
- OEC certification holders are eligible to recertify and receive a WFR certification upon successful completion.
Training in Action
Real-World Learning Experience
Topics Covered
- General principles of wilderness and rescue medicine
- Critical thinking and risk management
- Patient assessment and emergency care, CPR and AED use
- Basic life support skills and patient reporting
- Traumatic injuries and musculoskeletal problems
- Overuse syndromes and dislocations
- Environmental medicine — altitude, temperature, lightning, submersion, toxins
- Backcountry medicine — common medical problems
- Non-technical lifting, moving and extrication of patients
- Spinal motion restriction and packaging
- Bleeding control and wound management
- Bandaging and splinting techniques
- Hypothermia management
- WMA International wilderness protocols — anaphylaxis, CPR, spine injury, dislocations, severe asthma
Recertification
Certifications are valid for 3 years. Graduates may recertify by taking a Wilderness First Responder Recertification course or by retaking this Bridge (WAFA to WFR) course.
Who We Are
Canadian Wilderness Medical Training (CWMT) is an organization of professionals in pre-hospital care, outdoor leadership and education — dedicated to providing the best possible training and support for their clients.
Wilderness Medical Society
Member & Practice Standards
Canadian Red Cross
Authorized Provider
EC&S Institute
Certified Education Centre
Government & Universities
Trusted Training Partner