The Wilderness Life Support for the Medical Professional (WLS:MP) course is designed to provide medical professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage medical emergencies in remote and wilderness settings. The curriculum is taught with the expectation that participants have pre-existing medical knowledge, such as terminology, anatomy and physiology, a foundation in pathophysiology, and providing patient care. All levels of medical professional from an EMT to a physician, as well as medical adjacent fields, are welcome to attend. The class focuses on taking this urban skill set and applying it to the austere environment.
Beyond certifications, the course empowers individuals with the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies in remote wilderness settings, enhancing safety for both themselves and others. Additionally, the curriculum is continually reviewed to ensure it aligns with the most current guidelines, providing participants with up-to-date knowledge and best practices in wilderness medicine.
The curriculum not only covers medical knowledge but also fosters critical decision-making skills essential for effective backcountry medical management.
This course blends theoretical learning with practical application and can be conducted in various settings, including in-person classrooms, outdoor training facilities, and online platforms. Practical components often take place in simulated wilderness environments to provide realistic training scenarios.
This course is offered in two main formats:
Regardless of which course type a student chooses, the in-person days involve a combination of didactic lectures, small group discussions, practical skills sessions, and live-scenario training.
Our curriculum and course format allows for a large variety of class types. WLS:MP courses are taught alongside adventure activities, global travel, survival courses, and speciality outdoor training. Each class must meet the minimum core topics, but many have partner specific additions.
The WLS:MP course was first offered in 2005 under the name Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS). Since then, our team of medical experts has refined the class, with the most recent accreditation in 2023 resulting in the name changing to WLS:MP.
Our class is accredited through the Wilderness Medical Society and ACCME. The curriculum follows medical best practice as dictated by organizations such as the WMS, WHO, CDC, TCCC, AHA, and is authored by leading professionals in the industry. Learn more about our contributing faculty here.
To earn the following certifications, students must complete the minimum time requirement for a WLS:MP class. Additionally, both a proctored written and practical examination must be successfully completed.
Upon completion of this course, students are eligible for:
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor professional or an adventurous enthusiast, the Wilderness Life Support for Medical Professionals course offers essential training to handle medical emergencies in challenging environments, fostering a safer outdoor experience for all.
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