Wilderness First Responder – Hybrid Part 2
Durango Area • October 14, 2025
Course Provider
Full Dates: October 14, 2025 – December 5, 2025
Duration: 5 days
Price: $0
Private Course offered through Fort Lewis College.
Course Description
Like WMTC’s standard 9-day Wilderness First Responder (WFR), the hybrid WFR course has been designed specifically to meet the needs of outdoor professionals, those who embark on multi-day personal trips, those who take part in high risk activities (rock climbing, whitewater paddling, mountaineering, multi-week expeditions of all kinds, etc.), or those who simply want to know more about wilderness medicine. Certification as a WFR is the industry standard for outdoor instructors and guides. We recommend taking the full WFR every six years.
The course includes WMTC Adult and Child CPR/AED certification.
WMTC’s hybrid WFR course is divided into two distinct parts. One must complete the Part 1 Independent Study portion before attending the Part 2 Practical Session with Southwest Rescue, and both must be completed within a year to receive certification. Part 1 of the WMTC’s hybrid WFR will require an estimated 40+ hours of independent studying and testing, and registration is completely facilitated through WMTC. Click here to enroll in WMTC’s Hybrid WFR Part 1. If you are wondering if a hybrid course is for you, check out this WMTC blog post. Also, check out WMTC’s hybrid Wilderness First Responder website to see if this course is for you before registering.
Southwest Rescue sponsors and teaches Part 2 of WMTC’s hybrid WFR. Part 2 of WMTC’s hybrid WFR is 5-days long, and requires that Part 1 is completed. Registration with Southwest Rescue for WMTC’s hybrid WFR is only for Part 2.
Course Downloads
Location and Logistics
Durango
Durango, CO 81301
United States
Taught in the Greater Durango area.
Lead Instructor
Aaron Kent
Aaron Kent is the owner and lead instructor for Southwest Rescue. Aaron has been working in first response and outdoor education since 2010. He is a Rescue 3 International Instructor Trainer in Ropes, Water, and Ice Rescue, and is an Instructor Trainer for the Wilderness Medical Training Center International. He is an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities nationwide and has worked in international public health and expedition leadership for most of his professional career. He is also the regional director for the Southwest Region of Rescue 3 International.