u of oregon - pe & recreation - outdoor pursuits program
wilderness medicine courses
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We offer two Wilderness Medicine courses, Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

Wilderness First Aidpatient assessment practice

Wilderness First Aid is a two-credit course conducted in Fall Term only. Two-hour class sessions (once per week for several weeks) cover basic first aid skills and prepare students for the weekend, on-campus outing. The outing provides plenty of opportunity to gain hands on practice and develop critical assessment and treatment skills. Upon successfully completing the course participants receive Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications (AHA Heartsaver Adult CPR).

  • Course description and schedule

first aid scenario

Wilderness First Responder

This 100+ hour, four-credit course is an intensive, hands-on first aid training experience that teaches participants the skills necessary to:

  • Assess and treat injuries and handle medical emergencies in situations where medical services and facilities are hours or days away.
  • Provide long-term or extended patient care.
  • Make effective decisions concerning transporting a patient from a backcountry setting.

The course is conducted at Campu Lutherwood during September. Students enroll via Duckweb during the Summer Term registration period. Course details are explained below.

Upon successfully completing the course (including written and practical examinations), participants receive Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications (American Heart Association Heartsaver Adult CPR).

For an overview of course content and a schedule of activities, download the course outline and schedule document.

WHEN IS THE WFR COURSE OFFERED?

Our 2009 course runs from Monday, September 7th to Friday, September 18th. Check-in is between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6th at Camp Lutherwood (directions provided below).

patient assessment

WHAT TIME COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED OF PARTICIPANTS?

This course is a residential experience, conducted exclusively at Camp Lutherwood, northwest of Eugene on Highway 36. Participants are required to stay at Camp Lutherwood, and are expected to be on site for all class-related activities.

Starting Monday, September 7th, classes will conducted over the course of eleven intensive days, ending the afternoon of Friday September 19th. Classes will be conducted during the days and on some evenings. There will be limited recreational time. Participants can expect to be immersed in the world of backcountry first aid. A break day is scheduled for Saturday, September the 12th.

conducting a patient assessment

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?

The cost of this year's course is $575. Cost includes instruction, course text, lodging and 4 upper division credits. Participants are expected to provide their own food and adequate clothing and equipment to meet the full range of weather conditions likely to be encountered. An equipment list is provided in the general information document.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Registration for PEOL 493 - Wilderness First Responder begins May 4th, 2009 via the online Duckweb registration system. Please note that the following documents are available as pdf downloads. You are strongly encouraged to review them prior to the start of the course:

WHO TEACHES THE COURSE? HOW CAN I REACH THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR?

The WFR course is taught by Cory Miner (photo to right), owner of Rescue Training, Inc. Cory's e-mail is jcmin@uoregon.edu

Go to the OPP Instructor Page to learn more about Cory's expertise.

Cory Miner grading final exams

photo of Cory Miner

WHERE IS CAMP LUTHERWOOD, HOW DO I GET THERE, AND WHAT ARE THE ACCOMODATIONS LIKE?

Camp Lutherwood is located approximately 30 miles outside of Eugene on Highway 36. The camp is located on approximately 40 acres of forested land that includes rough terrain, hiking trails, and creeks. View the road map for directions from the Eugene area. You are strongly encouraged to print this map if you are unfamiliar with the area.

From Eugene, travel west on 6th Ave, which eventually becomes Highway 99. Turn left on Highway 36 (aka Mapleton-Junction City Highway) and travel approximately 14 miles to your destination at Camp Lutherwood. Right before milepost 37, you will see a sign for Camp Lutherwood. Turn in and park to the left (in a gravel area). Walk over the bridge to the lodge (where registration is conducted and classes are held).

Students are required to stay at the camp for the duration of the course. Bunk-type cabins are available. You are welcome to bring your own tent or other accommodation (e.g. travel van) if you prefer. You must supply your own food/beverages. Full kitchen amenities are available (stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, sinks, etc.). Bathroom facilities (including showers) are also available for use.

photo of Lutherwood main lodge teaching area cabins kitchen facilities
Camp Lutherwood main lodge Teaching area in main lodge A cabin nestled in the conifers Kitchen facilities

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Cory Miner, Instructor and Owner
Rescue Training, Inc.
541-521-4377
jcmin@uoregon.edu

Michael Strong
Director: Outdoor Pursuits Program
541-346-1048
mstrong@uoregon.edu

OPP - credit for adventure