People forming a human pyramid outdoors on a bright, cloudy day, reaching downward with their hands to support each other.

Wilderness First Responder Course

November 7-14, 2026 in Bryson City, NC. $895

Offered twice a year, our 8-day Sierra Rescue International course is the gold standard of wilderness emergency medicine. Covering patient assessment, extended patient care, common backcountry injuries and illnesses, splinting and carries, and much more! Join us for this highly hands-on course to expand your wilderness skills!

Register by August 31st for Early Bird Pricing of $795!

Wilderness First Responder Training. Moving an injured patient with an improvised litter.

About The Training

The course is highly hands-on, with an emphasis on scenario-based learning and critical thinking.

Participants will build foundational and advanced skills for managing patients in wilderness environments where rescue or advanced medical care may take a long time. Those looking for a shorter and less detailed training for backcountry emergency care may be interested in the WFA: 16 hr.

Sierra Rescue International is a member of the Wilderness Medical Society, and is recognized by other WMS members such as NOLS, SOLO, DMM, & WMA.

Certification is provided at the end of the course.The WFA certification (through SRI) is a provided as a physical card. The CPR certification (through ECSI) is delivered via email.

Wilderness Medicine Training. Wilderness First Aid. WFA certification. Wilderness medicine society. Hikers in the wilderness. pop art.

November Training Details

Course: Wilderness First Responder with CPR included: 70-80 hours.

Prerequisites: None.

Certification through: Sierra Rescue International.

Duration: 8 days, in-person.

Price: $895 (register by August 31st for an Early Bird Pricing of $795!)

Certification length: Certification is valid for 3 years with no grace period.

Who should take this course: Anyone who would like a deep dive into extended patient care in a remote environment. Good for people who play/work outside or in a rural location where others may look to them to take charge in an emergency. Outdoor guides, adventure trip leaders, backpackers, hikers, raft guides and kayakers, rock climbers, and anyone who wishes to expand their competency in wilderness emergency care.

Location: Gorgeous Stays Tiny Homes and Campground.11044 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713

Time & Dates: November 7-14, 2026. 9am-5pm

Additional Courses you might be interested in:

Wilderness Advanced First Aid: 5 days, 40 hours.

We follow the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative Standards for Wilderness Medicine Certifications.

Where To Stay

Contact Gorgeous Stays directly to book your camping, glamping or tiny home in the Nantahala Gorge.

Stay at the course location!

Discount ”Hiker” rates for students of The Resusci-Taters WFR:

Tent platforms and Park and Plug spot, each $25/night + tax

Tiny homes are $85/ night + tax for a private 1 person unit

$55/per person/per night + tax for 2 people.

$50/per person/per night + tax for 3-4 people

Phone: 828-421-2282

Email: glamping@gorgeousstays.com

Website: https://www.gorgeousstays.com/

Wilderness First Responder emergency medicine training in the Southeast with The Resusci-Taters