FAQ

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

For all courses canceled more than 60 days from the course start date we offer a full refund.

For cancellations less than 60 days, but more than 4 weeks from course start date students receive a 50% refund.

For cancellations less than 4 weeks from the course start date, there is no refund.

We will do our best to transfer your registration to an upcoming course should an emergency arise and you cannot attend your scheduled course.

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?

Yes! Upon registration, you will receive a link to our online education platform, Moodle. Some courses require pre-course work, which can be accessed through Moodle. For courses without pre-course requirements, students can still use Moodle to explore a wealth of Wilderness Medicine resources.

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

The WMA office can issue you a replacement certificate free of charge.

To request a new certificate, please contact office@wildmed.com 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. Please contact us if you have questions about lodging discounts.

How can I host a class in my area?

If you’re interested in bringing a class to your team or location, you can find more details and get started by clicking here. We look forward to working with you!

How do I become a WMA or GEM Instructor

All instructors will be trained and certified through WMA. Please click here for more information on the instructor application and training process.

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 16-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 three years. After that, the full course must be retaken to renew the certification.

A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is a more in-depth, 70-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 three years. If recertification isn’t completed within this three-year window, the entire course must be retaken.

How long are your certifications valid?

All WMA International certifications are valid for three years. 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.

If you represent a teen travel organization, summer camp, or any group with staff under 16, we can likely still run courses tailored to your needs. Please contact us to discuss options.

What Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications qualify for recertification?

Wilderness Medical Associates International is committed to providing high-quality education and values reciprocity. We accept any hybrid or fully in-person Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification that aligns with the curriculum established by the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) and meets the required 70-80 instructional hours. Certifications without an in-person component are not eligible for recognition

Eligible Students:
Must have a current WFR, Outdoor Emergency Care* (OEC) certification (unexpired or within the certifying agency’s grace period), or WEMS/WEMT certification.
*Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification holders are eligible to recertify in WMA recertification courses. Upon successful completion, students will receive a WFR certification.

Is the pre-course work required before attending the in-person course?

If you are enrolled in a 5 day WFR course, all online components, including the study guide and online exam, must be completed before attending the in-person training.

If you are unable to finish the online coursework before the class begins, please contact globalemergencymedics@gmail.com to discuss your options.

Do you offer CPR certification?

Yes! CPR is an optional component of the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course and a required part of the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course.

Our CPR certification is issued through Wilderness Medical Associates International and includes all essential components of a Basic Life Support (BLS) course. The curriculum follows the standards set by the Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

This certification remains valid for three years.

Who can take the WALS course?

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

If you don’t have prior medical training, we recommend you take a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification instead.