Since 1996
Frequently Asked Questions
WFR or WEMT, which and why?
Background: Both are based on Department of Transportation Programs that originated in the late 1960s. First Responders (FR) is a minimum of 40 hrs, while EMT is 110. WFR programs are usually 70-80 hrs vs WEMT 110-200hrs. EMTs are only required on ambulances (most, not all). Rural counties with lower populations, by statute, often allow FRs or first aiders to ride on their ambulances. WMO was the first wilderness school to obtain approvals for both FR and EMTs from the State of Colorado. As of 2004, WMO no longer carries these approvals.
City Ambulance: Become an EMT
For those folks who are actually ambulance crew members. These EMTs must be very careful not to exceed their state statutes. Many mistakenly think that their doctor, Government agency, or need overrides the law and protects them. Not true, a rude awakening awaits those who have not read their state’s current statute. EMTs MAY face Felony Criminal Charges for performing many accepted backcountry wilderness skills, even with Physician approval, as Physicians do not have the authority to grant to EMTs
Back Country Care: Become a WFR.
Wilderness Medicine Outfitters (WMO) urges you to get high-level training but suggests, as has the state of Colorado EMS division (EMT director Dave Miller), that you become a WFR vs EMT unless you want to limit yourself to ambulance work strictly.
What an EMT can DO: Do only the limited acts allowed by the state. Docs must have state board approval to extend authority.
Only give the following drugs: Advantag – work on an ambulance!
1. sugars
2. oxygen
3. albuterol
4. charcoal
5. Aspirin
6. Patient’s auto-injector Epi
Provide standard transport with splinting and bandaging by ambulance
What a WFR can DO: HAVE ANY EXTENSION OF CARE GIVING AS APPROVED BY PHYSICIANS
advantage – give great care, only limited by your skills
Give all drugs allowed by their physician, including the EMT 6 such as:
1. Altitude Meds; decahedron nifipidien, Diamox, etc.
2. Antibotics: penicillin, bacterium, Cipro, Keflex, leviquine, etc.
3. EPI in any form; auto injector, theirs, yours, inhaler, Anakit, Anaguard, needle / syringe
4. Respiratory drugs: albuterol, etc.
5. Specialty medications; numerous/varied
6. Pain medications: Empirine 3, Codeine, Stadol, loracet, Demerol, Darvon, etc.
Provide advanced care, minor surgeries, improvised treatments, wound closure, as well as standard transport with splinting and bandaging by any transport means.
Do WEMTs have more training than WMOs and WFRs? No, WMOs WFRs uniquely have more skill and knowledge presented to them than most standard WEMT or EMT programs. WMOs’ WEMT program has the same skills and knowledge as our WFR program. To advance take WMO Wilderness Advanced Life Support
What are the hours of the 9-day classes?
Usually 8 am – 6 pm Saturday through the following Sunday. The first day starts 1/2 hour earlier at 7:30 am, as do evening sessions on the first night at 5:30 vs 6 pm. Most classes get out between 2 pm and 4pm on Wednesday—still a total of 76 Hrs.
Directions to Elizabeth Driving Directions
East on Highway 86 from Franktown to Elizabeth. Turn right (south) at 1st traffic light, which is Elizabeth Street (Safeway center on the corner). Go to the end of this street and turn left. Go to the 4-way stop sign and turn right (south). Go to the T intersection and turn right (west); go up and over the hill, then down across a small valley. Start up 2nd hill and turn right into the driveway marked “C Weil.”
FAWM How can WMO help me in the pursuit of my fellow degree?
The FAWM candidate can use the WMO Expedition Medic course, along with the WMO WFR/WEMT module, to complete the majority of class requirements and, through our specially developed experience credit program, toward their Fellow pursuit.
Are there other scheduled classes I can take?
Yes! In Boulder, Colorado Springs, Golden, Elizabeth, Western Slope-Colorado, Kansas, and other locations from month to month, as well as Distance Learning, both short, WFA20, and long AWFA48, any time, anywhere. We offer classes 2 nights a week for 6 weeks, with 3 weekend days selected on the 2nd or 3rd class night.
Classes run from 6 to 10 PM.
*Note: Occasionally, some classes are scheduled more on weekends – ask if you are interested in one of these classes. They usually are from 8 am to 5 pm
Which course do you recommend?
The Wilderness First Responder / Wilderness EMT module is for everyone from the inexperienced to the medically experienced (this class is even good for paramedics or MDs.Some folks don’t have 9 days to devote, so WMO created the short-distance learning 5-lesson WFA 20 and the longer AWFA 48, both to be completed from your computer at your own pace. Folks often do those and then take an in-person class – call WMO to create your learning program.
What are the Driving Instructions to Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH DRIVING DIRECTIONS- East on Highway 86 from Franktown to Elizabeth. Turn right (south) at 1st traffic light, which is Elizabeth Street (Safeway center on the corner). Go to the end of this street and turn left. Go to the 4-way stop sign and turn right (south). Go to the T intersection and turn right (west); go up and over the hill [do not turn left!] then down across a small valley. Start up 2nd hill and turn right into the driveway marked “Wilderness Medicine Outfitters” and “C Weil.”
Are there any prerequisites?
Only that you read, write, speak, and comprehend English, and can lift and carry 125 lbs. by yourself and 250 lbs. with a partner for a short distance. The expedition Medic class – WALS does require WFR/WEMT or approval from the Director with a strong background. Could you call for a review?
What happens to my deposit?
It applies to the class cost. You can transfer classes for a $40 fee out of your earned deposit. It is only refunded if the class is canceled.
How many students are in each class?
Class size is limited to 24 students.
Will it be outdoors or in a classroom? What's the format?
Nine-day classes are held at a rural location, with as much outdoor activity as the weather allows. Approximately 1/3 of the time is spent in lecture, 1/3 in Q&A and demonstration, and 1/3 in student practice. 6-week classes are similar, with 2/3 in evening classrooms and 1/3 on three weekend field days.
Where can I see what is covered in the course?
https://learn.wildernessmedicine.com/
Copies can also be sent by email, or mail (sending a self-addressed stamped envelope and a request lets you get by postal)
What about camping at the Elizabeth location?
About 1/3 are professionals in the outdoor industry or seeking jobs in it. 1/2 are outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Some are self-sufficiency enthusiasts. 2/3 are men, and 1/3 are women, with an average age in their 20s, ranging from their late teens to the 70s. In general, they are caring, educated folks who have witnessed an accident and want to be better prepared to handle the next one. First-time camp counselors and scout leaders often take the distance-learning WFA 20 before a longer course that builds their caregiving skills.
Is the training difficult?
Academically, you will have to study, but it is not physically strenuous.
We want a class at our location. What is the minimum cost?
For medical classes, the minimum number of students is usually 10. If you have fewer people than that, we still charge for the minimum number of people times the class cost. Call for other subject matters on the class minimums.
Can I get College credits?
Yes, the WFR/WEMT (76 hours) offers 4 hours of credit through the College Systems. This must be applied for at the start of class. Call for the current cost.
Are Scholarships available?
Yes! $75 scholarship(s) are given at least once a year or more if funds allow, in remembrance of:
Lilly Bell Fox Weil (1892-1956) – A humanitarian and a Texan who always had a kind and helpful hand for those who needed help.
Don McIntyre (1942-1997) – Mountain guide, retired military, and diplomat who was a giver and a friend to family, country, and friends. Don was a friend and a WMO graduate.
Sgt. Hugh W. Purdy (1923-1976) – Colorado State Patrol, public caregiver, Hero Killed in the line of duty, while off-duty saving 100’s of lives in the Big Thompson Flood.
To Apply: Work-study and loans can be arranged over the phone, but require a written confirmation of the agreement from the student before they are activated.
Scholarships require a written request before consideration. Students applying for a scholarship should present a well-written letter demonstrating financial need, merit, past and planned future care of others. These are meant for those who “engage in direct care giving efforts.”
Is there a professional organization devoted to helping teaching groups and students?
POME. POME is a non-profit Professional Outdoor Medical Educator group open to all schools, meeting a higher standard, helping interested students find classes and making recertification easier.