An extensive and comprehensive wilderness emergency response class, SOLO’s Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is the recognized industry standard for those who work as backcountry trip leaders, camp counselors, mountain guides, river guides, and ski patrollers.
What is taught?
The WFR is a 72-80 hour (9 day) course that takes emergency response beyond the walls of a clinic. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at the standards and skills of dealing with: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies and Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. Although these appear to be the same basic topics covered in our two-day WFA course, they are covered far more extensively, and there is much more hands-on practice. Additional topics, such as CPR, are also included.
How does the class work?
In this summertime course all lessons, hands-on practice, and scenarios occur outside on our wild campus which is surrounded by national forest and at 4000′ on the shoulder of Spruce Knob. Camp out in a tent or sleep in our dorms or yurts on campus.
About the instructor
Our WFR course, the only offered in West Virginia, is taught by Mateo Rosefsky from Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities. Mateo is a long-time instructor who is dedicated to leading our classes at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center.
Participation is limited so you are guaranteed a small group size and course curriculum geared toward individual interests of the students in attendance.
Who is the WFR course for?
The WFR is the perfect course for anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions.
Course Options and Costs
WFR course only: $875 Includes course, tent space, access to bath house (price goes up to $900 on July 1st)
Meals: $42 additional per night (3 meals per night, 8 or 9 nights depending on arrival). Meals will start with dinner on Sunday, August 10.
Lodging Options:
Beds in the dorm $30 additional per night (8 or more nights depending on arrival and departure)
Private yurt: $70 additional per night. Available on a first-come-first-serve basis.