Wilderness First Responder
October 12.-15. and 21.-24th 2026 // Skaftafelli
215.000 kr.
Do you work in the wilderness?
Fjallaskóli Íslands, in cooperation with Björgunarskóli Landsbjargar and the Association of Mountain Guides in Iceland, offers the Wilderness First Responder course.
Please note: The course is taught in English.
Location: Öræfi / Skaftafell
Dates: The course is taught in two sessions. The first session is October 12–15, and the second is October 21–24.
Price: ISK 215,000
This is a 76-hour course in specialized wilderness first aid. The course is intended for people who work far from standard emergency medical services and who may be in a position of responsibility for a group or patient. It is particularly suitable for guides who lead groups in remote or wilderness areas.
Participants learn how to assess injuries and patients’ conditions in the field, what treatments can be provided, and how to prevent accidents in mountainous environments.
Students learn to use appropriate medical equipment, as well as how to improvise and make use of resources available during wilderness trips. Upon completing the course, students should be prepared to act as the first-aid specialist within their group, whether during a rescue operation or while travelling in remote areas.
Those who complete the course receive authorization to apply six working protocols approved by the Directorate of Health. Students are also recognized as First Responders.
These qualifications are valid for 3 years, and students must attend a refresher course before the three-year period expires.
Course Materials
At the beginning of the course, students receive the book Wilderness and Rescue Medicine, a workbook, the Wilderness Field Guide, and SAGA registration materials. Students are responsible for bringing their own writing materials, although laptops or tablets may also be used for taking notes.
Students must be prepared to spend time outdoors during practical training, including exercises conducted in darkness. Students should also expect to take part in exercises where they act as patients and should therefore bring clothing that may become damaged.
Teaching
Classes are held from 08:00 to 18:00 every day.
The course material is taught through lectures and practical training, including demonstrations and hands-on learning. Scenario-based exercises are conducted to train students to identify problems and respond to them appropriately.
Approximately half of the instruction takes place outdoors. There is a maximum of 10 students per instructor.
Instructors teaching the WFR – Wilderness First Responder course must have completed a first-aid instructor course and must also hold instructor certification from Wilderness Medical Associates.
Assessment
The course concludes with both a written and practical examination. To graduate, students must achieve a minimum grade of 8.0.
Assessment also takes into account students’ active participation throughout the course and their performance during practical exercises. Continuous assessment is carried out throughout the course.
Björgunarskólinn does not set any formal prerequisites for the WFR – Wilderness First Responder course. However, it is recommended that students intending to take the WFR course have completed First Aid 1 and First Aid 2.
Registration
Email smari@fjallanam.is to secure your spot on the course. There are only a handful of spots left.