Whether you’re hiking, hunting, canoeing, camping, or biking, Minnesota has a lot of outdoor space to explore! Even if you live in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester, or another one of our great cities, you’re only a short distance from adventure.

But when it comes to unexpected accidents off the beaten path, are you prepared?

When you’re out in the backcountry, it can take hours for trained responders to get to you. Knowing what to do is what our Wilderness Medicine programs are all about!

Minnesota EMS’ Wilderness Medicine programs, like Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder include the same material as standard First Aid or EMR courses, but with additional training and essential details for saving lives and minimizing injuries in the backcountry.

Our Wilderness Medicine programs are still taught by healthcare professionals such as EMTs and nurses, just like the rest of our courses, but with equipment and knowledge tailored to your outdoor adventures.

Click on the program that interests you below:

Minnesota EMS’ Program Director Jason Colvin holds an Associate in Wilderness Medicine from the University of Utah’s Wild Med U Program, and has been passionate about backcountry first aid since his days at Scout camps.

Minnesota EMS Wilderness programs adhere to the certification standards recommended by the Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC), the same standards used by NOLS, SOLO, WMA, and other WMEC member schools.