Wilderness First Responder Certification
This is a hybrid course. 25 hours will be completed online in advance at your own pace.
In Person Dates: December 11 – December 15, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Locations:
Lodging included at UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center
401 Tilting T Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Training to take place at various locations within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Cost: $1,200 includes lodging, meals, training, and 4 certifications
Scholarships: A limited number of partial scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph description about why you want to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.
Description: This is a rare opportunity to earn FOUR separate certifications in this hybrid workshop (45 hours in person in the incredible Anza-Borrego Desert + 25 hours online) run by wilderness experts and locals to San Diego, Kit Fox Outfitters. Upon completion, you’ll be certified in: Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR, Use and Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, and Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen, all valid for 3 years.
A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course by Kit Fox Outfitters is an immersive training program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle medical emergencies in remote and challenging environments. The course covers a wide range of topics, including patient assessment, trauma management, wound care, environmental injuries, and evacuation techniques. Participants learn through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and realistic scenarios, ensuring they can respond effectively to medical situations where professional help may be delayed. The WFR certification is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, guides, and anyone who spends significant time in wilderness settings, providing them with the confidence and competence to manage emergencies and provide care in the backcountry.
The cost includes online and in-person training, as well as all meals and lodging in our dorm-style rooms at the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in Borrego Springs, CA from December 11 through December 15.
Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in this highly sought after certification in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Connect with nature and like-minded individuals to make this a rewarding experience.
Space is limited! Must register in advance. Must be 16+ years of age with parental consent for anyone under 18 years.
Register Here
About the Instructors: Kit Fox Outfitters is a veteran owned independent outdoor gear shop that focuses on supporting the local community as well as the neighboring backcountry communities by providing quality gear and various classes. They are based out of Ramona, CA, known as the “Gateway to Adventure” for the many outdoor opportunities San Diego County has to offer. They are a great stop for those who are exploring the backcountry from Anza Borrego to Mt. Laguna and every place in-between.
Along with this being something they are passionate about; it gives them the opportunity to fill some of the gaps left in the market by Big Box stores.
Colin Macdonald, Owner and CEO of Kit Fox Outfitters, grew up exploring the Central Coast of California, particularly the Carmel Highlands and Big Sur. Following in his father’s footsteps in the fire service, he attended the Monterey Peninsula Fire Academy in 1999 and served as a Paid Call Firefighter, gaining vital skills in emergency medicine. In 2000, Colin joined the United States Marine Corps, working on aircraft for twelve years and earning the Sikorsky Life Saving Award for his role in a pilot rescue.
After leaving the Marines, Colin earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from National University and co-founded Kit Fox Outfitters in 2015. Passionate about outdoor education, he became a Wilderness First Responder and an instructor with Sierra Rescue International. Today, he combines his technical writing job in aviation with his dedication to making outdoor experiences safer and more enjoyable through Kit Fox Outfitters.
Physical Expectations: Participants should be prepared for moderate to strenuous hikes, often carrying a backpack with necessary gear, and navigating through rocky, uneven terrain and potentially steep inclines or declines. Trainees may need to lift and carry heavy loads, such as rescue equipment, medical supplies, and sometimes injured individuals, which can involve using stretchers or improvising carries with available materials. The desert environment can be extremely hot, so participants must be able to tolerate high temperatures, stay hydrated, and manage heat-related illnesses, both for themselves and for others. Participants will practice a range of medical skills, which may include CPR, splinting, wound care, and patient assessments, requiring kneeling, bending, and maintaining awkward positions for extended periods. Effective communication and teamwork are critical, as participants must work well with others in high-stress situations, often involving physical coordination and effort.
Cancellation Policy: Notification must be received at least 7 days before the first day of the event if you need to cancel and wish to receive a refund. For cancellations made after the 7-day deadline, we cannot issue refunds for any reason. We understand that unforeseen or emergency circumstances may arise, but our nonprofit organization operates on a limited budget and, while inconvenient, this policy enables us to sustain our programs even with last-minute cancellations. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit. Thank you for understanding!
