Essential Information
Aspiring wilderness EMTs can get training through private wilderness schools, community colleges and universities. Depending on the program, a career in the medical field isn't a prerequisite; however, common requirements could include a criminal background check, a minimum age and vaccinations. First aid certification may be a prerequisite or something that can be earned while completing the program. Courses could last anywhere from 1 week to 30 days, but either option will include extensive field training in combination with classroom work. A change of clothing will often be necessary for outdoor excursions.
Here is a list of topics typically examined in Wilderness EMT courses:
- Spinal assessment
- Lifting and moving
- Hypothermia
- Altitude illness
- Fracture management
- Wilderness first aid kits
List of Wilderness EMT Courses
Emergency Medical Techniques in the Wilderness Course
Students in the wilderness EMT course learn to apply traditional medical techniques in remote locations, often with minimal medical supplies. Students get an overview of basic anatomy and the medical response that's needed for broken bones, sprains, concussions, spinal cord injuries and other injuries that can occur in remote outdoor areas. The training takes place over several days, often on a camping trip, and is completed in 180 hours with students becoming certified wilderness EMTs.
Wilderness First Responder Course
Wilderness first response differs from wilderness EMT in that the former is intended to cover initial care of an injured person until more advanced help arrives. Where a wilderness EMT may stay with, sustain and care for a patient for a day or more, a wilderness first responder would only care for a patient during what's called the 'golden hour' - the period of time immediately after trauma that medical attention is most likely to save lives. Therefore, wilderness first responder courses prepare students to quickly assess the nature of an injury, improvise medical treatment from available supplies, create splints and stop bleeding as needed. The wilderness first responder course takes 70 hours to complete.
After becoming certified as a wilderness first responder, recertification is necessary every two years in order to continue working in this capacity. Recertification programs are often much shorter than the initial class and require students to pass final exams prior to becoming recertified.
Remote Location First Aid Course
A less intensive course than the wilderness EMT or first responder, wilderness first aid courses usually only last a few days (up to 24 credit hours) and cover basic information such as checking vital signs, keeping a well-stocked first aid kit and dealing with dislocations, shock and head injuries. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is covered as well. For previously certified wilderness EMTs or first responders, outdoor first aid courses can often count toward recertification hours.
Outdoor Medicine for Medical Professionals Course
Medical professionals such as doctors, physicians and nurses can benefit from wilderness training courses that build on their current medical knowledge and skill levels. Students are already familiar with basic anatomy, medical treatments and standard first aid; as such, this course provides them with opportunities to practice acute medical care outdoors, away from typical medical instruments and machines. Courses in wilderness training for healthcare workers typically take place over a period of several days in remote locations such as mountains, deserts or near bodies of water. Some courses even take place on the water, providing medical care practice on sailboats or on rafting trips, for example; hours to completion will vary according to the nature of the trip.
Wilderness EMT Certification Programs
Most wilderness emergency medical technicians become certified by taking courses offered through one of several wilderness EMT certification programs. There are several institutions that offer wilderness EMT certification, including the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Medical Wilderness Associates, Remote Medical International and Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities. Students interested in becoming Wilderness EMTs will also need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT certification exam.
