Weber State University hosted Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Aid courses in collaboration with Desert Mountain Medicine. The training programs focused on providing essential medical skills for backcountry environments and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Wilderness First Responder course was held from August 1-5, 2026, at Weber State University in Ogden. This hybrid program required 30 hours of self-paced online work followed by 50 hours of in-person instruction. The online portion included case studies, videos, and quizzes that participants completed via Canvas prior to the classroom session.
Participants in the Wilderness First Responder course received certification for WFR, CPR, and Anaphylaxis Wilderness Training, which remained valid for three years. The curriculum emphasized hands-on, scenario-based practice covering topics such as orthopedic injuries, improvised splinting, heat and cold illnesses, and wound management.
A separate Wilderness First Aid course was offered to provide basic life support skills for camp leaders, raft guides, and field staff. This two-day training focused on the prevention and assessment of environmental illnesses and stabilizing traumatic life threats.
Upon successful completion of the Wilderness First Aid course, participants earned WFA, CPR, and Anaphylaxis Wilderness Training cards valid for two years. The program included instruction on adult and child CPR as well as AED usage.
All equipment for the courses was provided by the program, though participants were advised to prepare for variable weather conditions during outdoor sessions. For further information regarding these programs, individuals could contact the WSU Outdoor Program.
