Wilderness Medicine Series
Presented by Whatcom County EMS in partnership with Backcountry Medical Guides
Adventure Rx is a quarterly, hands-on event series designed for healthcare professionals, first responders, and wilderness-savvy community members looking to build real-world medical skills in remote environments.
Each session can be taken individually with no prerequisites. The first session is accredited for up to 8 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ and Washington State EMS continuing education credits. View program details below for specifics.
Participants who complete the full four-part series will qualify for the Wilderness Medicine for the Advanced Practitioner credential, and EMTs can upgrade to Wilderness EMT (W-EMT) status with the completion of required supplemental modules.
Program Focus:
Fall – Wilderness Medicine Essentials Part 1 – Rescue operations & prolonged field care
Winter – Mountain Medicine – Ski accidents, avalanche first response, altitude, and cold injury
Spring – Wilderness Medicine Essentials Part 2 – Spring sports primer, remote orthopedic care, infectious disease, travel medicine
Summer – Maritime Medicine – Medicine-at-sea & marine rescue scenarios
2025/26 Sessions
Wilderness Medicine Essentials Part 1
Date: November 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Fishermen’s Pavilion - Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, WA
Cost: $225 (single session) | $800 (full, 4-Part Adventure Rx series)
CE Credits: 8 hours CE/CME available
Mountain Medicine
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Mt. Baker Ski Area - Heather Meadows Lodge
Cost: $225 (single session) | $800 (full Adventure Rx series)
Wilderness Medicine Essentials Part 2
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Fishermen’s Pavilion - Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, WA
Cost: $225 (single session) | $800 (full Adventure Rx series)
Maritime Medicine
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Fishermen’s Pavilion - Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, WA
Cost: $225 (single session) | $800 (full Adventure Rx series)
Want to attend all four sessions?
Register for the whole series and receive a discounted rate.
Audience:
In hospital staff: MD/DO, RN, PA. Field providers: EMS personnel, ski patrol, SAR teams. Outdoor professionals, guides, educators, and engaged laypeople
CE Accreditation:
For Session One (November 2nd, 2025):
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements of the Washington State Medical Association through the joint providership of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and Backcountry Medical Guides. PeaceHealth St. Joseph is accredited by the WSMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (1 hour = 1 credit)
Goals & Outcomes:
Provide accessible, high-quality field-based CME/CE
Strengthen regional preparedness and community response capacity
Create a gateway for professionals to pursue advanced training
Promote cross-sector collaboration in austere and remote care
Program Specifics
