Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (HWFR)

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 Policies
Please review our policies including cancellation policies, attendance requirements, minimum age requirements, and more.

Also see our Wilderness First Responder course.

Resources & Downloads
Additional Details

Continuing Education (Learn More)
This course is pre-approved for 62 hours of EMT Continuing Education Hours by the  Commission on Accreditation of Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).

If you’re an active member of the Wilderness Medical Society, you may earn up to 55 hours of credit towards a Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) with this course. Check with the Wilderness Medical Society for your personal credit details.

Academic Credit (Learn more)
This course is approved for 3 college credits through the University of Utah and 3 college credits through Western Colorado University.

Course Approval
This course is recognized by the American Camp Association to meet specific ACA standards requiring certifications. The course meets the  Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid training requirements. Additionally, the Wilderness First Aid course (WILDMI-554), and when included the CPR/AED course (WILDMI-134), are approved by the  United States Coast Guard  to meet the first aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)(ii) and  46 CFR 11.201(i)(2)(iiI) for a merchant mariner credential.

Duration

80 hours

Age

16+ yrs

Tuition

$600 to $1,130

Skill Options
Academic Credit

3 College Credits

  • 3 Credits for WFR from University of Utah or Western Colorado University

Certifications

  • Wilderness First Responder
  • CPR
  • Epinephrine Auto-injector

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Start/End

Varies

Fly In/Out

Varies

Course Session Dates

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025

Blairstown, NJ

Nov 4, 2025 - Nov 8, 2025

Estes Park, CO

Nov 5, 2025 - Nov 9, 2025

Chattanooga, TN

Nov 8, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Nov 8, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025

Warren, VT

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025

Big Pine (Bishop), CA

Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025

Tucson, AZ

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025

Boulder, CO

Dec 1, 2025 - Dec 5, 2025

Sausalito, CA

$1,130 View Session

Dec 6, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025

Estes Park, CO

Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025

McCall, ID

$915 - $1,296 View Session

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025

Bainbridge Island, WA

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025

Tampa, FL

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT

Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025

Cullowhee, NC

$915 - $1,040 View Session

Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025

Athens, GA

Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025

Boulder, CO

Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025

Santa Cruz, CA

Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025

Long Grove, IL

$825 - $895 View Session

Jan 2, 2026 - Jan 6, 2026

Boulder, CO

Jan 3, 2026 - Jan 7, 2026

Boise, ID

Jan 3, 2026 - Jan 7, 2026

Golden, CO

Jan 4, 2026 - Jan 8, 2026

Sausalito, CA

Topics Covered

Patient Assessment System
Documentation
Medical Legal
CPR
Spinal Cord Injuries
Long-term Patient Care
Chest Injuries
Shock
Head Injuries
Wilderness Wound Management
Athletic Injuries
Fracture Management and Traction Splinting
Dislocations
Cold Injuries
Heat Illness
Altitude Illness
Cardiac, Respiratory and Neurological Emergencies
Abdominal Emergencies
Mental Health Emergencies
Bites, Stings and Poisoning
Allergies and Anaphylaxis
Diabetes
Search and Rescue
Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication
Communicable Disease
Lightning
Submersion
Urinary and Reproductive System Issues
Medical Decision Making
Common Wilderness Medical Problems
Wilderness Drug and First Aid Kits

Keep Your Hybrid WFR Certification Current

How long does a WFR certification last?

A NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is valid for 2 years.
Make sure to recertify with a WFR Recertification course or a Hybrid WFR Recertification course before your expiration date. Or, look into our WAFA and WFA courses for other recertification options.

 

Financial aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

  • AmeriCorps
  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Veteran's Benefits (In Wyoming only)

If you are fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English, you may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to your wilderness medicine course.