Emphasis on this course is placed on the development of good decision making skills and the prevention of emergencies. This course will be held in Boulder, Utah and the surrounding canyons, desert and mountains for necessary field trips / practicals. The course is open to anyone interested in learning wilderness medical techniques.
About BOSS
Since 1968, BOSS Courses have set the standard for low-technology camping and desert hiking techniques, where instruction is conducted with minimal intrusion of modern technology in environments that allow course content to be experienced first-hand. Our commitment to quality and to our core philosophies has earned BOSS its reputation as the survival school to go to when you want to learn from the best in the industry.
The Course Location
The BOSS WFR course will be taught in the town hall of Boulder, Utah, with day trips as needed into the surrounding natural areas. For this reason, students should plan on bringing hiking boots suitable for day trips that may take us in water and over rocks.
Course Content
The following is a sample agenda based on past WFR courses (Subject to change)
DAY 0
|
|
Before 1pm
2pm
7pm
7:30pm |
Students arrive in Salt Lake / Provo
Shuttle leaves from Travelodge in Provo
Shuttle arrives in Boulder, Utah
BOSS Orientation for WFR course |
DAY 1
|
TOPICS COVERED
|
7:15 - 8am
8 - 9am
9 - 10am
10 - 11am
11am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 2pm
2 - 3pm
4 - 5pm
6pm |
Breakfast
Introduction: Wilderness vs. Urban care
Initial Assessment
Patient Exam
Vital signs: LOC, HR, RR, SCTM
Lunch
Vital Signs: BP, Pupils
Focused History
Medical Legal Issues
Dinner |
DAY 2
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 8:15am
8:15 - 9am
9am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 1:30pm
1:30 - 2pm
2 - 2:30pm
2:30 - 3:30pm
3:30 - 5pm
6pm |
Breakfast
Problem of the Day
Scenario
Airway Obstruction, Respiratory Arrest, CPR
Lunch
CPR Considerations for Remote Environments
Mechanical Aids to Breathing
Scenario
Shock and Bleeding
Practical Session
Dinner |
DAY 3
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 8:15am
8:15 - 9am
9am - 10:30am
10:30 - 11am
11am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 2pm
2 - 3:30pm
3:30 - 5pm
6pm |
Breakfast
Problem of the Day
Scenario
Chest Injuries
Scenario
Head Injuries
Lunch
Spinal Cord Injury Assessment
Lifting and Moving
Backboards, Collars, Litters, Long term care
Dinner |
DAY 4
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 8:15am
8:15 - 9am
9am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 1:30pm
1:30 - 3:30pm
3:30 - 5pm
6pm
6 - 7:30pm
7:30 - 8:30pm
8:30 - 9pm |
Breakfast
Problem of the Day
Scenario
Wilderness Wound Management
Lunch
Communicable Diseases
Athletic Injuries
Fracture Management
Dinner
Traction Splinting
Dislocations
Practical Scenario |
DAY 5
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 8:15am
8:15 - 9am
9 - 10:30am
10:30 - 11:30am
11:30am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 2pm
2 - 2:30pm
2:30 - 3:30pm
3:30 - 5pm
6pm |
Breakfast
Problem of the Day
Review and Practical Session
Hypothermia
Scenario
Frostbite and Immersion Foot
Lunch
Heat and Hydration
Scenario
Altitude Sickness
Case Studies and Scenarios
Dinner |
DAY 6
|
TOPICS COVERED |
| All day |
Day off to explore the parks and wilderness areas of Southern Utah. |
DAY 7
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 8:15am
8:15 - 9am
9am - 10am
10 - 10:30am
10:30am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 1:30pm
1:30 - 2pm
2 - 2:30pm
2:30 - 3:30pm
3:30 - 5pm
6pm |
Breakfast
Problem of the Day
Scenario
Cardiac Emergenies
Scenario
Respiratory Emergencies
Lunch
Scenario
Neurological Emergencies
Scenario
Diabetes
Practical Session
Dinner |
DAY 8
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 8:15am
8:15 - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 1:30pm
1:30 - 2pm
2 - 3pm
3 - 5pm
6pm |
Breakfast
Problem of the Day
Scenario
Lunch
Poisoning
Scenario
Acute Abdomen
Practical Scenarios
Dinner |
DAY 9
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 9am
9 - 9:30am
9:30 - 10:30am
10:30 - 11:30am
11:30am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 2:30pm
2:30 - 3:30pm
3:30 - 5pm
5 - 6pm
6 - 10pm |
Breakfast
Scenario
Common Problems, Wrap up
Scenario
Lightning
Drowning
Lunch
Gender Medical Concerns
Scenarios
Search Scenarios
Dinner
Scenarios |
DAY 10
|
TOPICS COVERED |
7:15 - 8am
8 - 10am
10am - 12pm
12 - 1pm
1 - 4pm
4 - 5pm
5 - 6pm
6pm
11pm |
Breakfast
Wilderness Drug and First Aid Kits
Written Examinations
Lunch
Practical Examinations
Closing Ceremony
Dinner
Shuttle departs for Travelodge in Provo
Shuttle arrive at Travelodge in Provo |
Food and Lodging
All students are invited to eat meals prepared by BOSS. Meals are served family-style (buffet) by our staff and are prepared using the freshest possible ingredients, typically consisting of organic, locally-raised produce and grains.
This can include:
- Breakfasts - Organic eggs, whole grain pancakes, organic yoghurt, fresh fruit for breakfasts (as well as a variety of teas and coffee).
- Lunch - Whole-grain sandwiches, salads, fruit, and other simple but nutritious options
- Dinner - Pastas, soups, stews, enchiladas, grilled chicken... basically, something hot and filling, also made from whole-grains, organic vegetables (as much as possible) and whatever seasonal dishes our cooks prepare.
Based on the feedback of past students, we can say that while the food is not the focus of the course, it will certainly be appreciated, as our staff work very hard to prepare your meals so you can focus your energy on the WFR curriculum. Please call our office if you have specific questions regarding diet or food requests.
If you wish to supplement your diet with snacks or meals, you can visit some of the local stores and restaurants (cost not included in the tuition.)
Local restaurants within walking distance and include:
Lodging is up to each student. You can choose to sleep outside on the school's 41-acre property (no charge) or in one of the local motels (reservations may be required.)
Dates and Prices
Course dates, prices, and availability are listed to the right, at the top of the page. You can also download our complete course calendar in Adobe Acrobat PDF by clicking here. If you have any questions, please submit them via the Contact BOSS page or call us at 800.335.7404 or 303.444.9779.
