So You Want To Be A NOLS Wilderness First Responder? – The Video
Oh, You So You Want To Be A Wilderness First Responder?
Let’s get something straight; the first rule of Wilderness First Responder Training is that you don’t talk about Wilderness First Responder Training.
That said, the rule is more about the “secrets” that make each individual program unique, like specifics about scenarios and whatnot. We’re not really going to get into that here, out of respect to the programs, but I do want to give you a couple tastes of what you might be biting off when you do decide to take the course. You can watch the video at the end of this post, but read on…
Yes, there really is blood, and a good bit of it throughout the course. It’s fake blood, but blood nonetheless!
Hi I’m Jason!
I didn’t even see my 3rd country until age 40, then I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 42…in the middle of Covid. This is where I share personal stories, deep thoughts, and travel shenanigans to encourage and empower others with a fear of travel, or of traveling with major medical conditions, to push through and live an unconventional life!
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I took the National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS) curriculum at the Landmark Learning campus in the western North Carolina mountains. There are many other curriculum and programs out there, but NOLS seems to float to the top as the industry standard based on what I’ve seen over the years. But you do have other options out there, and different certifications may carry different weight. (Read: Do your research!)
Nine days of knowledge bombs, scenarios, new friendships, and adventures is way too much to pack into one video or post!
You’ll need to check out all of them to get the whole picture! Check out all of the articles through the links below!
Unfortunately, I’ve Had To Use My Training…At Least Twice
Since my Wilderness First Responder Course, I’ve actually had to use what I learned in the real world. You can read more about that here and about another time here.
Cheers!
— Jason
About Jason Robinson
Jason is the author of “The Beginner Traveler’s Guide” as well as the voice behind the words and the eye behind the lens for The Nomad Experiment. “Planning to travel at some point” wasn’t actually getting the job done, so nearing 40 he decided to make it a priority, nomatter how scary that was. A few years later—through the pandemic and a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 42—now living a life of nomadic travel, he’s speaking out to encourage others of any age, or with any serious medical diagnosis, to live an unconventional life.
Travel Planning Tips
Figure out where you are going & how are you getting there…
I suggest using at least 2 to 3 different travel search sites. Start with Skyscanner or Orbitz or Booking …or whatever aggregator site you prefer. Then when you see what airlines to use, check their respective sites for better deals or rewards flights.
Figure out where you’re going to stay…
If you’re interested in hostels, search Hostelworld or Hostelling International. For longer-term or more private digs, look at Airbnb, VRBO, colivings, or you can look for hotel rooms in the links from the search engines listed above.
Get comprehensive travel insurance, or in the least, travel medical insurance if internationally…
Especially with COVID not going anywhere, you need travel medical insurance nomatter what! Start with an insurance aggregator or with SafetyWing, World Nomads, or another. Then decide what is important to you; trip cancellation, baggage coverage, medical, or all of the above. And get a yearly evacuation plan, since you’ll have to get home after your emergency!
Need more resources? Click here!
