// Remote Medical Responder (TM): A Wilderness First Responder Course (TM)
The Remote Medical Responder Logo
above is a Registered Trademark of Remote Area Risk International.
Veterans Charity Exped leader: “Brilliant!”.
Remote field scientist doing a WFR requal: Faculty were “Exceptional”.
We believe that our long-standing Remote Medical Responder (TM) : A Wilderness First Responder course is simply the most up to date and relevant Pre- Hospital Care course for civilian, non medic remote area operatives, overseas disaster responders, field workers and expedition leaders in the UK. Delivered and honed to rave reviews over many years by our team of multiple, subject matter expert, genuine remote area medics. It takes genuine, experienced, remote area medics to impart relevant, correct and up to date knowledge and skills, competently and authoritatively, at this level. We deliver the internationally respected Wilderness First Responder syllabus with upgrades on the 7 day course including Oxygen, pain relief, blood sugar, airway adjuncts and more. This allows us to issue Wilderness First responder and Remote Medical Responder certification on the 7 day course.
Remote Medical Responder (TM) course is a big part of why R2Ri was set up - our aim is to advance the cause and knowledge and practice of suitable duty of care considerations worldwide - we can deliver this course at client venues, outdoor activity centres and elsewhere, by prior arrangement.
What does the course cover?
This evidence based medical course covers both the issues that authoritative statistics and research, from respected organisations, tell us commonly arise in the field, from gastro intestinal issues (experienced by 20-40 % of overseas travellers), blisters, cuts, grazes, twisted ankles (lower limb injuries are one of the most common injuries on expedition/overseas deployments), eye and dental (c.16% of evacuations from the field are due to dental issues) problems etc, as well as less frequent yet high impact occurrences that may impact the ability of your team to remain in the field and/or could be life threatening, such as RTC's, drowning, catastrophic bleeds and spinal injuries. The statistic sets from multiple authoritative, evidenced based sources, are addressed at the start of our courses.
The course is is suitable for expedition leaders, overseas disaster responders, rescue teams, outdoor instructors, outdoor guides, rafting guides, aid workers, SAR Team members, Antarctic explorers, TV & Media safety, field workers, field geologists, forestry staff and exploration teams amongst others - those non medics responsible for the care of others in the wilderness. As there is a mix of delegates on the course, we have aimed to make the course relevant to anyone operating in an outdoor AND remote area operations capacity.
The course is VERY popular for those heading to work in Antarctica and organisations operating in Antarctica regularly recommend the course or mandate attendance to their UK and European staff.
Up to date and fit for purpose:
We aren't in the 1990's anymore and standards move on and develop. To this end and noting international debates on US Wilderness First Responder v US Wilderness Medical Responder (US Wilderness Medical Responders having higher level of medical knowledge) we have brought the traditional Wilderness First Responder syllabus up to date and in line with UK first responder level good practice for provision of first aid. In addition, wilderness elements taught are those supported by a responsible body of medical opinion, allowing delegates to cover all the usual WFR content but also ensuring it is fit for purpose in the modern age and also allowing delegates to operate as responders in a non wilderness setting by underpinning the full (not the 3 day refresher) course with UK Ofqual regulated 5 day First Responder and Emergency Oxygen certifications (specifically to allow delegates practice in a non wilderness setting, between deployments). We also provide additional training on lightweight, essential kit and skills such as airway adjuncts, oxygen administration, monitoring blood sugar levels and pain relief.
If you are responsible for caring for others in a professional capacity, you should be carrying up to date, modern, lightweight kit. We teach delegates all the traditional aspects of improvisation - but as a well trained, well prepared professional, you should rarely, if ever, have to - you should be carrying relevant, low cost, lightweight kit that can be multi purposed.
The additional Ofqual regulated L3 First Responder and L3 O2 qualifications should also allow delegates to gain experience as event first responders and, importantly, to keep patient care skills up to date between deployments.
Our training is delivered by qualified, current medical professionals, with significant remote area experience AS Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and Military Medics. Content is in line with respected bodies of medical opinion such as Wilderness Medical Society Guidelines, ICAR,UIAA and others. Three of our Faculty were involved in writing or editing elements of the latest edition of the Oxford Expedition and Wilderness Medicine handbook - and may other leading medical texts with relevance to remote area medicine (view the publications page of the website)..
“The Remote Medical Responder (TM) Course with R2Ri was excellent, with detailed course content, plenty of practical scenarios and a highly experienced and professional team of instructors. It was a privilege to be one of RE:ACT’s delegates.”
2022 Testimonial from RE:ACT Disaster Response
All of their International Disaster Responders attend this course
What does UK guidance say about remote medical training standards for non Health Care Professionals?
What guidance are we looking at?
The Faculty of Pre - Hospital Care at the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh produced a Consensus Paper on Medical Provision for Wilderness Medicine. This was published on 1 December 2015 in the Extreme Physiology and Medicine Journal.
The guidance was updated in february 2020. See the link here. The update guidance places an emphasis on a blend of skills for medics operating in remote areas (which makes complete sense - those providing treatment need to be able to look after both themselves and the casualty, in context of the location and environment they find themselves in) which includes (but not limited to):
-
Medical skills
-
Wilderness Medical Training
-
Wilderness Skills
-
Risk Management knowledge (we run expedition/wilderness specific risk management courses that are Royal Geographical Society accredited).
-
For some of the higher grades, a trauma course is indicated. We run a remote area emphasis Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support course (delivered in 64 countries - delivered by us in the UK as a UK localised edition, endorsed by the College of Paramedics and JRCALC compliant). We allow our WFR delegates to progress to PHTLS.
The guidance continues to mirror our own views that training some way above and beyond a standard, basic 2 day outdoor first aid course (usually an Emergency First Aid at Work in an outdoor context plus an additional day of practice and content) is highly desirable/necessary for anything but the lowest risk expeditions within fairly short timescales to definitive treatment (well equipped ER, not an ambulance). In fact, the guidance refers to ‘Advanced First Aid’ at the lowest level. A standard outdoor first aid course is not ‘Advanced’.
The guidance for wilderness medical expertise band 1 (lowest) on the skills framework refers to a need for ‘Advanced First Aid Training’ - ‘A minimum of 16 hours is essential, 2-4 days course specific to wilderness environment.’ This is for the lowest risk expeditions. Our analysis is that this means a basic 16 hour of essentials plus 2-4 days on specific wilderness medical/environment specific content. That interpretation would make sense given that most well regarded level D courses on the Pre Hospital Emergency Medicine framework take 4-5 days - without wilderness content. A 6-7 day training period to encompass all the content would fit with our delivery experience. There is only so much that can be taught in a day and a quality learning day can only last so long.
We have honed our course over many years and we have huge knowledge and understanding of the needs of those operating in diverse environments - due to the fact that we have operated in these environments and because we gat field reports from our clients that the training is fit for purpose for the environments they operate in. We know that the minimum time for a meaningful course is 7 days - plus pre study and evening study during the course.
The guidance is simply that - guidance - but would be a document waved round in court to demonstrate what a panel of experts considered to be ‘good practice’. Medic provision should be guided by expedition specific risk assessment. We have espoused our (widely supported) views for a number of years that many organisations are not equipping their medic role fulfilling leaders with training that meets good practice for the risk level and remoteness of the activities they are delivering.
The solution:
Our Remote Medical Responder (TM): A Wilderness First Responder course will very nicely cover wilderness medic competencies for non medics at level 1 on the skills framework. It’s clear a more urban based First Responder course simply delivered in an outdoor context isn’t a Wilderness First Responder course in the internationally accepted sense of the title and won’t cut the mustard for anything but the lowest risk expeditions near to definitive care. Wilderness, activity, risk and environment specific emphasis medical training is necessary. The Remote Medical Responder/Wilderness First Responder course will nicely cover all the category 1 (non medic) competency subjects and will probably be even more relevant than previously for qualified medics to undertake to widen their skill base.
A solution that meets both UK and International standards:
Crucially, our course offering is a UK specific solution delivered to UK standards and addressing international standards, delivered by UK based highly experienced and UK qualified remote area medics along with subject matter experts in fields such as law, Search and Rescue and more - all of whom understanding are expert in requirements for UK based organisations operating overseas.
We have worked with international partners and our own Faculty members to develop a 7 day Remote Medical Responder: An Wilderness First Responder course, delivered at the National Outdoor Centre, Plas y Brenin, Snowdonia (and other locations by arrangement). The additional elements we include allow delegates to have a wider, pre hospital emergency care skillset, in line with good practice for UK First Responder level qualifications.
The course draws on the latest guidance including Wilderness Medical Society guidance, amongst others.
Certifications:
The course is certificated as a Remote Medical Responder (TM): A Wilderness First Responder course (TM) by Remote Area Risk International for 3 years.
The course in total meets and exceeds most UK NGB awards.
The course is pitched at Level 'E' on the Pre Hospital Emergency Medicine Framework. The traditional WFR course has been upgraded to meet UK good practice at first responder level including airway adjuncts, tourniquets and haemostatic agents, as well as additional training added on pain relief and blood sugar monitoring, amongst other skills that are necessary when operating further afield.
For 2024, we have decided to continue to include the following upgrade certifications in the cost of the full (not the 3 day Recert) course (click each course title to be taken to the detailed course specification for each course):
Ofqual Regulated QNUK Level 3 Award for First Responders (RQF) a level D qualification on the Pre Hospital Emergency Medicine framework - (same level as FREC 3).
Ofqual Regulated QNUK Level 3 Award in Administering Emergency Oxygen (RQF).
Benefits of the certifications:
This unique combination of certifications allows the delegates to secure the two additional, non wilderness specific certifications immediately above (that would normally cost circa £525.00). These certifications are at event first responder level and would be useful to assist delegates getting hands on experience at event medical cover level or similar - and keep skills up to date between deployments. The QNUK Level 3 First Responder Award also meets the SIA Close Protection Officer medical requirements.
U.S. CPR/BLS & AED certifications are also available for those needing U.S. certifications, benchmarked to and compliant with U.S. and internationally respected WFR standards:
The Remote Medical Responder (TM) course includes additional, UK specific content and a Penthrox Competent Administrator certification as well as many of the elective subjects specified in the WEMC SOP including airway adjuncts, use of stethoscopes, administration of oxygen and more.
Internationally respected.The RMR/WFR course content meets and exceeds international requirements for Wilderness First Responder courses. This course should be recognised internationally wherever WFR courses are recognised. We have had delegates attend from all over Europe and as far away as New Zealand, Canada, USA and more, to attend this course. Delegates have undertaken the course to work in Antarctica, as International Mountain Leaders around the globe, media safety professionals operating in remote areas, multiple alumni working as Canadian Ski patrollers, disaster responders, those working in the USA and for US companies and more.
The course meets the requirements of the US Wilderness Medical Education Collaborative and the newly updated October 2022 Wilderness First Responder Scope of Practice Criteria.
As required in the US WMEC Scope of practice, BLS, CPR and AED is taught to ILCOR standards (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation) - where both American and UK standards are drawn from. The Wilderness Medical Society has mandated that from January 2023, all courses carrying credits from the WMS must comply with the WMEC requirements.
The Format
The Course lasts 7 days and covers lectures, skills stations and scenarios (including medical moulage simulations) with delivery being across all seven days with additional lectures/study and scenarios of a night.
The course is taught as a minimum 80-hour course including lectures, pre study, evening study, skills stations, scenarios and face to face hands on training - with an emphasis on practical skills and drills. The scope of practice is to prevent and identify medical problems, initiate reasonable and prudent field management and identify red flag signs and symptoms necessitating evacuation for potentially life-threatening problems. There is pre reading of approximately 48 hours and 118 hours post course (non compulsory) wilderness specific post course reading and resources via our CPD Portal. The course meets and exceeds the U.S.WMEC standards.
The course consists of:
-
80 minimum hours of lectures, study, skill stations, scenarios and hands on training
-
Additional training in decision making & administering medications (including pain relief - penthrox and epinephrine)
-
Pre Course reading supported by a comprehensive manual
-
Post course CPD and resources via online portal access.
-
Course Directors are UK qualified, genuine remote area medics (including Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support instructors)
-
Additional certifications including Penthrox Competent User (pain relief medication) - this is by face to face training & online post course study module
The course meets the requirements of the Wilderness Medical Society mandated WMEC Wilderness First Responder Scope of Practice Consensus update published in October 2022.
Assessments:
Assessment is by exams and practical assessments.
Pre Course Study:
Course pre-reading is essential to pass the assessments. The course is delivered by blended learning so there is some content that will only be covered in the manuals. Delegates need to pass the course to achieve certification.
Pre reading and self assessment prior to the course is compulsory. Pre study includes online videos from subject matter experts and study of the course manuals, to maximise the ability to utilise the 7 day face to face element for those lectures that need to be delivered face to face, skill stations, scenarios, field exercises and Q & A sessions. This is a high quality, professional level course as reflected in the feedback.
Scope of Practice:
The scope of practice for a WFR is to prevent and identify medical problems, initiate reasonable and prudent field management, and identify signs and symptoms necessitating evacuation for potentially life-threatening problems.
The course focuses on the following proficiencies:
-
Rescuer and patient safety and protection, a basic physical exam to identify apparent injuries or abnormalities, assessing signs, symptoms, and vital sign patterns, and obtaining a relevant patient history.
-
Prevention of medical problems anticipated by the activity and environment.
-
Recognition of environmental conditions that may lead to problems and taking steps to mitigate the environmental challenge.
-
Stabilizing emergencies, initiation of specific and appropriate medical treatments (e.g., splints, wound care, spine injury management, managing environmental threats, etc.), and assisting patients with their medications.
-
Informed decisions regarding the need and urgency of an evacuation.
The course content (including lectures, scenarios and pre and post course study) includes:
-
What goes wrong on expedition - what do the statistics say?
-
Difference between Outdoor and Remote Area First Aid
-
Evacuation necessary ailments
-
Communications including trackers, sat phones and radios
-
Calling for help and what to say
-
Telemedicine
-
Aspects of Prolonged Field Care
-
Packaging and evacuation including practice with multiple commercial and improvised stretcher options.
-
Handing over to rescue medical teams
-
Law and the Wilderness - delivered by an expedition legal expert.
-
Consent
-
Hygiene
-
Scene Safety
-
Patient Assessment scene sizeup, primary & secondary survey
-
Airway management including OPA's, NPA's & iGELS.
-
Breathing including BVM's and Oxygen Administration.
-
Bleeding and Shock including catastrophic bleeding, tourniquets and haemostatic agents - using high quality woundcubes, skill trainers and manikins.
-
Vitals Workshop including blood pressure, pulse oximetry and more
-
Heat Induced Injuries
-
Hypothermia and Cold Injuries
-
Head trauma and spinal injuries
-
Lightning Injuries and Prevention
-
Medical Problems in the field
-
Anaphylaxis and Allergies
-
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Dislocations, Fractures, Sprains & strains
-
Drowning and water safety
-
Eye injuries and disorders
-
Water Disinfection and hydration
-
Wilderness Medical Kits
-
Wilderness Wound Management including wound cleaning and closure
-
Chest Injuries
-
Abdominal Injuries
-
Gastro intestinal problems
-
Bites and stings
-
Altitude Illness including hands on training with Portable Altitude Chambers
-
Fractures & dislocations including SAM Splints, Pelvic Binders (commercial and improvised) and Kendrick Traction Devices
-
Avalanche Survival
-
Evacuation Guidelines for complex situations
-
Dive Medicine
-
Head & Spine
-
Gender specific Emergencies
-
Hydration and nutrition
-
Poisoning
-
Skin conditions
-
Tropical illnesses
-
Infectious disease
-
Medical Problems including diabetes, asthma, heart attack, stroke, epilepsy (amongst others)
-
Wilderness Dentistry
-
Abdominal pain
-
Psychological issues in the wilderness
-
Athletic Injuries (sprains, strains, etc).
-
Pain relief including Penthrox administration
-
Misc wilderness problems
Recertification courses:
The course is certificated as Remote Medical Responder (TM): A Wilderness First Responder Course by Remote Area Risk International for 3 years. The RMR:WFR course meets and exceeds most UK NGB award requirements.
Once you have done the 7 day RMR:WFR with us, you can simply undertake a three day recert, being the first three days of the RMR:WFR course. At the end of the 3 days, recert delegates will undertake practical assessments and the course exam. 3 days is a common arrangement for WFR recerts, internationally. We recommend that delegates undertake a Basic Life Support or Intermediate Life Support refresher once a year.
If you have not done the full RMR:WFR with us (ie if you have done your initial WFR elsewhere), we issue recerting delegates a WFR certificate (rather than Remote Medical Responder (TM) ).
The original WFR must be in date when undertaking the WFR with us and that certificate must be provided to us as evidence. Please note that we specifically do not no accept WFR courses of less than 7 days face to face training, for a 3 day requal.
We accept 7 day + face to face day WFR courses previously done in the US or Canada with NOLS WMI, SOLO. Wild Medix of South Africa, University of Utah 7 day Basic Wilderness Life Support, WMA WFR (strictly 7 day face to face only) - and in the U.K., WEMSI WFR courses.
Those having undertaken a WFR with an organisation not listed above, would need to check with us first to see if it is accepted.
Limitations of WFR recertification training - Good Practice:
Please note that recert courses cannot cover all the content from your original WFR course. WFR courses are generally 7 - 9 long days. The recert is to demonstrate your competence including by assessment.
If you demonstrate competence, a WFR certificate will be issued. It is an opportunity for you to refresh knowledge of the basics, practice the basics (basics done well, every time, is what saves lives) - then demonstrate your knowledge and skills by way of exam and scenarios at the end of day 3.
If you are not regularly using your skills (eg ski patroller) and are not already very comfortable and experienced in undertaking primary and secondary assessments - and very confident of your abilities as a WFR, we recommend that you undertake the whole course instead.
In 2024, we are offering first recert delegates to stay on for the whole 7 day course at the recert price. We strongly recommend you do this. The recert is a short course to cover the basics to allow you to keep your certificate alive. You should only do a recert once, before undertaking the whole course on the next occasion, at the full cost. Things change and you need to keep up to date.
Why undertake the course with us ?
Organisations at the pinnacle of global exploration, expeditions, fieldwork, overseas disaster response, media safety and remote area operations come to us for training. They trust us and their testimonials show that the training is fit for purpose. The volume of leading organisations that trust us should speak volumes. Importantly, they are organisations that are actually operating in remote areas. They want well established, highly regarded training from people who are leaders in their fields and have actually worked in the same context, in the environments they operate in. So they come to us.
A unique course to us, yet meeting relevant WFR, CPR and AED requirements - and delivered by genuine remote area medics with huge and recent experience AS remote area medics - not just as theoretical instructors. Our team also happen to be highly professional, passionate and experienced clinical educators. The R2Ri difference (experience, qualifications and instructional ability) is why deploying professionals and instructors from other organisations, come to us for training. We have been trusted to deliver expedition medical training to delegates drawn from all branches of UK military, are a training provider of choice for the UK Environment Agency field teams, RE:ACT Disaster Response, have delivered the RMR/WFR to those operating all over the globe - from Antarctica to the Amazon, Nepal to North Wales, Greenland to Canada, USA to Australia - any many more.
Our clients range from military to the US State Department, academic establishments to Disaster Response organisations operating around the Globe.
Faculty members have been asked, as Subject Matter Experts, to contribute to the new 3rd Edition of the Oxford Expedition Handbook as well as as being asked to contribute as editors for the UK localised edition of the internationally respected (C.64 countries) 9th Edition of the NAEMT Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care manuals.
Finally, the certifications we deliver, evidence that we meet requirements for some of the most highly respected training courses and bodies, internationally.
Don't take our word for it - check out the testimonials below and on the page of every course we deliver. You may find this winter 2022 article regarding the Remote Medical Responder: A Wilderness First Responder course, instructive:
Pre Requisites:
We require delegates to have an in date), 2 day Outdoor First Aid Course or 3 day First Aid at Work course, or higher. Delegates must be 18 or over and hill fit, able to work on uneven ground and able to swim (simply as scenarios may take place around bodies of water).
Progression:
We allow delegates to progress to our Pre Hospital Trauma life Support course. This is a BIG step up from RMR/WFR, so thorough study and revision of the manual is essential. RMR/WFR delegates can also practice their skills on our overnight exercise Prolonged Field Care course. In addition, whilst we cover wound care on RMR:WFR, we don't believe it is appropriate on an initial course, to teach invasive procedures so we offer a separate training course dedicated to more advanced Wound Care, Intravenous fluids, Intraosseous fluids and Intramuscular injections training, once delegates have hands on experience with casualties. As you would expect, the wound care/iv/io/im course is delivered by those responsible for delivering the same training as University level Clinical Educators.
Who was involved in writing our Remote Medical Responder (TM) A Wilderness First Responder Course?
The International team that wrote/developed/contributed to and honed our unique and sector leading RMR:WFR course course was made up of a multi disciplinary team, all with significant experience in one or more of: overseas, expeditionary, disaster response, SAR. military medicine/military medical operations, Prolonged Field Care or adventurous activities experience - and all at the top of their game, including;
-
6 x Fellows of the Royal Geographical Society
-
3 x Fellows in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine
-
3 x Authors/editors of the Oxford Handbook for Wilderness and Expedition Medicine
-
2 x Authors of the UK edition of the Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support Manual
-
1 x Off Shore Rope Rescue Medic and Off Shore Medic
-
1 x ODP/ Military Medic and experienced expedition medic
-
2 x ex British Antarctic Survey Doctors
-
2 x Doctors who are Diploma in Mountain Medicine holders
-
3 x Anaesthetists
-
3 x ED Doctors
-
1 x Diploma in Tropical and Travel Health Doctor
-
1 x Diploma in Remote and Offshore Medicine Doctor
-
1 x Mountain Rescue Medical Lead Doctor (and overseas expedition leader)
-
1 x ex British Antarctic Survey Dentist, remote area dentist. also responsible for training Special Operations Forces from multiple NATO countries
-
1 x Hyperbaric/Dive Medicine Doctor
-
3 x HEMS Doctors
-
1 x Dive Medic
-
1 x HART Paramedic (previously served in medical wing of UKSF)
-
1 x Adult Nursing lecturer - ex Mountain Rescue, Water Rescue and Medical Rescue
-
1 x Military Paramedic with extensive expeditionary (non military) and small team operational deployment (military) experience
-
1 x remote area risk management specialist
-
1 x remote area operations/expedition specialist lawyer (one of the authors of BS 8848 - the safety standard for overseas expeditions, field trips, adventure travel and expeditions, and ISO 31030 - the international standard for Travel Risk Management)
-
Input from multiple expedition leaders
What does the course look like - see for yourself in the gallery below:
Dates, Booking Details and Costs:
Course Dates:
22-28 April 2024. Course full. We have no space for last minute delegates. Very detailed joining instructions have been sent to all delegates. Final venue details/directions and evening study access for the course were circulated monday 15 april, along with any invoices not sent to date. Delegates should be studying the 2 x mandatory course manuals.
29 June - 5 July 2024. Bookings Open. All applications for places sent prior to 22.04.22 will be processed on 23.04.24
5 - 11 November 2024. Bookings will open 1 August 2024. We are happy to accept provisional reservations by email now. Once bookings open, a completed booking form is required within 7 days of bookings opening to secure a place.
Cost: £775.00. Includes course fee, RMR/WFR certification, course materials, plus access to (non compulsory) post course CPD materials, field aide memoire, 2 x QNUK (First Responder and Oxygen admin) qualifications.
Not included: Accommodation and food are not included. We strongly recommend that delegates stay at PyB. To keep costs down, we are trialling delegates ordering their own manuals and have reduced the course cost accordingly from the previous course cost, despite most organisations increasing costs.
Recert costs and options:
The basic Recert is the first three days of the full 7 day course and costs £350.00. Please read the notes above reading requalifications very carefully to check that the 3 day requal is suitable for you. You should only do a 3 day requal once then re do the full course. A written exam and practical assessments will take place last thing on day 3 of the course.
From 2024, we will be also be running a 4 day recert option, for those with an in date QNUK L3 First Responder at the time of the course, where we can issue recerts for all three certifications - RMR:WFR, O2 and the L3 QNUK FR. The cost will be £450.00.
For those seeking to undertake the extended recert (ie attending all 7 days) at the recert cost, this is subject to the eligibility set out above and is subject to availability. We have a limited number of slots available for recents on each course. You must confirm at the time of submitting your booking form that you would like to be considered for this option.
For those needing US certifications:
For those needing U.S. CPR/BLS/AED certifications, these are available at nominal additional cost and some additional pre study and evening session - these additional elements must be identified at you original course booking so that we can put additional elements in place.
Venue:
The National Outdoor Centre, Plas y Brenin, Snowdonia, Wales.
Accommodation:
We aim to make courses as accessible as possible and as inclusive as possible. Accommodation and food is not included in that cost. However, very reasonably costed accommodation and food are available at Plas Y Brenin (the course venue).
How to book:
Click the link below to access the booking course pack for the course dates you are interested in. Links will only go live once bookings are open. If the link doesn't work, it's because bookings have not gone live yet. Please do not send in a booking form off another course. We will only accept bookings once our booking link goes love as it is essential you have booked from the booking pack for that specific course.
Download the pack, save it your computer and you can complete the booking form electronically and email to us. Alternatively, print off the pack, complete and scan the booking form back to us. Terms and Conditions can be found in the booking pack and any booking form submitted to us is subject to these booking terms and conditions (including cancellation charges).
Please note that places on courses are limited. Our 'Why' is supporting organisations and good causes such as NGO's, Rescue Organisations, expedition teams and others that need excellent training at reasonable cost. We support a number of organisations who cycle volumes of delegates through our courses. Priority in terms of bookings/places will be given to operational remote area medics, NGO's and Rescue teams as well as other good causes. This is who we are set up to support. We do not allow bookings from commercial training providers delivering/seeking to deliver the same or similar courses, to attend our courses - this is a conflict of interest. We have a legitimate interest in ensuring that our Project and our 'Why' re not undermined. For that reason, those coming from other commercial training organisations should pay particular attention to reading our terms and conditions in this regard, before submitting any Booking Form. These terms and conditions are in place specifically to safeguard the great work we do for and with great people and to ensure the sustainability of our Project.
Booking link:
Testimonials:
October 2023 Course:
The most thorough and in depth medical course I’ve attended. Perfect content for my profession as an IFMGA Guide.
The best medical training I have ever had. Instructors knowledge was outstanding and valid.
This course was significantly more useful then all other outdoor and wilderness first aid courses I have taken in the past.
Thank you to the R2Ri team for an informative, challenging and fun course. I really appreciate the effort and enthusiasm you brought to the program.
Global disaster responder: Exceptionally experienced and, importantly, able to distil that experience into valuable key points. Experienced practitioners and quality teachers, a rare combination.
Outstanding.
The course is run in a fantastically supportive way. The Faculty should be very proud of creating this environment.
Highly useful, more in depth than I could have imagined. The scenarios were invaluable.
Sea kayak guide: Will recommend to all my NOLS WFR friends who fly to Norway every 2 years.
Antarctic field worker. Faculty : Fantastic. So much experience.
Very good.
Extremely useful.
I found the course extremely useful. There was a really incredible amount of information packed into 7 days. I feel like I have a much better understanding of the information/ resources available to support my work and provide continuing education.
Antarctic Kayak guide : Yes, absolutely! (Would recommend).
Very useful and relevant both to work as hydrogeologist in the mining industry and for play in mountains and rivers.
No comparison, much much better (than course from respected UK provider).
Amazing, thank you.
Absolutely (useful). Far exceeded expectations.
Very impressive and makes the learning experience far better gearing real world applications and considerations.
Far exceeds (training from respected UK provider), having the time, venue and space to be able to run the scenarios is invaluable.
The knowledge of the team and the scenarios.
Thanks for a great week!
Faculty: Top class all round. Great to have a mix of inputs. Clear delivery.
In the event of an incident I feel I could now confidently deal with a professional and structured approach.
All delegates would recommend the course. Some already had !
Polar Guide: Compared to previous remote area medical courses you have attended ? Completely different league.
Thanks so much for such an excellent course
Overseas Disaster responder: One of the most useful courses I’ve ever attended.
Thank you for a superb week.
Fantastic instructors. Great pace !
Excellent,
All would feel more confident dealing with a remote medical incident following the course.
The ability to ask questions from faculty who are enthusiastic, super knowledgeable and know how people learn.
Great course. Very effective and thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you.
Such a good Faculty, made up of people who have been there and done it !
Very useful.
Polar Kayaking guide: I do regularly (recommend the course).
Very good, far more hands on (than WEMT course elsewhere).
As ever, always very good, learnt loads.
Incredibly useful.
Faculty fantastic. Really diverse. Breadth of experience and teaching styles.
Excellent Faculty with extensive knowledge and experience.
Would recommend without hesitation,
I found this course very useful.
Absolutely outstanding.
I wouldn’t change a thing.
June 2023 Course:
The Faculty has been excellent. I did not expect to be trained by such experienced practitioners and it’s been a real privilege to be able to receive such expert training.
The course has been exceptional. The Faculty have been great and the content brilliant. Thanks for your support.
Excellent delivery, location and kit. Outstanding Faculty with great attitudes.
Great blend of subject matter experts with a very high level of real world experience.
Would you be more confident dealing with a remote medical incident ?
Definitely - and feel empowered to question my organisation, their medical kits and current practices, to make sure everyone is safe.
Absolutely.
Absolutely.
Yes, 100%
Absolutely
Yes
Would you recommend the course ?
Definitely (and already have done).
Definitely.
Yes, 100%
Highly
Absolutely
Definitely
Yes, I will be recommending this to colleagues and friends.
Learned a lot in a very enjoyable environment.
Extremely useful. It placed excellent emphasis on initial steps in a simple but detailed manner.
This was a much more detailed, intensive course they gave me much greater confidence.
The simplification of challenging subjects. Putting complex issues into lay persons language. Teaching to what we needed rather than to the level of the instructor.
The Faculty took the time to explain things in a different way if some people didn’t understand.
I cannot stress how good (the Faculty) were at breaking down the information.
I was so impressed and grateful for so experienced educators. Thank you for taking the time for us…
There was a lot of new information for me, but the way the course was built up (I found the learning design very good) supported my learning process well. Really enjoyed the scenarios and the fact that it was stressed a lot - do the simple things well. That will stick !
Thank you so much. I will surely recommend to my other colleagues to join the course as well.
The course has been extremely useful. I leave feeling much more confident about providing medical care and am excited to use some of the skills in the field.
Very informative and a fantastic display of professionalism.
Well organised and an excellent learning tool and environment and I will definitely be returning to continue experiencing growth.
Course was exceptionally thorough and answered all pre existing questions.
Amazing all the Pune; excellent communicators and subject knowledge. If I was stuck on a desert island I’d want this lot with me.
Very useful course. Every element has been great learning.
Brilliant! The whole team made me feel at ease and gave confidence boosts all along the way.
The way in which the course is designed was exceptional.
Outstanding !
It blew my outdoor first aid qualification out the water !
I think it has been incredible useful.
Highly recommended.
So useful, having almost no background in this. I can’t believe the knowledge Ive been equipped with. Feeling very empowered to go out and about!
Great breadth, all with extensive knowledge and more importantly, excellent teaching and delivery. Kudos to the Faculty.
April 2023 Course:
‘Thank you… professional, conscientious and genuine from world class experts.’
100% (would recommend)
Most definitely (would recommend)
Would highly recommend !
Without hesitation (would recommend)
Yes, absolutely ! (would recommend)
‘Best medical training course I’ve ever been on and I’ve done a lot.’
‘Massively useful. I learned a lot during the week, especially the processes behind everything, which I had never covered on previous medical courses.’
‘More detail, great kit and knowledgeable teachers (than previous courses elsewhere).’
‘Thank you to all those who taught us.’
‘Absolutely useful. Brilliant - it was great and very beneficial to learn from people who use these skills regularly and have so much first hand experience to back up the information.’
‘An amazing week’
‘A great venue’
I undertook a 40 hour Advanced Wilderness First Aid course in Hong Kong which I enjoyed. This course (Remote Medical Responder) gave me a greater understanding of background knowledge and more practice time.’
‘Very useful’
‘Exceptional Faculty’
‘Found the course essential.’
‘Fantastic’
‘Extremely useful’
‘Amazing course, brilliant leaders with huge knowledge.’
‘I found the pace of learning and amount of knowledge very useful.’
‘Thanks a lot for everything, I will be coming back.’
‘I was impressed by the quality of teaching and expertise. I don’t think it can improve ! ‘
‘Great course.’
‘Quality trainers’
‘Very useful. Learned skills. Uptake was at max. 100%.’
‘Brilliant course, thank you !’
‘Thank you for a fantastic 7 days of learning!’
‘Extremely useful.’
‘Course was fantastic’
‘Very useful course, materials and teaching, all up to date and in depth’
‘Team were accommodating and highly knowledgeable.’
‘Excellent. Given me faith back in training courses.’
Overseas delegates told us they had done extensive research of providers, both US & European and actively chosen us as a provider due to the content, level, approach we take and international reputation …and that the course was exactly what they hoped it would be. They’ll be back.
Earlier courses:
‘Without a doubt, the best course I have ever been on - I’ve learned more than I ever expected.’
(Compared to previous remote medical courses the delegate had attended before): ‘I found this to be far more comprehensive and delivered by highly experienced, knowledgeable practitioners’. From head of media/ hostile environment safety for a household name media organisation.
Incredibly useful. This course exceeded my expectations. The quality of the teaching, the mix of theory and practical and the venue were all amazing.
Seriously impressive - high quality, very friendly. Great balance of learning and teaching styles.
This was one of the best courses and learning experiences I have been on. Excellent mix of styles and experience.
Much better (than other courses). Very good value for money.
Definitely recommend.
Excellent teaching from great professionals.
I feel well drilled and comfortable with my skills.
Great knowledge of subject and ability to communicate.
100% I’d recommend it to anyone.
Exceptional.
Would you recommend? Absolutely !
It exceeds other courses I have taken.
I’d pay more for it . It is a great price.
Very good value
Very useful. Great instructors with lots of knowledge.
Lots of scenario learning.
Worth every penny.
Great instructors with very good teaching methods.
The teachers’ ways of conveying information was more engaging than any other course.
The program is as perfect !
10/10 !
Loved it. 100% would recommend this to all our (aid organisations/disaster response) responders.
100% would recommend.
I Henk you ALL so much. I will be back!
Exposure to realistic scenarios and opportunity to learn from them.
Great textbooks and delivery. No complaints !
Very, very useful.
Definitely feel much better prepared than a L3 2 day outdoor first aid course.
What would you change: ‘Nothing.’
Very knowledgeable and fun !
Incredibly useful.
Great know I’d get within the faculty. Useful having different people with different experiences.
Have already recommended the course to others (whilst on the course).
Similar to a Wilderness Advanced First Aid course but much more in depth/informative
Reasonably priced.
Thank you very much.
Very good course.
Extremely useful (course)
Good course - well instructed
Very useful - increased confidence
Brilliant instructors
Very useful
Fantastic course and Grady staff - thank you !
Facilities were excellent. Exceptional use of available learning spaces and equipment.
16 hour course feels absolutely sub par in comparison
Far more in depth (then previous courses) with specialised instructors.
Wouldn’t change anything.
The best training I’ve ever had! (emergency response field team member working in remote areas).
International Mountain Leader: “Hands down best course I’ve done in my career so far.”
Mountain Leader/Exped Leader: “More useful than all the other medical courses I have done, combined !”
Whether you found the course useful :
Absolutely !
Definitely !
Cost is good! Value for money!
Really good - great mix of teaching styles and personalities.
Excellent ! You will be seeing more of us (experienced Wilderness First Responder having qualified as a WFR overseas on a standard length WFR (8-10 days).
It was excellent!
The most amazing experience for me personally.
Incredibly (useful)! Loved it all
(Faculty) second to none.
The course was extremely useful !
Fantastic course - thanks !
Highly experienced !
Great value. I thought expensive at first but not now !
Can’t say thank you enough. Amazing staff!
‘Brill’
‘Good. Worth the money’
Informative & a lovely team.
The experience was great and the Faculty had an outstanding level of knowledge.
Good value for money.
Definitely gives me GReat confidence to deal as a wilderness first responder with new skills and competency gained… mountain leader working towards IML.
Loads of value for cost!
Loved ‘the passion, enthusiasm, professionalism, knowledge and expertise of the trainers’.
The course was exceptionally informative.
Highly experienced team.
Excellent ! Thank you!
The course was amazing, I am super grateful to have completed the course and it will help with my work.
Perfect.
Yes, very (useful) senior media safety professional.
Excellent !
Would you recommend the course ?
All said yes!
YES - every time !
Absolutely fantastic all round.
100% (would improve casualty outcome).
‘Yes definitely’ (would you be more confident dealing with a medical problem)
How does this compare to other courses?
‘Previously qualified with NOLS in the U.S. Both (NOLS and Remote Area Risk International) excellent with different approaches. (NOLS more ‘American’)’
Overall, I feel this course was better (than ‘excellent’ original WFR certification undertaken with a well known and respected provider outside the UK).
I felt it more enjoyable than the first one I did (another delegate who had already completed a standard llength (8-10 days) WFR overseas with a well respected provider).
Remote field scientist doing a WFR requal: Faculty were “Exceptional”.
‘More professional, thorough and engaging than previous courses’
‘Far better in every way (than previous courses)’
Great trainers with great experience and knowledge.
Very experienced and passionate communicators. A great mix.
I’ll be back.
Good mix of indoor and outdoor lessons.
Lots of real world experience brought into the room.
Good value for money.
See you next time.
What did you find most useful ? : Depth of lectures for underpinning knowledge.
Thanks for an awesome week, looking forward to coming back.
Great for confidence and getting to know kit.
Great atmosphere and teaching techniques.
Thank you and hopefully will be back.
Fantastic location, great atmosphere. Approachable and inspiring.
Thanks again was a great week, learnt a lot!
Thank you very much for such an awesome course.
Good learning/teaching techniques
Fantastic trainers with wealth of experience. Good atmosphere throughout.
Great course, excellent presenters
Brilliant practical realistic trainers
Approachable trainers with great knowledge. Great course atmosphere.
Excellent mood during lectures. Good fun, which is hugely appreciated.
Veterans Charity Exped leader: “Brilliant!”.
Polar kayaking guide: “Great experience, amazing faculty.”
"The first authentic "remote area' course attended, however, it sets a strong benchmark."
“Excellent value.”
“Great resources & support provided.”
“Inspiring & really valuable.”
“Have enjoyed the continuous support & constructive learning.”
‘Invaluable learning experience’
"Far more confident dealing with a medical incident and leadership generally in the outdoors and wilderness.'
‘Really impressive knowledge but always focused on our level of understanding’
‘An intensive but really enjoyable week. My knowledge and confidence is so much stronger...’
‘Perfect’
‘Awesome’
‘I have done many 2 day outdoor first aid courses for my work and although I only book with first responders/mountain rescue, the course content is nowhere near the teaching on this course’.
‘Excellent’
‘Much more comprehensive than 2 day outdoor first aid courses. 2 day courses really not sufficient for outdoor professionals. WFR ... should be more widely encouraged.’
‘Comprehensive’
‘Very impressive. Couldn’t ask for more experience’
‘Excellent!’
‘Very thorough and useful. Thank you !’
‘I’m naturally a very critical person. I like things correct. I simply cannot think of any improvements what so ever!!’
‘This course is on par with National Mountain Centre level standards - Glenmore Lodge, Rescue 3, Plas Y Brenin, Plas Menai. It is of that ‘ilk’ in standards and delivery’.
‘First class. Absolutely superb’
‘I have had a week with sector leaders’
‘Fantastic value for money’
‘Specialists in their field. Leaders in their field. Brilliant’
‘The wealth of information from the 3 of you and how it was delivered to us was second to none. Your different teaching styles complement each other’
‘As good as it gets’
‘Extremely helpful and often fascinating’
‘Vast amount of experience put across in extremely professional delivery styles’
‘Excellent course, highly recommended’
‘Massive experience. No egos, just teaching’
"100% one of the best things I have ever done, I can’t commend the course enough”
“Yep. Totally loved the course. A MUST for anyone working with groups abroad and / or needing to up-skill themselves above the 16 hour Outdoor First Aid Course. Fantastic instructors, fantastic hands on kit usage and amazing venue. Well done guys!”
“Incredible course, keep it up, so worth it, perfect”
Top possible rating for each of: instructors knowledge, ability, training resources and equipment across the board.
“Excellent Knowledge and great practical practice and use”
“Instructors have been incredible”
“It has been perfect”
“Awesome course, huge knowledge base to gain from”
“Loved every moment, the instructors are incredible.”
“Brilliant course. Loads for us to take away”
“Amazing”
“I loved the course”
“Great to see, feel and use real kit”
“Brilliant instructors, obviously knowledgeable both theoretically and practically. This resulted in a very enjoyable and informative experience”
"Last week I had the pleasure of spending the week in Snowdonia at Plas y Brenin on a 7 day Wilderness First Responder course ran by Remote Area Risk International. Having worked in training and assessment over the past 15 years I’ve been on numerous courses, some very good and some not so much! Having some time to reflect on the course last week, I would like to thank Matt, Phil and Tim for the excellent course they delivered. From the initial introductions, I knew it would be a good week with the opportunity to mix and learn with great people from a range of diverse backgrounds and experience. Throughout the week, I felt at times I was out of my comfort zone and definitely extended my knowledge and skill set during the course. From essential background anatomy and physiology through to practical applications of real world, evidence based skills within the remote (and urban) setting. The instructors delivered the training with enthusiasm, passion and experience. Up until last weeks course, there has honestly only been two trainers that have left a lasting impression on me, I can now add a few more. If anyone is in need of a remote area first responder course, I whole heartedly recommend R2Ri, hopefully come refresher time we can all have a beer! Thanks again."
Requal testimonials:
3 & 7 day Requals:
‘Previously qualified with NOLS in the U.S. Both (NOLS and Remote Area Risk International) excellent with different approaches. (NOLS more ‘American’)’
Overall, I feel this course was better (than ‘excellent’ original WFR certification undertaken with a well known and respected provider outside the UK).
I felt it more enjoyable than the first one I did (another delegate who had already completed a standard llength (8-10 days) WFR overseas with a well respected provider).
Excellent ! You will be seeing more of us (experienced Wilderness First Responder having qualified as a WFR overseas on a standard length WFR (8-10 days).
Remote field scientist doing a WFR requal: Faculty were “Exceptional”.
Sign Up for our Newsletter: