FAQ

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

You can view our policy here. If your course is being offered through a Global Emergency Medics partner, please note that their policies may differ. For more information, we recommend contacting their organization directly.

Can I access class materials before the start of my course?

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I lost my certificate—how can I get a replacement?

We can issue you a replacement certificate free of charge.

To request a new certificate, please contact us with the following details:

Your first and last name
The date of your course
The location of your course

Providing this information upfront will help us process your request quickly. Missing details may result in delays.

Do you provide room and board for your courses?

Room and board are not included in our courses unless specifically stated for a particular class.

In some cases, discounts on nearby accommodations may be available, but these are course-specific and will be mentioned in the details for that class.

How can I host a class in my area?

If you’re interested in joining our instructor team or bringing a class to your location, you can find more details and get started by clicking here.

Who can take the WLS course?

The WLS courses are designed for medical professionals, and it’s recommended that participants have at least an EMT certification or a higher medical-related degree.

That said, anyone is welcome to enroll in these courses. Please note that the content is tailored for those with a foundational knowledge of medicine, and instruction will be provided with this in mind.

If you don’t have prior medical training, completing a WLS course will earn you a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification instead.

For those interested in online modules without pursuing CME or FAWM credits, we also offer lay rescuer modules tailored to non-medical professionals

What’s the difference between a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course?

Both courses are designed for outdoor enthusiasts, but they vary in depth, target audience, and time commitment.

A Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is a 20-hour introduction to wilderness medicine. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and provides a foundation in basic wilderness medical skills. Some courses may include CPR training, but this is course-dependent. Upon completion, participants receive a WFA certification, which is valid for two years. After that, the full course must be retaken to renew the certification.

A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is a more in-depth, 72-hour training designed for outdoor professionals and those spending extended periods in remote areas. This course covers advanced wilderness medicine topics and always includes CPR training. WFR certification is valid for two years, followed by a one-year grace period during which participants can take a 24-hour recertification course. If recertification isn’t completed within this three-year window, the entire course must be retaken.

Both courses offer epinephrine autoinjector training, but completion of an additional online module may be required.

How long are your certifications valid?

Wilderness First Aid (WFA): The WFA certification is valid for two years. After that, you will need to retake the entire course to renew your certification.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR): The WFR certification is valid for two years, with an additional one-year grace period during which you can complete a recertification class. If you don’t recertify within this three-year timeframe, you’ll need to retake the entire course.

Is there an age requirement for these courses?

Yes, students must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. Exceptions may be made with prior approval.

For inquiries about age requirements or special permissions, please contact us.

Does your courses meet the standards of the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS)?

Yes, all Global Emergency Medics courses adhere to the standards and best practices set by the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS). This includes alignment with their curriculum guidelines, treatment and evacuation protocols, C-spine procedures, and total hourly requirements.

It’s worth noting that the Wilderness Medical Society serves as the governing body for wilderness medicine education, providing curriculum outlines and guidelines for the field.

However, these standards differ from those set by the Wilderness Medical Education Collective (WMEC), which is a separate entity with its own time requirements for certain classes.