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 you have EMR or EMT certification already, they just add wilderness skills to what you already learned.
Minnesota EMS’ Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder (WEMR) course is better: On successful completion, you get certified by the state of Minnesota as an EMR, and you have the ability to take the NREMT written test for transferable National certification!
This course is a serious investment in your medical knowledge and treatment abilities while in the backcountry; EMR is the certification required for many first responder agencies, 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, ready to interact seamlessly with other emergency responders.
All participants take a 40-hour online course component, and an intensive 5-day in-person skills testing and outdoor operations portion, including a 3-day field session filled 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 eligible to apply for National Registry Certification for nationwide reciprocity.
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!