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According to Mindy Pheiffer, program coordinator at Western Illinois University's Horn Field Campus, the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training is a nationally recognized program that prepares participants to handle emergencies in remote settings. A 72-hour WFR course will be offered March 12-20, and a recertification course will be offered March 21-23, 2011, at Horn Field Campus. Upon successful completion of practical and written exams, students will receive the Wilderness Medical Association's WFR and Anaphylaxis Workshop certifications, valid for three years, plus American Heart Association CPR certification.
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Wilderness First Responder Courses at Horn Field Campus in March; Register by Jan. 28 for Early Bird Discount

January 12, 2011

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MACOMB, IL -- Enjoying the great outdoors is often filled with fresh air, exercise and camaraderie, particularly for those who love to hunt or camp. But spending time in the wilderness can also bring injury and illness, turning what was meant to be an enjoyable experience into a life-threatening situation. The Wilderness Medical Associates' Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course—which will be offered at Western Illinois University's Horn Field Campus (HFC) in March—provides a way for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts to prepare for wilderness-related and other injuries and to help prevent a fun outing from turning into a tragedy.

The 72-hour WFR course is slated for Saturday, March 12-Sunday, March 20 (during WIU's Spring Break), at HFC near Macomb. For those who have been WFR certified in the past, a 16-hour WFR recertification course is slated for Monday, March 21-Wednesday, March 23 at Horn Field Campus. The WFR course will be staffed by professional instructors from the WMA, an organization founded in 1981 by Peter Goth to provide medical training and risk management in the wilderness context.

"This is an intensive training course, recognized as the world's leading provider of remote emergency training," explained Mindy Pheiffer, Horn Field Campus program coordinator.

According to Pheiffer, WFR training is a nationally recognized program that prepares participants to handle emergencies in remote settings. The 72-hour curriculum meets all the new Department of Transportation's "National Standards for First Responder," with additional protocols for extended-care situations. Curriculum topics include but are not limited to: wilderness protocols for delayed/prolonged transport, trauma management, patient assessment, wilderness rescue and backcountry medicine. Emphasis is placed on prevention and decision making, not on memorization of lists, she added.

Upon successful completion of practical and written exams, students will receive WMA's Wilderness First Responder and Anaphylaxis Workshop certifications, valid for three years, plus American Heart Association CPR certification.

Cost for the 72-hour course is $650 due on or before Jan. 28 ($700 Jan. 29 and after); a $300 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due upon arrival. Cost for the 16-hour recertification course is $275 due on or before Jan. 28 ($310 Jan. 29 and after); a $200 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due upon arrival. The fees include course materials, lodging and kitchen use. Deadline to register is February 5 to ensure course enrollment. After February 5, please check availability, as spots may still be available.

Payment must be made by check payable to "WIU Horn Field Campus" (payment via credit card is not accepted), and a full refund will be given if either of the courses is cancelled.

Each student will need to bring a large daypack, water bottle, rain gear, comfortable and warm clothing, a watch with a second hand, bedding and toiletries and a set of old clothes that can be damaged during simulations.

For more information, visit the Horn Field Campus website at www.wiu.edu/coehs/rpta/horn_field_campus/programs/training.php. To register, click on the "registration form" links for each course. Questions can also be directed to Leann Shyrack in WIU's recreation, park and tourism administration department, at (309) 298-2026 or LR-Shryack@wiu.edu. For curriculum information, contact WMA at (888) 945-3633 or visit www.wildmed.com.

Horn Field Campus is located south of Macomb on China Road. From South Johnson Street (past Macomb High School), turn right on China Road and follow the road one-quarter of a mile to the Horn Field Campus entrance. Parking is permitted on the HFC lot.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Reporters, photographers and film crews, please contact Shyrack directly at (309) 298-2026 or LR-Shryack@wiu.edu if interested in finding out when a live simulation will be held.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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