Wilderness Medicine Courses
The best medical training for anyone working or playing in remote or extreme environments.
From introductory Wilderness First Aid classes to the eighty-hour Wilderness First Responder program for professionals, our courses are intense, hands-on, and fun.
Why choose a Wilderness Medical Associates course with Boreal River?

Wilderness Medical Associates has been setting the standard in wilderness medicine and rescue training for over twenty-five years.
A WMA course goes beyond traditional first aid training. Students learn about the way body systems work so that they understand what needs to be done instead of memorizing lists. We focus on preparing for situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments, and improvised equipment.
Boreal River goes all-out to provide the best training programs of their kind and the best service to our students before, during, and after courses.
Our professional instructors are highly experienced in their fields and are dynamic teachers. We believe in a hands-on approach to learning with as much time as possible using skills and applying knowledge.
We want you to be challenged, have fun, and leave your course feeling confident when dealing with emergencies.
The instructors were very competent and aware of each individuals' needs. The progression was excellent, providing just the right mix of theory and practice time. Thank you again for the great course.
Marc T. – Coast Guard - Quebec
As a nurse its easy to become accustomed to having the tools that you have in a hospital/clinic setting. This course helped me think outside the box. Jamie had a great teaching style, was able to give relevant examples and explain medical info simply, has a great sense of humour, and created a supportive learning environment.
Chantal, registered nurse - Whitehorse, Yukon - Wilderness First Responder course
Our Courses
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) – 2 Days
Wilderness First Aid is a short and intensive course for those working, playing, and traveling, in remote environments. The training prepares students to make decisions on whether injuries are serious or not, improvise equipment, provide life-saving treatments, and assist those with more training.
Find out more…
Wilderness First Aid for Field Services (WFA-FS) – 3 Days
A 3-day program for field staff and industrial workers who operate in remote areas. This course is recognized for workplace health and safety and includes Standard First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and CPR certification.
Find out more…
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) – 4 days
A 4-day (40 hour) course for those who travel hours away from help with limited resources. Includes advanced medical treatments for wilderness settings.
Find out more…
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) – 8 Days
This 8-day (80 hour) course is the standard for professional guides, rescue team members, and those who travel in remote environments for extended periods. Emphasis is on prolonged care, advanced treatment, environmental problems, evacuations, and decision making.
Find out more…
Wilderness First Responder Bridge (WFR-B) – 4 Days
A 4-day (40 hour) upgrade to WFR for those who hold a current WAFA certification.
Find out more…
WFR Recertification
A 3 or 4-day course that provides recertification for Wilderness First Responders.
Find out more…
Whitewater Expedition Leader
A 11-day expedition on the Dumoine River that includes certification in Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Expedition Emergency Management, and Whitewater Canoeing.
Find out more…