Wilderness Medical Courses

Welcome to the Wilderness Medical Course at the University of Illinois Chicago. Our program is designed to prepare you for medical emergencies in remote and challenging environments. Through hands-on training, expert-led instruction, and realistic scenarios, you'll learn essential skills to manage medical crises while understanding the broader effects on physical and mental health. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a first responder, or a professional seeking to enhance your capabilities, our course equips you to handle emergencies effectively while prioritizing well-being in the wilderness. Join us to develop the expertise and confidence needed to ensure safety and wellness in even the most demanding settings.

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Course Overview:

If you work or recreate in the outdoors or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable, our Wilderness First Responder course is for you. It is the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, outdoor recreationists, and international travelers.

The Hybrid WFR combines 3 modules of online learning with 5 days of in-person training. You’ll begin by completing work in an online platform that includes readings, videos and quizzes. Each module requires 10 to 15 hours to complete, and you’ll need to finish them before the in-person portion begins. The 5-day in-person course will focus on skills and scenarios.

Upon completion, you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions.

You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments!

Course Overview

Prepare for the unexpected with this fun, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.

You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, how to manage environmental emergencies, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You will spend half your time practicing skills and participating in realistic scenarios.

NOLS Wilderness Medicine’s WFA course is approved by such organizations as the American Camp Association, the United States Coast Guard, as well as other state and federal agencies.

Successful course completion will earn the following NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications:

  • Wilderness First Aid
  • Epinephrine Auto-injector

Class Format

The class format involves lectures integrated with practical scenarios, case studies, and skills practice sessions. Attendance is required at all classes.

Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on the potentially wet, snowy, or cold ground while playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Stage (moulage) blood and make-up are used to enhance the realism of a scenario. The classroom environment generally lends itself to a pair of indoor comfy shoes.

For More Infomation or Questions please reach out to the Outdoor Advnture Coordinator