Wilderness First Responder
Hone your skills to prevent, assess, manage and transport medical emergencies in remote settings.
This 8 day Sierra Rescue International (SRI) course is the gold standard of wilderness emergency medicine. Covering patient assessment, extended patient care, common backcountry injuries and illnesses, splinting and carries, recommendations for when to seek higher-level care, and much more.
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.
Course: Wilderness First Responder with CPR included: 64 hours.
Prerequisites: None.
Certification through: Sierra Rescue International.
Duration: 8 days, in-person.
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
Other information: Lunch will be a 1 hour break every day. There are not many close restaurants or grocery stores nearby, and no fast food. It is advisable to plan to bring a lunch and snacks every day.
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/
8 Day Wilderness First Aid Outline:
What is Wilderness First Aid?
Patient Assessment System
Head to Toe Exam
SOAP notes/documentation
Shock
CPR
Bleeding control
Wound care/wound cleaning
Chest Injury
Lung Injury
Head Injury
Spinal Injury
Fractures, Sprains, Dislocations
Splinting and carry’s
Heat/Dehydration/Hyponatremia
Altitude
Snake bites
Lightning
Drowning
Allergic reactions/Anaphylaxis/EPI pens
Seizures
Poisons/toxins
Diabetes
Abdominal illness/injury
Test and review
What goes in a med kit
Wilderness First Responder Student Gear List
This gear list reflects what we, as outdoor professionals, consider appropriate to bring for wilderness medicine instructional courses.
You are not expected to purchase new or expensive equipment—use your best judgment when reviewing this list for new purchases.
The course will be conducted both inside and out, regardless of weather. Please bring appropriate clothing for the time spent outside.
If you regularly participate in activities that require specialized gear (e.g., hiking, paddling, climbing), feel free to bring the equipment you typically carry. Practicing with the gear you would actually have on hand helps you better provide good patient care in real-world emergencies.
Gear List:
Watch (with a way to count seconds ) **this is really required**
Water bottle **this is really required**
Snacks
Notebook and something to write with
Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Raingear
Layers appropriate for weather of the weekend
Shoes you’re comfortable being outside in
Camp chair/camping mat/blanket for outdoor class sessions
** If you require nicotine during class, please be aware that we will provide breaks for everyone and that smoking/vaping must be done away from the class.
Please contact us if you have questions about what to bring.
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.
Sierra Rescue International is a member of the Wilderness Medical Society, and is recognized by other WMS members such as NOLS, SOLO, DMM, & WMA.
If you have further questions about this course, please contact us a info@tatercpr.com or call us at 828-421-8736.
