Course Overview 

Our 10 day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is for you if you work or recreate in an outdoor setting or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable. The Wilderness First Responder course is the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members and outdoor enthusiasts.

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. NOLS Wilderness Medicine’s nationally recognized curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics including long-term patient care, wound management, selective spine immobilization, reducing dislocations, litter packaging, and epinephrine administration.  

Whether you’re an aspiring or experienced wilderness guide, a dedicated outdoor educator or just love to be out in nature, this WFR course is designed to empower you with the experience and practical skills required to stay calm and responsive in disaster relief and medical emergency scenarios.

The course is conducted by NOLS in collaboration with Two Ravens and Visit Nuuk, aimed at enhancing safety competencies in tourism in Greenland and beyond.

Our 10 day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is for you if you work or recreate in an outdoor setting or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable. The Wilderness First Responder is the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members and outdoor enthusiasts.

WFR Course Overview & Packing List

Student Resources

Dates: 11 - 20 October

Duration: 10 day (80 hours)

The class will run from 8am to 5pm each day with 1 hour for lunch.  We will also have evening sessions on Days 3 and 8.  There will be no class on Day 6.

The deadline for registration is August 26, 2025.

Download the program here: WFR Course Schedule

Curriculum
Our curriculum has been developed and has evolved over decades by medical professionals and experts in outdoor education. Our instructors are expert educators with years of medical and wilderness leadership experience.  Along with continuous evaluation and feedback from your instructors throughout the course, each student will be required to pass both a written and practical exam on the last day of the course. The practical exam will require students to demonstrate the skills they have learned throughout the course and the written exam will be multiple choice. Your instructors can provide more info on testing procedures on the first day of your course if needed.

Please plan on arriving by 7:45 AM. Course days run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with an hour-long break for lunch at noon, with two additional evening sessions. Ten-day courses will include a day off; nine-day courses do not. 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. A 4-hour evening, outdoor mock rescue is part of the curriculum. Plan to dress accordingly for spending an evening outside.

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

• Wilderness First Responder (valid for 2 years, then recertification is needed)
• Adult, Child, and Infant CPR & Airway Management
• Epinephrine Auto-injector

The course will be held in the cafeteria at Sisorarfiit, the local ski hill nearby the airport.

Click here to see on map

The course will be conducted in English.

Students are required to arrange all lodging and food during the course.

16 years+

Cancellations

For canceled enrollment on the course: 

1. For canceled enrollment > 44 days before the event start date, you will get full refund tuition above the deposit. 
2. For canceled enrollment 15 to 44 days prior to the event start date, we retain 25% of total tuition. 
3. For canceled enrollment 8 to 14 days prior to the event start date, we will retain 50 % of total tuition. 
4. For canceled enrollment < 8 days before the event start date or once the event has begun, there will be no refund .
5. If two Ravens cancels the course for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your tuition and deposit.

• Notebook and pencil or pen
• Outdoor work gloves (gardening, leather, or canvas)
• Personal bottle of hand sanitizer
• Watch with a second hand or digital second
• Sunglasses and/or protective eyewear
• Water bottle
• Light day pack
• Headlamp
• Waterproof outerwear–top and bottom
• Light hiking boots or sturdy shoes 
• Clothing layers that allow you to be comfortable in a variety of weather conditions, including a hat

Optional:

• Slippers or comfortable shoes for classroom time
• Camp chair for classroom time 
• Clipboard or hard surface to write on  

*Both texts: “NOLS Wilderness Medicine, 7th Edition” and the Wilderness First Responder handbook will be provided on day one. You do not need to read or purchase these ahead of time.