Expanding Our Skills to Better Serve the Outdoor Community
Collaboratively written by David Wastart & Paige Manges
The NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification offers a dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills, extending beyond conventional medical training into in-depth, wilderness-based experiential education. It prepares individuals to provide critical medical care in remote locations where communication may be unreliable. The rigorous program requires nearly 40 hours of pre-course study, followed by five days of in-person instruction that combines practical learning through real-life simulations.
WisCorps is proud to announce that our Operations & Training Manager, David Wastart, recently completed his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) re-certification, finishing the in-person portion of the Hybrid WFR course held in the Twin Cities last week. His expertise strengthens our team in preparation for the upcoming field season. While WisCorps’ provides the opportunity to earn a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification to our Crew Leaders, we are committed to advancing staff certifications to better engage and equip our participants. Having this sort of expertise on our team serves as an invaluable resource to our programs and the communities in which our participants serve.
“Equipping our staff with a deeper understanding of wilderness medicine not only fosters a safer environment for our crews to learn and ask questions but also enhances our ability to teach and demonstrate these critical skills,” says Wastart, reflecting on his accomplishment. Earning a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification isn’t just about learning wilderness medicine—it’s a transformative journey where medical expertise, outdoor skills, and leadership development come together.
At the recent hybrid course, WisCorps’ partner CAMBA Trails (Chequamegon Area Bike Association) was also represented by their Board President, Laurie Woodbury. Connecting with others in the outdoor community who are impacted by WisCorps was a meaningful experience, reinforcing the positive ripple effect of our work. Seeing the enthusiasm for our crew programs and the growing buzz around our impact in the Upper Midwest region is truly inspiring.
This summer, Wastart is eager to put his expanded skills into action, applying what he learned in the classroom while mentoring and guiding our crew members in the field. As nature continues to be our greatest teacher, there is always more to learn when it comes to wilderness medicine. Wastart plans to further his expertise by pursuing a Wilderness EMT certification or an Instructor Trainer course within the next few years.
If you’re eager to expand your skills and confidently prepare for outdoor adventures, we invite you to join our upcoming NOLS Wilderness First Aid certification course, open to the public on May 10-11 in La Crosse, WI.
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