Welcome to the Wilderness Medical Associates course page, hosted by the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School! Information about each course offering can be found below. If you have questions, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions section below, or get in touch with HIOBS Course Advisor Sarah Cotton.
Hybrid WFR Recertification Courses are divided up into two components. A self-paced, asynchronous e-learning module is followed by two days (16+ hours) of in-person instruction. The e-learning module takes a minimum of 12 hours and reviews foundational concepts and then prompts individualized review based on pre-assessment scores. Some students may need to spend up to an additional 20 hours completing activities based on pre-assessment scores to ensure that they are prepared for the in-person session. Students participating in this course are expected to have a working knowledge of computers and access to high-speed Internet. Please review the minimum technology requirements for the hybrid WFR here before registering for the course.
Students must register at least 2 weeks before the course date to ensure that there is enough time.
Prior to enrolling in a course, please review our Functional Position Description. The criteria set forth in this document allows students to self-assess their ability to meet the demands of both a WMAI course as well as the demands of a certified wilderness medical provider in the field.
Who is teaching my Wilderness Medicine course?
One of the awesome instructors from theWilderness Medical Associates International! When course access information is distributed 8-weeks prior to the course start, we will provide information about the instructor team.
Is food being served?
Yes – food, snacks, and hot drinks will be provided for all courses hosted by HIOBS. Food will be available from Lunch on Day One thru Lunch on the last day of your course.
Can my dietary restrictions be accommodated?
In most cases, yes. Please make note of them when registering for the course and we will follow up with you if we have any specific questions. If you have a very restrictive diet it is recommended that you bring some snacks and extra food for supplementary purposes.
Is the price the same even if I am sleeping off-site?
Yes.
How will I know where I am sleeping?
When you arrive, you will find sleeping locations and accommodations at the main building in both locations. Spaces in the cabins are limited to those who register early for the course. At this time, it is unclear as to whether we will be allowing more than one person to sleep in each cabin. We continue to monitor the COVID landscape in Maine and beyond and will send an update before the course start.
Can I arrive the night before the course start?
Yes – in some cases we can accommodate those that are traveling from a great distance to attend the course. Email tbarker @ hiobs.org for approval.
How will the instructors be mitigating the risk of COVID-19 while teaching?
We are continuing to monitor the COVID landscape in Maine and will provide more information when course information is distributed. Please see WMA’s page for COVID updates on how they are conducting in-person courses: https://www.wildmed.com/wmai-covid-19-update/
Is there pre-course work?
Open Recertification: It is recommended that students complete the Recertification Study Guide prior to arriving to course. To complete the study guide, students will need a copy of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine. If you no longer have a copy, or achieved your current certification from another organization, use the electronic version of the textbook on Moodle.
After completing the study guide, students should take the recertification practice exam before the course start date. In addition, it would be beneficial to complete the forms and infection control module on the WMAI Moodle site.
Wilderness First Responder: The Wilderness First Responder Course does not have any pre-course work assignments. Please arrive well rested and ready for long, challenging days.
What is the cancellation policy?
HIOBS will refund your course tuition in full up to 30 days before the course start. Outside of that, refunds will only be made if we are able to find someone to fill your spot on the course. Tuition Protection Plans do not apply to Wilderness Medicine courses.
I have more questions that have not been answered?
That’s cool – email Tim Barker – tbarker @ hiobs.org