Wilderness First Responder

Upcoming Events

May 6: All Day

Wilderness First Responder at LC

until May 15
May 17: All Day

WFR-Recertification (Hybrid Format)

until May 18

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.

How to Register

Fee:
The fee for this course covers instruction, tuition, books, and first aid materials for the scenarios.
- $695 for Lewis & Clark College undergraduate students
- $895 for the general public (opened to the public on 11/17/23)

How To Register:

Please call our office at (503) 768-7124 to register, or register at the College Outdoors office in person in Fowler 239
- Student registration begins the first day of the term. Payment plans are available.
- General public registration begins (for Jan. 2024) begins Nov. 17, 2023 and public registration is also currently open for the May 6-15, 2024 course.  Payment in full at the time of registration is required to secure your space.

CLICK FOR REGISTRATION FORM

Cancellation Policy:
There is an administrative cancellation fee of $100, and 60 days or fewer before the course start date the entire course fee is non-refundable unless we can fill your spot off the waitlist. If we are able to fill your spot less than 60 days before the course, the the tuition fee is refundable less a $150 “late drop” fee.

More Info:
Visit the Wilderness First Responder info page

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.