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Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses will be offered in March at Western Illinois University's Horn Field Campus. A 72-hour WFR course is slated for March 10-18 and a recertification course is scheduled for March 19-21. According to Horn Field Campus Program Coordinator Mindy Pheiffer, WFR training is a nationally recognized program that prepares participants to handle emergencies in remote settings.
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Wilderness First Responder Courses at Horn Field Campus in March

January 25, 2012

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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 10 - Sunday, March 18 (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 19 - Wednesday, March 21 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.

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 Friday, Jan. 27 ($700 Jan. 28 and after); a $300 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due upon arrival. The fees include course materials, lodging and kitchen use. Deadline to register for the 72-hour course is Friday, Feb. 3 to ensure course enrollment. After Feb. 3, please check availability, as spots may still be available.

Cost for the 16-hour recertification course is $300 due on or before Friday, Feb. 10 ($350 Feb. 10 and after); a $200 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due upon arrival. The fees include course materials, lodging and kitchen use.

Payments for both courses 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, including travel information and links to the registration forms, visit www.wiu.edu/coehs/rpta/horn_field_campus/programs/training.php. More information can also be obtained by sending a message via email to HF-Campus@wiu.edu or calling (309) 298-2026. For curriculum information, contact WMA at (888) 945-3633 or visit www.wildmed.com/first-response/wilderness-first-responder.php.

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.

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