The Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WFR-Recert) course is action-packed with most of the topics covered through simulations, review exercises, and practical drills. You’ll get ample opportunity to practice your skills, expand your understanding and think critically.
Choose the ‘standard’ 4-day WFR-Recert or the ‘Hybrid WFR-Recert’ — which includes 3 days in person and 12+ hours of interactive online learning beforehand.
Another good option for your recertification is taking the 5-Day WFR.
Learning outcomes & topics
Learning outcomes
- Get updated on new ideas and techniques in the field of wilderness medicine.
- Refresh and expand on your abilities to provide advanced medical treatments and prolonged care in wilderness settings
- Gain skills and knowledge to manage environmental problems and evacuations
- Practice team-rescues, decision making and leadership
- Learn through hands-on training sessions, as well as classroom lecture and discussion
- Prepare for backcountry emergencies through realistic scenarios with stage blood and simulated wounds
Topics covered
- General concepts of wilderness medicine and the Patient Assessment System
- CPR (adult, child, and infant), AED, and basic life support skills
- Anatomy and major problems of the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems
- Musculoskeletal injury assessment and splinting
- Spine injury assessment and management
- Allergies and anaphylaxis
- Medical emergencies such as stroke and diabetes
- Severe asthma wilderness protocol
- Wound and burn management
- Wilderness protocol for reducing shoulder dislocations
- Environmental problems such as hypothermia, heat illnesses, lightning, and drowning
- Backcountry medicine and toxins, bites, and stings
- Litters, improvised litters and patient carries
- Evacuations, decision making, and leadership
- Medical legal issues
- And more…
Certification
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
- CPR BLS certification (CPR for adults, children, and infants. Includes AED training)
- Included materials: Textbook, SOAP note booklet, waterproof WMA field guide, notebook (with WMA lecture notes)
- E-learning: You’ll have access to the online learning platform for 3 years after your course
Your certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Eligibility
Requirements and eligibility
To be eligible for a recertification course, you need to have current certification (not expired or within a grace period) from:
- A WFR course with a minimum of 70 hours of overall instruction, including a minimum of 45 hours of in-person instruction.
- WFR Recertification courses with a minimum of 16-hours of in-person instruction.
- An Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course (upon successful completion, you will receive a WFR certification).
WMA International-trained WEMS cardholders may recertify their WEMS in a WMA WFR Recertification course.
Note: We do not allow students with a certification from an exclusively online WFR (or WFR recertification) course to attend a WMA recertification course.
Please contact us if you have any questions about your eligibility.
Pre-course prep
4-day WFR-Recert: You’ll need to complete a 10+ hour pre-course prep assignment that will be due on the morning of day 1 of the WFR-Recert course. This is a Study Guide that you can complete mostly offline, using the text book from your previous WMA course for reference.
Hybrid WFR-Recert (3 days in person & 12+ hours online): You need to be willing and able to complete the 12+ hours of pre-course online work. See the ‘Hybrid course format’ and ‘Hybrid technology requirements’ sections below.
Schedule & assessment
Daily schedule
After registering, you’ll receive a Student Information Package by email with specific meeting times for their course.
On the 4-day WFR-Recert, course hours are typically from 8:30am to 5:30pm, with an evening session going to 8:30pm on the second day.
On the Hybrid WFR-Recert (3-day), course hours are typically 8:30am to 5:30pm on the first/last day and 8:30 am to 8:30pm on the second day.
Assessment and evaluation for certification
Practical assessment is ongoing. There is a written test on the last day of the course; you must receive a grade of 80% or higher.
Instructors will do everything they can to accommodate students with different learning styles and needs. Let us know what we can do to help you succeed.
Attendance is mandatory
Attendance for 100% of class time is mandatory. If you cannot make a session you must get permission from the instructor in advance. Students who miss a section of the course without pre-approval may be asked to leave the course.
Hybrid WFR-Recert Format
On the Hybrid WFR-Recert, you’ll complete 12+ hours of online e-learning followed by 2-days of in-person learning.
The e-learning includes interactive modules with videos, readings, self-practice assignments, quizzes, and case studies. *See the technology requirements below*.
Please note before enrolling that the e-learning is mandatory. It takes at minimum 12+ hours but many students take significantly more time than that.
The online learning isn’t meant to be crammed into a couple of days. You’ll get the most out of this course and have the highest likelihood of achieving the certification if you break it up into 1 to 3-hour learning blocks, spaced over multiple days.
As soon as you register, you’ll automatically receive a Student InfoPack with course outlines, packing lists, and logistical info. Then, 7-weeks before the onsite portion, we’ll send you access to the e-learning platform.
On the in-person portion, we can then focus on practical skills, drills, and rescue simulations, because you’ll arrive having already reviewed the theoretical knowledge.
All of our medical courses are intensive; the onsite portion of the Hybrid courses is even more so: expect full, fast-paced (and fun!) days.
Hybrid Tech Requirements
For the *Hybrid WFR Recert (12+ hours online plus 3-days in-person) you will need:
- Access to high speed internet throughout the 12+ e-learning hours
- A laptop or desktop computer with
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- a PDF reader
- anti-virus software
- an internet browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) Note: the system is not compatible with Safari.
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*The 4-day WFR Recertification does have mandatory pre-learning in the form of reviewing your WMA books and completing a Study Guide assignment — it can be done mostly offline.
What to pack
Please bring appropriate clothing and equipment to be comfortable outdoors for the entire day…
…this means (for late fall, winter, and early spring courses) lots of thick, warm layers and extra toques, mitts, socks, and footwear—and lots of snack food.
If you eat well, layer-up, and have extra dry items to change into, you’ll stay functional, get the most out of your training, and have the best chance of achieving certification.
Checklist
EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
- A large backpack so you can carry extra food, water, clothing, and equipment for yourself
- Day pack for storing your clothing and belongings during class
- Drybag or waterproof stuff sack to keep your textbooks and learning materials in throughout the course (to leave in the outdoor ‘classroom’ area)
- A set of clothing that can be stained and cut during simulations (expect to throw these away)
- Eye protection. Please bring any of the following: safety glasses, sun glasses, prescription glasses, or face shield
- Hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol
- Notebook and pens
- Waterproof digital watch (for taking vital signs). This is mandatory, you can’t use a smart phone.
- Water bottle(s) or hydration pack x 2 litres
- Snack foods (lots!)
- Lunch — please bring your lunch for each day: you won’t necessarily have time to go to a store or restaurant.
- Snacks — this isn’t a typo, bring more snacks 🙂
- Sunscreen and lip protection
- Bug repellent and headnet (season dependent)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- A camping pad to lie on outside such as an Ensolate pad or Ridgerest. A lightweight inflatable mattress can work as well but this will be directly on the ground and it may get damaged and dirty — so make it an old one that you aren’t worried about puncturing.
- A ~10′ x 12′ windproof and waterproof tarp. This can be inexpensive and/or old and/or a big plastic sheet or construction membrane.
- A ~5′ x 8′ tarp or emergency blanket. Preferably something lightweight — a retired tent fly or tent footprint can work well.
- A fleece or wool blanket. For splinting and patient packaging. Retired fleece sweaters can work as well.
- Five (5) x ~2m to 2.5m long pieces of rope, webbing, or straps (these can be anything, no strength rating required)
- Personal medications
- Personal hygiene products
- Optional: Sunglasses
- Optional: Coffee or tea thermos
- Optional: Waterproof paper and pen
- Optional: Skis, snowshoes (for winter courses), bicycle, or hiking gear (for spring, summer, fall)
- Optional: Any gear or medical equipment that you normally have with you in the outdoors that you’d like to try out using for splinting, patient packaging, patient care etc. (example: telescoping hiking / ski poles, straps, p-cord, etc.)
CLOTHING
- Synthetic or wool base layers top and bottom Synthetic or wool insulation layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm socks (pack extras)
- *Shoes or boots appropriate for weather and rough terrain – an extra pair in case one get’s wet is a good idea.
- 2 x Toque (warm hat), scarf or neck warmer (winter courses), or sun hat
- 2 or 3 x Liner gloves / mitts and *over mittens (winter courses)
*Note: in cold conditions, roominess in your boots and mitts makes all the difference for warmth. If they’re too tight fitting—your feet and hands will be cold.
LODGING AND CAMPING SUPPLIES (OPTIONAL)
Some courses include lodging or camping options — click on a specific course date and location to see the options.
For courses with lodging, we’ll send you lodging details and packing lists along with your Student InfoPack as soon as you register.
Partnered with Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA)
For our medical courses, we partner with Wilderness Medical Associates. WMA has set the standard in wilderness medicine and rescue training for over 40 years. The cutting-edge curriculum is constantly updated by a group of healthcare professionals, has been taught on all 7 continents, and is recognized around the world.
Be sure to read our cancellation policy.
Upcoming WFR-Recert courses
- Elyse Quann 21 Dec 20185 day WFR course in La Peche (Wakefield) was TOP NOTCH. Incredibly knowledgeable and personable instructor, Danny, made this intensive (exhausting) course engaging and an ideal learning environment from start to finish. His limitless patience, professionalism, and ability to intuit the energy of the group kept us in balance (THANK YOU for supporting our needs for frequent snacks and movement!). Nothing like nerve-wracking experiential learning to build confidence. 10 out of 5 stars!!!read moreread lessRobyn F 04 Jun 2021I did my whitewater rescue technician and wilderness first responder certs with Boreal and thoroughly enjoyed both. Danny was especially good explaining concepts so that even a relative novice such as myself could understand. The courses were in-depth, challenging without being overwhelming, and found creative ways to remain COVID safe without sacrificing learning. I would absolutely recert with them.read moreread less
- Franny P 14 Dec 2023Just finished the WFR course in the Schomberg area outside Toronto; what a great curriculum. Our instructors—Danny and Michael—were such knowledgeable, passionate and engaging people. At first it seems like a lot of information to remember, but they lay everything out perfectly making it very manageable. Simulations, teamwork, discussions and hands-on practice means that it’s easy to understand and continue building on your skill sets day after day. I’m so thankful I have this bank of information for all my upcoming outdoor adventures, and life in general. Thanks guys, it was fun!read moreread lessJason Birch 04 Apr 2023Course: Boreal River Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Instructors: Devorah, Dana, Nic, Abby, Jamie I did the 8 day course, just outside Wakefield QC. The instructors we had were excellent and we had a great student to staff ratio. They are very passionate and knowledgeable about what they do.read moreread less
- Kelsey McNamara 15 Nov 2023I did the WFR course with Boreal River. The teachers Danny and Mike were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and made the course interactive and fun. They provided positive reassurance, and constantly tested us with clarifying questions to ensure we understood the information. Really enjoyed the drills, simulations, and creativity of the instructors when describing how to apply these protocols. Overall a great course and I would do one again with Boreal River!read moreread lessOlivier Boutin 03 Sep 2020My friend and I took this course in preparation for a climbing expedition next year and I can't believe I we didn't take it years ago! Our instructor, Danny, did an amazing job of explaining the concepts and applying them in practical scenarios, as well as teaching us how best to approach situations that we might find ourselves in. The material is very interesting and the practice runs are detailed and creative, Danny is very imaginative! I strongly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to go out into the wilderness and wants to be prepared for First Aid scenarios.read moreread less
- AcrylArt. ca 15 Oct 2023I've tried a # of WFR & WRT training providers and now come back to Boreal River for ALL my recertifications because I come out of their courses feeling more challenged and better trained than from any other provider. Their courses and their Instructors are, bar none, the BEST.read moreread lessPaul Mason 13 Sep 2018I was fortunate to join a wilderness first responder first aid course last winter and was so impressed with the attention to detail and intensive training that I vowed to take Boreal's Whitewater Rescue Technician course this year. Mission accomplished in September ( a great time to take this course as the water is still warm), it was an intensive re-cert course at Boreal's base camp on the Upper Gatineau River. I walked, or should I say swam away from the course with the knowledge and motivation to keep practicing these skills until my next re-cert.read moreread less
- Peter Kasurak 05 Nov 2019Recerted both my WRT and WFR with Boreal this fall and both courses were both challenging and enjoyable. In the case of the WFR there has been considerable change in how spine injuries are categorized and treated and we received a lot of practical experience in applying new standards. As usual, Boreal's excellent training was backed up by efficient course administration.read moreread lessBen Gunn 10 Dec 2018Just wrapped up a WFR-Bridge course run by Boreal River Rescue at the beautiful "Barn" near Wakefield, Quebec.
Led by Danny and Mike, two talented, enthusiastic and passionate instructors, the course was loads of fun and hard work. The material is challenging but Danny and Mike bring it to life with amazing scenario work and role playing. Thanks for putting together and running such a great course!read moreread less - Bill Gadzos 11 Apr 2018Just finished the 5 day WFR course in Wakefield with Danny. Loved every minute of it. The course is really well organized. We covered tons of material and we had lots of opportunity to apply the material during the simulations...that’s where you really find out what you’ve learned. Thanks so much to Danny and everyone at Boreal River. I look forward to more training with you in the near future...read moreread less
- Bill Mitchell 12 Jun 2019Ten years in and Boreal River is the industry leader. Whether you are looking for first aid training, whitewater rescue certification, or high quality adventure guiding, Boreal River is the top echelon in Canada. Through his passion for rivers, people, and education, Danny has assembled an incredible team who share his passions and diversify the experience for clients. This is the due to a lifelong focus on the highest professional standard and, over time, attracting like-minded people. The result is a company driven by passionate and professional staff who are committed to providing the highest quality experience possible for their clients. Congrats to Danny and the entire Boreal River team; you truly have built something very special together over the last 10 years!
-Bill Mitchell, Vanier College Outdoor Educationread moreread lessHollie Grace James 11 Dec 2023Absolutely fantastic experience! This wilderness medical first responder course was an absolute game-changer. Our instructor was an incredible blend of expertise and approachability. What truly set this course apart was the instructor's wealth of experience, which they seamlessly translated into making us feel at ease while instilling a strong sense of confidence in our skills. They struck that perfect balance, fostering an atmosphere where learning felt not just essential but enjoyable. The course structure catered to all learning styles by mixing classroom sessions with hands-on patient assessment drills and real-life simulations. This approach ensured that every participant could grasp the concepts thoroughly and apply them effectively. By the end, we didn't just feel equipped with knowledge; we felt ready to handle real-world scenarios. It was an outstanding course that left a lasting impression, and I couldn't recommend it more highly!read moreread less - Kevin Morton 22 Jun 2020Impressive Team. Danny and Julio were extremely professional and knowledgeable. Appreciated their responsible handling of the Covid-19 reality, creatively adjusting their instruction to keep all safe while still ensuring a first class challenging program. Well done Lads.read moreread less
- Tenley McKay 06 Jun 2022I just took the 5 WFR course and only have good things to say about Boreal River! The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Each day was really well structured and included lots of hands on drills. I got so much out of this course and can’t wait to do more with them in the future!read moreread lessKieran McGuire 28 Dec 2019Great course! The instructors were more than knowledgeable and professional, and their enthusiasm helped keep the mood up in what was otherwise a fairly grueling and intense learning experience. The diverse backgrounds and experience of the instructors was helpful to add depth to the learning materials. Thank you.read moreread less
- Kielyn Marrone 17 Jun 2021I had the pleasure of spending 4 intensive days with Boreal River to re-cert my WFR-80 hr.
Danny is highly knowledgeable beyond the scope of the course which allows for intelligent conversation about people's wildest questions and "what ifs".
He and his team are professional, friendly and accommodating. I would highly recommend them (and do!) for all of your first-aid and rescue courses.
Thank you and I look forward to my next course with you!
Kielyn
- co-owner of Lure of the North
-80 day survivalist from Alone season 7 on History Channel.read moreread lessNatasha GOLD 20 Dec 2019I loved this course! It's certainly challenging and the instructors take their job seriously but also make it fun and interesting. I appreciated the different styles of each of the instructors. I had an amazing time and really felt like it was worth the investment. I would highly recommend!read moreread less - Paul Dunn 22 Dec 2019I recently completed the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course, it was nothing short of fabulous. I would honestly say it is one of the best courses of any kind that I've ever taken. The WFR course really helped to understand the key critical body systems, how to rapidly assess problems and how to prioritize what needs to be done. The discussions and many simulation exercises has not only boosted my confidence but also my interest in continuing to learn more. Danny was a fantastic instructor, providing lots of opportunity to learn from each other and pushing everybody to hone their skills and demonstrate they really understood. Highly recommend both the WFR course and Boreal River delivery.read moreread less