August 31, 2016

Offered through Baker Technical Institute, 5-day wilderness first responder course teaches essential skills for managing medical emergencies in extreme environments
Eastern Oregon’s leading provider of career technical education is bringing critical first responder training to Bend.

This October, outdoor educators, guides, search and rescue members, and others who work and play in remote areas can get Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification in Bend taught by expert instructors from Baker Technical Institute.

In partnership with Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMA), a leader in wilderness medical education since 1981, the 5-day curriculum is comprehensive and practical, and includes all the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments.

The WFR course is scheduled for October 3rd-7th in Bend.

Course instructors include  BTI’s Dr. Kaare Tingelstad, a physician who has trained EMS agencies, wilderness guides and fellow medical professionals from around the globe to care for patients who have sustained injuries or illness in remote situations, and Adam Kaplan, a physician assistant specializing in wilderness, emergency and remote medicine whose medical assignments have included Alaska’s North Slope.  Kaplan, who resides and works in Bend is the newest addition to the wilderness medicine instructional staff at BTI.  “We are excited to have Adam on our staff.  Not only is he highly trained in the area of remote emergency management, but he also lives the outdoor lifestyle that makes his teaching much more relevant to students”, says Doug Dalton, BTI President.

Classes like Wilderness First Responder are offered as part of BTI’s health services career program designed to advance the skills of a particular workforce, but are also aimed at learners interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, or for those simply wanting the skillsets for an adventurous lifestyle.

“Interest for advanced emergency response medical skills in a remote setting continues to be in high demand, not only in Bend, but across our region, which is why we are intently focused on expanding BTI’s offerings in this area,” said Kevin Cassidy, Baker Technical Institute board member. “Future courses are planned across the Pacific Northwest that range from Wilderness First Aid to Wilderness Advanced Life Support.”

Cost for the course is $700, and includes course materials. Deadline to register is September 23^rd. Pre-coursework is required, and enrollment is limited to 21 students. For more information or to register for the course, call Baker Technical Institute at 541-403-1900.

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