It doesn't take long to get away from it all in Oregon. And research is ripe with studies testifying to the benefits of being in nature. In such a setting, you can go at a slower pace, relax and take the time to marvel at the beauty that surrounds you.
At the same time, being in the wilds also means that you may be far away – often hours away -- from the closest medical help should you become injured or get sick.
To solve this dilemma and allow more people to enjoy the wilderness regardless of how remote the location, Recreation’s Outdoor Program began offering a course some 12 years ago to certify outdoor enthusiasts as Wilderness First Responders. The ten-day course provides participants with the tools needed to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. It’s perfect for hikers, fishers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, outdoor guides, hunters, ATV’ers, snowmobilers, and just about anyone who plans to be in the back country or lives where 911 is not readily accessible.
The Outdoor Program offers the certification class three times a year and it usually fills the 30 seats available. To date, nearly 500 people have been certified through the Eugene Recreation Outdoor Program’s WFR class; 360 people have been recertified. The next class will be held on Dec.12-21. For more information or to register for the December class, call the Outdoor program at 541-682-5329.