Wilderness First Responder (WFR) August 2026

A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is lay medical responder trained to provide initial patient assessment and management, risk-benefit analysis, and evacuation decision making in an area where organized rescue and hospital care is delayed. The WFR has a limited advanced skillset to deal with specific, common issues in wilderness medicine. It is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on multi-day trips or longer adventures.

This course is offered through Base Medical, which delivers courses in a hybrid format. You will learn the course material through the online component, through a series of videos and quizzes. Then you will have five, 8-hour hands-on session to put that learning into practice. All in-person classes will be at the Mazamas Mountaineering Center located in Portland Oregon. The Base Medical WFR scope of education follows Wilderness Medicine Society standards for wilderness medicine courses. The course will be taught by exceptional Mazamas instructors experienced in mountaineering.

Part One: 24 Hours Online Learning

Take the online lessons at your own pace.

Just be sure to complete the lessons before you attend the practical training.

Part Two: Practical Training

The Initial WFR certification practical trainings are 5 days in length.

Activity Notes

The Mazamas is partnering with Base Medical to offer Wilderness First Responder (WFR) classes. WFR is a nationally recognized certification and this course follows nationally set standards.

This particular WFR is a hybrid course format consisting of:

24 hours of online work to be completed at least 2 days prior to the practical
5 full days of 8 hour in-person practical sessions
- Aug 21 - Aug 23: based out of the Mazama Mountaineering Center located at 527 SE 43rd Ave, Portland, OR 97215.
- Aug 29 - Aug 30: based out of the Mazama Lodge located at 30500 W Leg Rd, Government Camp, OR 97028. These dates include an overnight training. meals, and lodging (which are included in the course fee)
an online final exam passed with a score of 80% or higher within seven days of completing the practical portion of the course

*Please note the online course work must be completed 48 hours prior to the practical session to attend and pass the class. (No reschedules or exceptions can be accommodated). Following acceptance into the course you will receive a time-sensitive email with a link to the online coursework. Please check your junk folder and reach out to the registrar if you do not receive this link by Aug 8th.

The course will be for a maximum of 20 participants. Priority acceptance will be given for early applicants. All applicants are requested to update their Mazama profile at registration with details of experience/involvement as a leader in outdoor recreation.

Detailed information about the practical course, including course expectations and guidelines, will be sent via email closer to the course date.

Prerequisite: Laptop or desktop computer (this is for the online section, only. You do not need to bring this material to the in-person course)

The course will include the following certifications: WFR (valid 2 years), CPR/AED (valid 2 years), and Epinephrine Auto-injector (valid 2 years)

Please email questions to wfaregistrar@mazamas.org

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