Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
In this course we’ll discuss common injuries and illnesses that you might expect to encounter during your favorite outdoor activities. Activities we often discuss include backcountry skiing, rock climbing, alpine climbing, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, road biking, and more.
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- The Patient Assessment System
- How to provide effective first aid treatment for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors
- Techniques to improvise first aid solutions in the backcountry
- How to make appropriate evacuation decisions
Here's the schedule for your WFR Hybrid 5 Day Course:
Online Coursework
You’ll begin by reading the textbook, watching videos and taking chapter quizzes. This takes about 20-30 hours of time and you’ll need to finish this before the in-person portion begins.
Field Day 1
Field Day 2
Field Day 3
Field Day 4
Field Day 5
- Chest Injuries
- Documentation
- Lightning
- Snakes, ticks, water disinfection
- Written and Practical Exam
- Closure
- Minimal Fitness - This program involves minimal physical fitness and is appropriate for anyone who is able to travel a couple miles over the course of the day.
Here's what's included with your course:
- Expert WFR Trained Guide - Bill Seline - The former Fire Chief of Truckee Fire and a licensed paramedic in California. Bill has years of experience treating injuries and medical emergencies.
- Innovative curriculum
- 80 Hour NASAR (National Association for Search and Rescue) Wilderness First Responder Certification (good for two years)
- AHA (American Heart Association) CPR and AED Certification (good for two years)
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
Know Before you go
Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.
Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.
Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.
Pre-Course Study
This program begins with reading and video-based learning assignments. Please set aside 10 hours or so to prepare for the week of field/classroom days.
Field Days, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Days will typically begin in the classroom with a series of lectures, videos, and discussions before moving outside for practical skills applications. We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills learned and an overview of what to expect for the following day.
This is an 80 Hour Course, so days will be packed with learning and hands-on practice. Prepare yourself for the week by making sure you're set up well for long days!
In this course we’ll discuss common injuries and illnesses that you might expect to encounter during your favorite outdoor activities. Activities we often discuss include backcountry skiing, rock climbing, alpine climbing, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, road biking, and more.
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- The Patient Assessment System
- How to provide effective first aid treatment for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors
- Techniques to improvise first aid solutions in the backcountry
- How to make appropriate evacuation decisions
Here's the schedule for your WFR Hybrid 5 Day Course:
Online Coursework
You’ll begin by reading the textbook, watching videos and taking chapter quizzes. This takes about 20-30 hours of time and you’ll need to finish this before the in-person portion begins.
Field Day 1
Field Day 2
Field Day 3
Field Day 4
Field Day 5
- Chest Injuries
- Documentation
- Lightning
- Snakes, ticks, water disinfection
- Written and Practical Exam
- Closure
- Minimal Fitness - This program involves minimal physical fitness and is appropriate for anyone who is able to travel a couple miles over the course of the day.
Here's what's included with your course:
- Expert WFR Trained Guide - Bill Seline - The former Fire Chief of Truckee Fire and a licensed paramedic in California. Bill has years of experience treating injuries and medical emergencies.
- Innovative curriculum
- 80 Hour NASAR (National Association for Search and Rescue) Wilderness First Responder Certification (good for two years)
- AHA (American Heart Association) CPR and AED Certification (good for two years)
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
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epic reviews from adventurers
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Awesome Experience
“Taking this course with Zeb was the best decision! He was extremely friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable and answered all our questions with great patience.
An Exceptional Course
“I took an AIARE 1 with Blackbird and couldn't recommend it more. The knowledge gained was well-worth every penny, and then some."
Too Good For Words
Just took the "lift-assisted" Avalanche Rescue course, and it was a fantastic opportunity to act out more realistic rescue scenarios. It was a great refresher and learning experience. Our instructor Evan was knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Highly recommended!
An Incredible Weekend!
Completed AIARE 1 w/ Blackbird. Instructors were very knowledgeable, experienced, patient, attentive, and down-to-earth in relating to clients across a wide spectrum of ability. Highly recommended. Great group of people!
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