Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Ari Gunzburg is a Wilderness First Responder, also known as a WFR (pronounced “woofer”). This is a medical certification for the wilderness; it is one step below a WEMT (Wilderness EMT).
When in the backcountry, there is no real shelter, and people are potentially hours or days away from definitive medical care. Taking precautions, being prepared, and dressing properly can help mitigate many of the risks of being outdoors; however, you can never completely remove the risk of being in the backcountry.
Enter the WFR certification. By attending intense courses to learn the WFR systems, people learn how to evaluate, treat, and evacuate (if necessary) almost all potential medical issues that may arise in the wilderness.
Systems & Processes
This certification is based around systems and processes. By learning how to apply the systems, and the processes, a Wilderness First Responder can use their tools or resources on hand to effectively take care of people when out in the wilderness.Disaster Simulations
An important aspect of gaining the WFR certification course is to play the patient or the rescuer for many disaster simulations. These have a wide range of causes and issues to address. These simulations, while difficult, are what help WFRs to be ready for the wilderness.No gem can be polished without friction, nor human perfected without trial.
Confucius
Wilderness First Responder Abilities
- Able to respond to emergencies
- Detailed patient assessment system
- Plan safer adventures
- Assess and move spinal injuries
- Assess and splint extremity injuries
- Clean and dress high risk wounds
- Hypothermia wraps
- Manage patients effectively
- Coordinate evacuation or rescue
Some identifying details have been blurred for privacy.
