This all-new course combines the best of two worlds: Emergency Medical Responder and Wilderness Medicine!
Most Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses out there require that you already have EMR or EMT certification already, they just add a wilderness skills component to the certification you already hold.
Minnesota EMS’ Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder (WEMR) course is better: Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be certified by the state of Minnesota as an EMR, and you’ll be eligible to take the NREMT EMR written test for a Nationally-recognized certification!
This course is a serious investment in your medical knowledge and treatment abilities while in the backcountry; EMR is the certification level required for many emergency services, including police and fire departments. Minnesota EMS takes the traditional EMR curriculum in a hybrid format, and then expands the course into the outdoors!
EMR is a real step forward in knowledge and abilities, and is great for those who might be interested in a career in EMS or Search and Rescue. It far exceeds Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC) standards for WFR, and establishes program graduates as emergency care professionals with an outdoor focus, prepared to interact seamlessly with other responders.
All participants take a 40-hour hybrid course component with live online class time, followed by an intensive 5-day in-person skills testing and outdoor operations component, including field sessions packed with scenarios and skills. Upon successful completion, participants earn a 2 year certification as an Emergency Medical Responder by the Minnesota Office of EMS with a focus on wilderness medical care, and are then eligible to apply for National Registry certification if nationwide reciprocity is desired.
This course meets minimum requirements for Minnesota POST board certification for law enforcement, along with minimum requirements for service on many rural ambulance providers. EMRs will generally operate the ambulance and assist EMTs in providing direct patient care.
Some of the topics covered include:
- Shock, bleeding control, and wound care
- Assessments and patient reports
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Environmental Emergencies
- Altitude-Related Illnesses
- Allergies and Anaphylaxis
- Burns
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Emergency operations
- Rescue and helicopter landing zones
- Lifting and moving patients
Minimum age of this program is 16. A waiver is required for all participants, and a parent or guardian must sign at the beginning of class for students under 18.
In-person class portion takes place regardless of weather over 5 consecutive days. Participation in all 5 days is required for successful completion. Dress appropriately for the expected conditions.
Course cost – $900 per participant, contact for more details
- Upcoming Course – Next Course coming Summer 2026, location TBD – contact us to get updates!