This is the industry-standard certification for outdoor professionals.
SOLO Southeast’s Wilderness First Responder is a 9-day comprehensive course that teaches students to assess and treat injuries and illnesses in the wild. This course also covers the standards of backcountry and front country medicine.
The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is the recognized standard for outdoor professionals: backcountry trip leaders, expedition guides, camp staff, field researchers, and students in outdoor recreational programs. Curriculum includes training for urban and wilderness situations.
During the course, we will addresses environmental emergencies, survival skills, injuries, medical emergencies, decision-making, and much more. CPR + AED and Epi Auto Injector certifications are also included. Rescue scenarios are staged in wilderness settings (like the Appalachian Trail and Nantahala River) and during the night to make this a course like no other. Students that complete the course and pass the exam will obtain a three-year certification.
If you're looking to renew your certification, start here: Wilderness First Responder Recertification
Bryson City Lodging: Available through NOC
Bryson City Meals: Available through NOC’s Restaurants
Recommended For: Backcountry Trip Leaders, Camp Counselors, River Guides, Ski Patrollers, students in Outdoor Recreation Programs
Certifications Received:
- 3-Year SOLO Wilderness First Responder Certification
- 2-Year ASHI CPR & AED Certification
- 2-Year ASHI Epi Auto Injector Certification
For Financial Aid Resources, click here.
Courses Dates
| Course | Dates | Location | Tuition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness First Responder | Jan 18th - 26th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Feb 8th - 16th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Mar 22nd - 30th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Apr 12th - 20th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Apr 29th - May 7th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Jun 7th - 15th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Jul 12th - 20th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Aug 9th - 17th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Sep 20th - 28th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Oct 18th - 26th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Nov 15th - 23rd, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 | |
| Wilderness First Responder | Dec 6th - 14th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $875 |
What You'll Learn
- Patient Assessment
- Treatment of Common Injuries
- Treatment of Medical Emergencies
- CPR + AED
- EPI Auto Injector
- Basic Wilderness Survival Skills
- Introduction to Rescue and Evacuation
Course In Action Photos
What To Expect
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This course takes place at our SOLO Southeast classroom located on NOC’s main campus outside of Bryson City, NC. Course check-in will be at 8:00am. Students can plan to spend 8-10 hours/day in the course with breaks for meals. This course provides both hands-on and classroom-style training. We will have both indoor and outdoor scenarios, so dressing appropriately for the weather is a necessity.
- Day 7 or 8 will include several hours of class after dinner. The class will total to over 70 hours of instruction.
- This hands-on course does require some strength and physical contact with other members of the class.
- There is occasional homework to be completed outside of class.
What's Included
- 3-Year SOLO Wilderness First Responder Certification
- 2-Year ASHI CPR & AED Certification
- 2-Year ASHI Epi Auto Injector Certification
- Textbook
Packing List
Print the course packing list by clicking on the print icon to the right.
NOC provides the primary gear needed for each course. Students should plan to have seasonally appropriate clothing, as we will spend a significant amount of time outside. Please look at zip code 28713 for packing.
Necessary Items
- Backpack
- Rain gear
- Layers of clothing
- Hat
- Closed toe shoes
- Wrist watch
- Pen and notepad
- Sleeping bag or blanket*
- Sleeping pad*
- Small tarp, rain fly, or ground sheet*
- Headlamp
- Water bottle (at least 1 quart)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Small personal first aid kit
*Paddlers might bring gear that they would be likely to have on the river (PFD, float bags, etc)
During rafting season (March – October), students may spend a half day on the Nantahala River (rafting is not a guaranteed part of this program). For these months, please bring the following:
- River appropriate clothing
- Shoes that fasten securly to feet (no flip-flops)
Requirements
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Students must be at least 16 years of age to take this course.
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All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Food & Drink
NOC’s Main Campus outside of Bryson City, NC is home to two onsite restaurants. Hours vary seasonally. View hours for River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser Riverside Pub. Snacks are available for purchase at the General Store. Students in this program will receive a discount card for use at NOC’s restaurants during the course.
Lodging
NOC offers several different lodging options on our Main Campus. Our most popular for this course is our Shared Basecamp Lodging where you would be in a room with other participants in the course. Student’s receive a discounted rate on lodging. Please call to inquire.