FAQ

Q: What is wilderness medicine?

A: Wilderness medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on providing medical care in remote or wilderness environments where access to traditional medical facilities may be limited or non-existent. Wilderness medicine training emphasizes improvisation and adaptation in order to provide care with limited resources.

Q: Who should take a wilderness medicine course?

A: Anyone who spends time in remote or wilderness environments, such as outdoor enthusiasts, guides, search and rescue personnel, and field researchers, can benefit from wilderness medicine training.

Q: What does a wilderness medicine course cover?

A: A wilderness medicine course covers a variety of topics, including patient assessment, wound management, environmental emergencies, basic life support, and evacuation techniques. The specific curriculum may vary depending on the course provider.
 

Q: What is swiftwater rescue?

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A: Swiftwater rescue is a specialized form of water rescue that focuses on providing rescue and medical care in fast-moving water environments, such as rivers, streams, and waterfalls. Swiftwater rescue training emphasizes safety, teamwork, and rescue techniques specific to fast-moving water.

Q: Who should take a swiftwater rescue course?

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A: Anyone who works or plays in fast-moving water environments, such as rafting guides, kayakers, and emergency responders, can benefit from swiftwater rescue training.

Q: What does a swiftwater rescue course cover?

A: A swiftwater rescue course covers a variety of topics, including hydrology, river rescue techniques, rope systems, and swiftwater medical care. The specific curriculum may vary depending on the course provider.

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Q: What is the cost of a wilderness medicine or swiftwater rescue course?

A: The cost of a wilderness medicine or swiftwater rescue course can vary depending on the course provider, location, and level of certification. Basic courses may cost a few hundred dollars, while advanced courses may cost several thousand dollars.

Q: What certification do I receive upon completing a wilderness medicine or swiftwater rescue course?

A: Upon completion of a wilderness medicine or swiftwater rescue course, participants receive a certification from Cordillera International. This is not a medical license or an authorization to perform the skills taught but rather a training certification that will be recognized worldwide! The specific certification will depend on the course, but may include Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) or ACA level 2,3, or 4 in swiftwater rescue. 

Q: How long is a wilderness medicine or swiftwater rescue course?

A: The length of a wilderness medicine or swiftwater rescue course can vary depending on the course provider and the level of certification. Generally, courses range from 1-2 days for basic courses up to 8-10 days or more for advanced courses.