Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Courses & Recertifications
Wilderness Medicine Training to Prepare Outdoor Professionals & Enthusiasts for Medical Emergencies Wherever Your Adventures Take YouUpcoming Wilderness First ResPonder (WFR) COurse Dates
| Course | Days | Upcoming Dates | Enrollment Deadline | Price | Room & Board | Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WFR Recert | 3 | 03/18/26 - 03/20/26 | 03/04/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 03/23/26 - 03/25/26 | 03/09/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 05/18/26 - 05/20/26 | 05/04/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 05/23/26 - 05/25/26 | 05/09/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 08/19/26 - 08/21/26 | 08/05/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 03/16/26 - 03/20/26 | 03/02/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 03/21/26 - 03/25/26 | 03/07/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 05/16/26 - 05/20/26 | 05/02/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 05/21/26 - 05/25/26 | 05/07/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 08/17/26 - 08/19/26 | 08/03/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
For more information, see our WFR Frequently Asked Questions.
Who is The Course For?
Our participants are a mix of outdoor professionals and enthusiasts who are passionate about enjoying the outdoors safely and responsibly.
Avid Hikers &
Climbers
Cyclists &
Mtn Bikers
Kayakers & canoeists
Parents, Camp & Scout Leaders
Outdoor Guides & Instructors
Paramedics, SAR TEam, First Responders
What You’ll learn
The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course provides essential training in wilderness medicine, leadership and critical thinking for professionals, leaders, and outdoor adventurers working and recreating in outdoor, low-resource, and remote environments.
The general principles of wilderness and rescue medicine, with an emphasis on identifying medical emergencies, critical thinking and risk management.
Patient assessment and emergency care including CPR and AED use, basic life support skills, the patient assessment system, patient reporting, and calling for assistance.
Environmental medicine including illness and injuries related to altitude, temperature, lightning, submersion, and environmental toxins.
Backcountry medicine including the assessment and treatment of common medical problems.
Treatment of injuries from traumatic mechanisms and the treatment of musculoskeletal problems such as overuse syndromes and dislocations.
Non-technical lifting, moving, and extrication of patients with an emphasis on spinal motion restriction when applicable.
Practical Skills including bleeding control, wound management, bandaging, splinting, spine stable patient packagin, hypothermia management, medical kit preparation.
WMA International wilderness protocols including treatment of anaphylaxis, wound management, CPR in remote settings, spine injury assessment, reducation of simply dislocations, and treatment of severe asthma.
“I’m so glad I finally attended this course. It will provide a lifetime of value for me and my family, as we love spending time outdoors. I didn’t just learn how to handle emergencies, I’m more aware of how to prevent them.”
Wisconsin’s Best WFR course venue
Course Venue
Hoofbeat Ridge is an equine training center for kids high in the hills above Mazomanie, WI, about 25 miles west of Madison. This family-run retreat provides bunk-style accommodations and prides themselves on nourishing, healthy home-cooked meals, served family-style. The rolling hills surrounding the property are fantastic for wilderness medical scenarios as well as hiking in your free time.
Our Wilderness First Responder courses at Hoofbeat Ridge in Mazomanie, WI are special for three reasons:
Everything is provided at one convenient campus. No cooking or commuting! You won’t need to drive anywhere, unless you want to explore the great nearby hikes and villages.
The instructor and venue make or break a WFR course. We hand-pick teachers and hosts who provide top-shelf service to set you up for a successful training and certification. Our student rave about the instructors and food during our courses.
Rural WFR courses feel different. Our rural campus is surrounded by the fields and forests outdoor lovers enjoy. We think you’ll agree the setting is perfect.
Lodging & meals INcluded
Three delicious, hot, homemade meals daily. We are not responsible for you going home heavier!
Bunkhouse accommodations & hot, homemade meals included for all course dates. Our students consistently compliment the menu and food quality.
“The venue was fantastic - great scenery and great food!”
”The food at Hoofbeat Ridge is amazing! They are wonderful hosts.”
”The people and the food were the best parts of the course. I don’t have a worst part!”
On-site van or vehicle camping also available for those who prefer to sleep separately, but tent camping is not permitted. Students need not stay on campus, but we do not offer a "commuter" price option.
Meet our WFR Instructors
Gary Holt and Amy Attivismo teach 90% of the Wilderness First Responder courses we offer. These two wilderness medicine experts both hold EMT positions in their community, while also teaching frequent courses across the country. They have loads of stories from their own lives, which serve as illustrative examples of WFR course concepts.
But our instructors are not just medical field veterans! They are also tenured educators, able to keenly observe student practice and offer helpful, precise feedback that helps unlock understanding. Hundreds of students have offered feedback over the years about how fun and empowering their learning experiences have been. We think you’ll really enjoy learning with us.
“I’ve taken my WFR several times with other organizations & that was hands down the best one I’ve had. Amy was freaking awesome, Hoofbeat ridge was amazing & I’m walking away with more confidence now than I ever have as a WFR”
5-Day Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
$1,100/person ($250 deposit to enroll)
Room & Board Included
Course Overview
Typically completed in an 8-day format, the alternative 5-day Wilderness First Responder format requires students to undertake an increased amount of reading and homework prior to the classroom portion of the course. In exchange, students complete the course in much less time, making it easier for those with busy schedules to attend. For complete curriculum details, please see the Wilderness Medical Associates website.
EXPERIENCE
Before arriving at the course, students complete pre-course reading, study guide, and exam to prepare for the accelerated pace of this 5-Day format (estimated 25 hours prep time). You can expect full, interesting, and intense days. Plan on arriving at the course well rested and prepared to focus completely on the material. Full course attendance is required.
Wilderness First Responder is a level of medical certification that carries substantial responsibility. To fully prepare you, we use realistic simulations requiring patient examination and treatment employing simulated wounds and blood. While we recognize this can be uncomfortable for some people, it is important to developing the confidence and competence that you would expect of a medical professional.
Course Tuition Includes
• All course materials & instruction
• Bunk-style accommodations (or vehicle camping)
• Nutritional, homemade, family-style meals. We can accommodate most, but not all, dietary preferences and needs.
Course Venue
Hoofbeat Ridge is an equine training center for kids high in the hills above Mazomanie, WI, about 25 miles west of Madison. This family-run retreat provides bunk-style accommodations and prides themselves on nourishing, healthy home-cooked meals, served family-style. The rolling hills surrounding the property are fantastic for wilderness medical scenarios as well as hiking in your free time.
Enrollment
$250 deposit required to register. You may register online (see below) or send a deposit check for $250 to our mailing address (see footer below). Full payment is due 45 days before the course start date. You must enroll no less than 10 days prior to the course’s start date.
Enrollment is first-come, first served. As soon as we receive your course deposit or full payment, we will confirm your enrollment, send course details and request your student information.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Open Recertification
$675/Person ($150 deposit to enroll)
Room & Board Included
Course Overview
The Open Recertification course is open to graduates of all wilderness medical training courses of 64 hours or longer with a current, valid Wilderness First Responder certification. This is an accelerated course, and pre-course study preparation is essential to successful completion. Simply attending does not guarantee that you will be receive recertification.
Successful graduates of this course will receive Wilderness Medical Associates’ Wilderness First Responder, Anaphylaxis, and BLS/Healthcare Provider-level CPR certifications. WMA WEMT graduates with a current EMT-B or Paramedic certificate may also recertify the wilderness portion of their WEMT with this course. For complete curriculum details, please see the Wilderness Medical Associates website.
EXPERIENCE
Before arriving at the course, students will complete pre-course reading, study guide, and exam to prepare for the course experience (estimated 8 hours prep time). Recertification is a 24-hour course presented over three 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.
*Many of our WFR recertification courses are integrated with the last three days of our 5-day WFR courses. We understand it can be difficult to join a group that has already spent a few days together. However, WMAI’s instructors are accustomed to teaching these combined courses and work hard to create a seamless experience. In addition, running these courses together significantly reduces the likelihood that we have to cancel your course due to low enrollment.
Day 1: Introduction/Registration; Review Study Packet, Patient Assessment System, Basic Life Support (including Healthcare Provider-level CPR), Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Nervous System, Lifts, Moves and Extrications, PAS Drills
Day 2: Musculoskeletal, Dislocations, Spine Management, Wounds and Burns, PAS Drills, Splints I - Extremities, Splints II - Spines, Simulation
Day 3: Allergies and Anaphylaxis, Environmental Injuries, PAS Drills, Simulation, Final Testing, Conclusion
LOCATION
Hoofbeat Ridge is an equine training center for kids high in the hills above Mazomanie, WI, about 25 miles west of Madison. This family-run retreat provides bunk-style accommodations and prides themselves on nourishing, healthy home-cooked meals, served family-style. The rolling hills surrounding the property are fantastic for wilderness medical scenarios as well as hiking in your free time.
INCLUDES
All course materials and instruction are included with tuition, as well as bunkhouse accommodations and home-cooked meals.
LODGING
Three nights of bunk-style lodging (male and female dorms) with heat, bathrooms and showers are included, starting the night prior to the course.
ENROLLMENT
Tuition is $675. A $150 deposit reserves your place in the course. Full payment is due 45 days before course begins.
To enroll, you may register online (at right/below) or send a $150 deposit check to our office (please notify us).
Enrollment is first-come, first served. As soon as we receive your course deposit or full payment, we will confirm your enrollment and send course details.
Upcoming Wilderness First ResPonder (WFR) COurse Dates
| Course | Days | Upcoming Dates | Enrollment Deadline | Price | Room & Board | Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WFR Recert | 3 | 03/18/26 - 03/20/26 | 03/04/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 03/23/26 - 03/25/26 | 03/09/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 05/18/26 - 05/20/26 | 05/04/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 05/23/26 - 05/25/26 | 05/09/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| WFR Recert | 3 | 08/19/26 - 08/21/26 | 08/05/26 | $675 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 03/16/26 - 03/20/26 | 03/02/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 03/21/26 - 03/25/26 | 03/07/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 05/16/26 - 05/20/26 | 05/02/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 05/21/26 - 05/25/26 | 05/07/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
| Wilderness First Responder | 5 | 08/17/26 - 08/19/26 | 08/03/26 | $1,100 | Included | Enroll |
For more information, see our WFR Frequently Asked Questions.