Wilderness First Responder Recertification

The fully in-person Wilderness First Responder Recertification is full, but we are collecting a waitlist. Click the "pre-register" button to add your name to our waitlist, or email train@gcc.mass.edu with any questions.

The 2024 training will take place from Jan. 5th through Jan. 7th, 2024. The workshop includes CPR!

Review, practice, and stay on top of your skills with NOLS Wilderness Medicine's Wilderness First Responder Recertification course. This scenario-based approach to recertification provides you the opportunity to test your skills against realistic situations. You'll practice and relearn wilderness medicine protocols, review evacuation and decision making guidelines, and receive the latest updates in wilderness medicine over the course of three days.

Check out these online resources ahead of time, because you'll start the course with a written exam. You'll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments!

Note: Check-in is between 7:30 am and 7:45 am on the first day. On subsequent days, please plan on arriving by 7:45 AM. Course days run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with an hour-long break for lunch at noon. CPR recertification will be held on the evening of the first day after dinner and runs for approximately 2 hours

The in-person training involves lectures integrated with practical scenarios, case studies, and skills practice sessions. Attendance is required at all classes. Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on the potentially wet, snowy, or cold ground while playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Stage (moulage) blood and make-up are used to enhance the realism of a scenario. The classroom environment generally lends itself to a pair of indoor comfy shoes.

This is a recertification course; proof of a previous Wilderness First Responder certification is required.

Please review the NOLS recertification policies to confirm your eligibility to take this course. You may contact wilderness_medicine@nols.edu with questions.

Participants will recertify and refresh their current Wilderness First Responder credential upon successful completion of this three-day course.

Successful course completion will earn the following NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications:

• Wilderness First Responder Recertification
• CPR