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

$825 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

Jan 4, 2026 - Jan 8, 2026

Sausalito, CA

$1,130 View Session

Jan 5, 2026 - Jan 9, 2026

Charlottesville, VA

Jan 5, 2026 - Jan 9, 2026

Cullowhee, NC

Jan 5, 2026 - Jan 9, 2026

Tempe, AZ

Jan 6, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026

Spokane, WA

Jan 7, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026

Austin, TX

Jan 8, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026

Bozeman, MT

Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026

Fort Collins, CO

$845 - $945 View Session

Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026

Fort Snelling, MN

Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026

Madison, WI

Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026

Berkeley, CA

Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 19, 2026

Flagstaff, AZ

Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026

Cullowhee, NC

Jan 21, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026

Bloomsburg, PA

Feb 7, 2026 - Feb 11, 2026

Bellingham, WA

Feb 9, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026

South Beach, OR

Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026

Tucson, AZ

Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026

Stateline, NV

$1,130 - $1,255 View Session

Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026

Blairstown, NJ

Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026

Cullowhee, NC

$925 - $1,050 View Session

Feb 18, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026

Borrego Springs, CA

$1,050 - $1,250 View Session

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026

Estes Park, CO

Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026

Midpines, CA

$930 - $1,680 View Session

Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026

Sausalito, CA

$1,130 View Session

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 (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)