9 - 19 December 2026 IN schneizelreuth, bavarian alps
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course
HOSTED BY CROSSING LATITUDES
For those who work in or aspire to work in the outdoors, the Wilderness First Responder is an internationally recognised certification designed to provide you with the tools to make critical medical interventions and decisions on evacuation in remote locations. Half of your time will be spent training practical skills, evaluating case studies and practicing your skills scenarios designed to challenge your abilities.
CPR is included. Everyone is welcome, no previous experience required.
DATES:
09 - 19 December 2026
08:00 to 18:00 each day
Day 3 and 8 will end late due to night sessions. Day 6 is off - we encourage participants to rest, study or go on an adventure together! We finish at noon the last day.
LOCATION:
Outdoor Center Baumgarten
https://www.outdoor-centerbaumgarten.de/canyoning-rafting-events
Baumgarten 1
83458 Schneizlreuth - Germany
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This course is conducted in English.
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EUR 1955 per person (VAT exempt).
EUR 1759.50 if you book by 27 Oct 2026 to take advantage of our 10% early bird discount using the code WFRBAUMGARTEN26
The course fee includes 11-nights’ dormitory accommodation (8 – 19 Dec 2026) and breakfast from 9 Dec up until 19 Dec. The course fee also covers facility fees.
Also included are the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Medical handbook, the NOLS Wilderness Medicine textbook, a bandana with the patient assessment, equipment used during the course, CPR certification, the internationally recognised NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFR certification and Epinephrine auto injector certification.
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This course combines theoretical lectures with hands-on sessions to train practical skills. Each day is a mix of classroom, skills sessions, scenarios, and case studies. There is a written & practical exam at the end of the course.
All participants will be learn by taking turns being “patients” and “rescuers” each day. We use fake blood to make the scenarios more realistic. The fake blood is washable, but you might have to wash twice.
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Please register by selecting the “Register for this course button”.
Full payment is needed to confirm your reservation for the course. You may select your preferred payment method (bank transfer or credit card) on our registration form. Kindly read our cancellation policies below before you sign up. Once we have received your course fee we will email you a receipt and a course confirmation.
Do read the Student Agreement before signing up: http://www.nols.edu/en/filer/public/1481655159/906/
*There is no need to sign and send it in. We have physical forms you can sign at the course start.
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If a student cancels or withdraws from a course:
Greater than or equal to 30 days prior to the course starting date, Crossing Latitudes will retain an administrative fee of 25% of the course price.
Within 30 days of the course start date, Crossing Latitudes will retain an administrative fee of 50% of the course price.
Once the course has begun, there will be no refund.
If Crossing Latitudes or NOLS Wilderness Medicine must cancel the course, you will receive a full refund.
We highly recommend that you protect yourself by buying travel insurance. Crossing Latitudes or NOLS Wilderness Medicine are not responsible for any expenses other than the course fee in case of cancellation or withdrawal.
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11 nights of dormitory accommodation in a shared room is included in your course fee from 8 -19 December 2026. Check in will be on 8 December around 15:00. More details will be provided in the reminder email 2 weeks prior to the course.
Facilities on-site:
Washing machines/ Drying machines
Kitchen for preparing your lunch and dinner.
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Breakfast is included in your course fee.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
The nearest supermarket is in Bad Reichenhall, about 6 minutes away by car (Penny, Edeka, etc.).
Baumgarten Outdoor Center
The Baumgarten Outdoor Center, near Bad Reichenhall (Bavaria), was founded in 1998 and is located directly at the foot of the Lattengebirge mountains, close to the Saalach river, which flows through Bavaria and Austria. This location provides the perfect starting point for all kinds of outdoor and mountain sports activities in the Berchtesgaden and Salzburg regions.
Salzburg
Salzburg is one of Austria’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its baroque architecture, alpine scenery, and rich musical heritage. The city is famously associated with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and visitors can explore his birthplace and museums dedicated to his life and work. Salzburg’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre site, features charming streets, grand churches, and landmarks such as the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking the city. Tourists are also drawn to the beautiful gardens of Mirabell Palace, the impressive Salzburg Cathedral, the lively shopping street Getreidegasse, and the scenic Hellbrunn Palace with its famous trick fountains. With its blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, Salzburg offers visitors a memorable experience throughout the year.
Berchtesgarden
Berchtesgaden is a picturesque town in the Bavarian Alps near the border of Austria, famous for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes, it is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and nature tourism. One of the area’s most famous attractions is Lake Königssee, known for its emerald-green water and peaceful boat rides. Visitors also explore Eagle's Nest, a historic mountain retreat offering panoramic alpine views. The nearby Berchtesgaden National Park attracts nature lovers with its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Berchtesgaden is one of Germany’s most charming alpine destinations.
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The Outdoor Center Baumgarten on google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/69A9kEi7BRDzuTTM7
The closest airport is Salzburg Airport (approximately 18km). Alternately, the closest international hub is Munich airport which requires a longer journey if taking public transportation.
By public transport from within Austria: https://www.oebb.at/en/
By bus from Salzburg Airport – Bus 260 (direction Schüttdorf Tischlerhäusl). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from the airport to Bad Reichenhall Baumgarten. Followed by a 110 m walk to the center.
The Course
A WFR is an essential wilderness first aid education for anyone who spends significant time in remote places or who has a professional career in the outdoors. The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course will prepare you to make difficult medical decisions. This course is fast-paced and engaging. You'll spend half your time outside of the classroom practising hands-on skills and realistic scenarios as well as a full-scale night scenario.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics including long-term patient care, wound management, straightening angulated fractures, reducing dislocations, litter packaging and administering medications. You'll complete this course with the tools and confidence to manage patients in the backcountry for multiple days.
The intensive 80+ hour curriculum is internationally recognised and supported by the Wilderness Medical Society. You'll be taught by dynamic educators who have practiced both wilderness and urban medicine. This course is ideal for all professionals operating in remote environments. CPR certification is included. The WFR course is pre-approved for 70 hours of EMT CEU’s by CECBEMS (see more info below). This course is also approved for FAWM credits by the WMS.
For more information about NOLS Wilderness Medicine and our WFR courses, please visit: https://nols.edu/en/courses/courses/wilderness-first-responder-WFR/
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The course is pre-approved for three (3) semester hour credits through the University of Utah at a cost. If interested, please email info@crossinglatitudes.com pre-course.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine is proud to be a Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) accredited organisation. Current EMTs are eligible to receive 70 CEU hours for their Wilderness First Responder courses. Please bring a photocopy of your current EMT card(s) with you to your course.
This course has been approved for Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) credits through the Wilderness Medical Society. Actual credits awarded depend on personal credit needs and history.
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Dynamic instructors with lots of backcountry and first aid experience
Lots of time outside with realistic scenarios
Daily feedback from our instructors
Intense AND rewarding days
A written and a practical exam at the end of the course that we will do everything we can to help you develop the skills to perform well. You need to pass both the written and the practical tests to receive NOLS Wilderness Medicine international WFR certification.
A curriculum that is evidence-based, not just copied out of a textbook. We teach wilderness medicine practices and protocols that are supported by a physician-based medical advisory panel and disseminated by our curriculum director. This means you're getting the latest findings and protocols in the industry.
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That you are on time each day
Come prepared each morning, ready to learn and participate. Revision and practice in the evenings will set you up for success.
We hope that you will speak up when you need help, do not understand, or have any concerns.
Be respectful of other participants and our staff – both in the classroom and during our scenarios outside. We do not accept any kind of harassment.
We ask that all participants’ cell phones and computers will be turned off during class time.
Smoking, alcohol and/or recreational drugs are not allowed during the course hours.
Pets are not allowed at the classroom or scenario sites during course hours. Any student bringing pets to class will be asked to leave class until the pet is safely situated in a kennel or other facility – unless it is a service dog. If you have a service dog, please email us before signing up.
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NOLS Wilderness Medicine will bring medical equipment and outdoor gear for setting up realistic scenarios.
Expect the best but be prepared for the worst! We will be outside each day even if it rains, snows or storms. Having quality clothing and equipment is important. Come to class each morning prepared to be both inside and outside. You need a medium sized backpack for your personal extra clothing and the First Aid gear that we will provide each day. Your backpack will be used every day in the scenarios.
Packing for class (in your backpack):
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Extra wool or synthetic socks
Hat, gloves, mittens, neck warmer, buff or scarf
Headlamp with extra batteries
Protective eyewear (sunglasses and /or clear glasses)
Indoor shoes or sandals
Note pad, pens, or pencils,
Water bottle, Tea/coffee mug, thermos
Suggested Equipment List:
Underwear
Synthetic or wool tops and bottoms
Warm sweaters or fleece jackets
Down or fibre jacket
Quick drying outdoors pants and tops
Casual clothing for the evenings
Windproof jacket and trousers
Warm socks
Regular socks
Weather appropriate shoes/boots
Indoor shoes
Hat, gloves, mittens, neck warmer/scarf
Balaclava, facemask, goggles
Exercise clothing (if you want to exercise)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Note pad and pens
Sunglasses, water bottle, mug, toiletries
Adaptor(s) for your electronics (if needed)
Course Schedule
*subject to change
DAY 1:
Hello & Welcome
Introductions
Communicable Disease & Infection Control
Medicine in the Wilderness Context
Scene Size-up & Initial Assessment
Physical Examination / Head to Toe
Vital signs: LOR, HR, RR, SCTM
Medical History: SAMPLE
Documentation
DAY 2:
Vital Signs: BP, Pupils, & Core Temperature
Spine & Spinal Cord Injuries
Spine Injury Assessment & Management: Lifting & Moving
Spinal Protection, Packaging, Transport, & Extended Care
Chest & Lung Injuries
DAY 3:
Medical Shock
Head Injuries
Athletic Injuries
Fracture Management
Pain Management
Evening Session: Dislocation & Splinting skills practice
DAY 4:
Focused Spine Assessment
Wilderness Wound Management
Blisters, Burns and Infections
Heat & Hydration
Hypothermia
Frostbite & Non-Freezing Cold Injuries
DAY 5:
Stress First Aid
Altitude Illness
Toxicology: Bites and Stings
Lightning
Submersion
Leadership, Teamwork & Communication
Large Scenario
DAY 6:
Day Off! Rest, recreate, & recover!
Day 7:
Debrief of the large scenario
Medical Patient: OPQRST
Cardiac Emergencies
CPR
Respiratory Emergencies
Altered Mental Status
DAY 8:
Acute Abdominal Pain
Allergies & Anaphylaxis
Diabetes
Principles of Search & Rescue / Evacuation
Evening Session: Night scenario
DAY 9:
Debrief of night scenario
First Aid Kits
Mental Health Concerns
Poisoning
Flu-like illnesses
DAY 10:
Common Wilderness Problems
Urinary & Reproductive issues
Medical Legal
Practical Examinations (beginning in the mid afternoon)
Day 11:
Written Examination
Review of written examination
Closing Ceremony (end of course at approximately 12:00- safe to buy tickets after 15:00)
download course information
We hope this information is helpful.
For specific questions about NOLS Wilderness Medicine or our curriculum please contact Crossing Latitudes info@crossinglatitudes.com
NOLS Wilderness Medicine web: https://nols.edu/en/courses/wilderness-medicine/
STUDENT AGREEMENT
Please read the Student Agreement before signing up. http://www.nols.edu/en/filer/public/1481655159/906/ There is no need to sign and send it in. We have forms you can sign at the course start.