Come get certified as a Wilderness First Responder and be equipped to handle medical emergencies on your wilderness adventures! The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is the recognized industry standard for trip leaders, outdoor guides or people serving in remote missions work. The WFR is the perfect course for anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions. WFR course graduates finish with a higher level of training and confidence over graduates of a 40 hour WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) Course.

 

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is 72+ hours (8 days) and is a comprehensive and in-depth look at the standards and skills necessary for providing wilderness medical care. WFR course instruction areas include: scene safety and patient assessment, lifting and moving techniques, musculoskeletal injuries, environmental injuries, medical emergencies, soft tissue injuries, leadership skills & group preventative medicine, CPR, traction splints, triage, strokes and much more. The course is highly experiential with a blend of class instruction and scenarios allowing extensive hands-on practice.

​

Coldwater's WFR Course is being taught by Jason Kervin, owner of Waterways Outdoors. This WFR certification is valid for three years, through SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities). SOLO has been a leader in wilderness medicine since its inception in 1976. Based out of Conway, New Hampshire SOLO offers wilderness medicine courses all over the world via a network of carefully selected instructors.​​

​

Dates: May 2–9, 2026

​

Location: Camp Norland in Verner, ON

​

Cost: $1275 (includes course fee and textbook, CPR -C certification and room and board)

​

Arrival: Between 7:00–9:00 PM on Friday, May 1

Departure: Saturday, May 9, once the course wraps up​​

​

**To register, make an account and locate the Wilderness First Responder course under 'Adult Wilderness Programs 2026'. Please note that once you register you will receive an automated confirmation email with summer related details for your wilderness course. Please disregard this email. You will receive an email from programs@coldwatercanada.org with appropriate details for the WFR course at a separate time.