Wilderness First Responder

The Outdoor Pursuits Program strongly encourages individuals who intend on leading groups into the backcountry to complete a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. A WFR is an intensive, hands-on first aid training experience (80+ hours) that teaches participants the skills necessary to:

• Assess and treat injuries and handle medical emergencies in situations where medical services and facilities are hours or days away.
• Provide long-term or extended patient care.
• Make effective decisions concerning transporting a patient from a backcountry setting.

A. Rescue Training, Inc.

Rescue Training, Inc. offers a WFR course at a local camp during the month of September. We highly recommend this course for a variety of reasons: Its cost, quality, the community that develops during training sessions (most participants are OPP leaders in training), the intensive hands-on scenario-based experiences, and the fact that it exceeds the 80-hour time commitment (it's closer to 90). For an overview of course content and a schedule of activities, download the following documents:

• Course outline and schedule
• WFR General Information
• Release and Assumption of Risk Document

The course begins the Monday of Labor Day weekend (Sept. 2, 2013) and runs for 2 weeks. Check-in is between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on the day before the course (Sunday, Sept. 1) at the course site (Camp Lutherwood near Eugene).

WHAT TIME COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED OF PARTICIPANTS? This course is a residential experience, conducted exclusively at Camp Lutherwood, northwest of Eugene on Highway 36. Participants are required to stay at Camp Lutherwood, and are expected to be on site for all class-related activities. Classes are conducted over the course of eleven intensive days, ending the afternoon of Friday of the second week. Some evening sessions are scheduled. There will be limited recreational time. Participants can expect to be immersed in the world of backcountry first aid. A break day is scheduled mid-course.

conducting a patient assessment

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?

The cost for the 2013 is approximately $695 (minimal variance expected). Cost includes instruction, course text, and lodging. Participants are expected to provide their own food and adequate clothing and equipment to meet the full range of weather conditions likely to be encountered. An equipment list is provided in the general information document.

WHERE IS CAMP LUTHERWOOD, HOW DO I GET THERE, AND WHAT ARE THE ACCOMODATIONS LIKE?

Camp Lutherwood is located approximately 30 miles outside of Eugene on Highway 36. The camp is located on approximately 40 acres of forested land that includes rough terrain, hiking trails, and creeks. View the road map for directions from the Eugene area. You are strongly encouraged to print this map if you are unfamiliar with the area.

From Eugene, travel west on 6th Ave, which eventually becomes Highway 99. Turn left on Highway 36 (aka Mapleton-Junction City Highway) and travel approximately 14 miles to your destination at Camp Lutherwood. Right before milepost 37, you will see a sign for Camp Lutherwood. Turn in and park to the left (in a gravel area). Walk over the bridge to the lodge (where registration is conducted and classes are held).

Students are required to stay at the camp for the duration of the course. Bunk-type cabins are available. You are welcome to bring your own tent or other accommodation (e.g. travel van) if you prefer. You must supply your own food/beverages. Full kitchen amenities are available (stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, sinks, etc.). Bathroom facilities (including showers) are also available for use.

Camp Lutherwood main lodge	Teaching area in main lodge	A cabin nestled in the conifers	Kitchen facilities

B. Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS

The Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) of NOLS partners with the City of Eugene River House Outdoor Program to offer a WFR course over spring break. The course starts Friday of finals week and concludes on the Sunday prior to the start of Spring Term. Contact WMI of NOLS to learn more about their courses, including schedules and costs. WMI of NOLS also offers a WFR Recertification course annually, the week after the WFR course concludes.