MOFA | Wilderness First Responder | Committee & Contacts
The MOFA Course
Mountaineering Oriented First Aid (MOFA) is a 24-hour first aid course for the wilderness traveler. The course meets the requirements for the American Red Cross (ARC) Standard First Aid course with 18 hours of additional wilderness focused first aid training. The volunteer instructors are certified by the ARC. The class is held two evenings a week for four weeks, or for one Saturday plus a full weekend at a Mountaineers lodge.  The course fee includes text books, which are available the first night of the class.  Mountaineer lodges cost an additional $70.00, which covers room and board.  Winter classes at Meany Lodge require a Sno-Park permit and a groomed trail sticker.

Course Attendance: 
Participation is required at all class sessions.  The class involves hands-on, interactive learning.  Wear casual clothes suitable for working on the ground and outdoors.  Arrangements cannot be made to make up class sessions.  Please do not register for a class unless you can attend all class sessions.  Full class participation, including passing all written exams is required.....attendance is not adequate to receive an American Red Cross First Aid or MOFA card.

Registration
To register, refer to the MOFA Course Grid in the Go-Guide, the MOFA web site, or the online Activity Search page.   Current course offerings and signup dates are listed; then mail or walk in the MOFA registration form or follow the online registration directions and payment to The Mountaineers within the signup dates listed for each class.  MOFA courses are popular and fill up fast.  Having your registration form in the Seattle Mountaineers office by the first day of signup and/or listing an alternate will increase your chances of getting into class.  Registration forms received early will be held until the first day of signup or mailed back unprocessed.

Registration forms are printed each month in the Go Guide. To request a registration form, call us 206-284-8484. To register, mail the MOFA Registration Form and your payment to:

The Mountaineers
300 3rd Ave W.
Seattle, WA 98119
attn: MOFA.

Search for all current MOFA classes.

MOFA Waiver

Currently licensed Doctors of Medicine, RNs, EMTs, and certified Wilderness First Responders may be eligible for a waiver of the MOFA requirement for Mountaineer courses.  The waiver process requires an application showing documentation of licensure or certification as well as the payment of a $50.00 fee. Once accepted, the waiver candidate must complete a take-home exam and attend a session evaluating practical mountaineering first aid skills.  The practical session will be held from 6-10 pm on Thursday, May 1st at the Mountaineers,  300 Third Ave. W., in Seattle. Application request deadline is January 31, 2008. (Ask for application even if unsure it will be used to save last minute issues.)  Completed applications must be received no later than February 28, 2008.  Note: Copy of professional license or certification must accompany application.  Applications can be obtained (after January 1, 2008) from Carol Sue Ivory-Carline by calling 206-522-5347 (please speak slowly and clearly) or Emailing to carolsic@umich.edu  and leaving your request, name, address and phone number.  NOTE: This process is NOT equivalent to a MOFA class. The person who completes the requirements gets a letter from the First Aid Committee recommending the MOFA requirement be waived.

Refresher courses
MOFA cards are valid for three years from the date of course completion. If you have a valid card and wish to update your skills and knowledge, you may enroll in a MOFA refresher. The course consists of three four-hour sessions two evenings a week, or a weekend (Saturday/Sunday- half day) and meets the requirements for ARC Standard First Aid as well as MOFA.
Wilderness First Responder

This course will be sponsored by the Seattle Branch First Aid Committee and is open to all branches and outside participants.

Course Overview
The 80 hour Wilderness First Responder certification is considered the standard for professionals working as guides, outdoor educators, as well as recreational expedition medical personnel in remote areas. Wilderness First Responders should be able to effectively make decisions when a hospital is hours to days away. The Wilderness First Responder by Remote Medical International emphasizes decision-making, hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to function in remote areas, as well as providing a strong foundation to progress on to more advanced levels of training.

Format
Combination of lecture, skill labs, and practical scenarios to provide participants with the greatest opportunity to use and retain the skills necessary to respond to remote medical emergencies. Skill labs and scenarios take place inside and outside.

A typical week day session (Tues/Thur.) will run from 1800-2200 (or 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM). There are three weekend sessions (Sat./Sun) that will run from 0800-1700 (or 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). This course has been designed for the working individual who cannot dedicate two solid weeks (the fashion WFR is typically offered.)

Texts
The textbooks and course materials for this course are included in the course price. You will receive textbooks on the first day of the course. If you would like to receive texts early, you can request them for a $5.00 shipping charge.

Certifications received
- Wilderness First Responder from Remote Medical International
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer from the American Heart Association

The Wilderness First Responder course by Remote Medical International exceeds requirements for the First Responder course established by the Department of Transportation. If you would like to test for your First Responder from the National Registry of EMTs, please call our office for additional information; please note that an additional fee applies.

Recertification
The Wilderness First Responder certification is valid for two years. There is a one year grace period after expiration in which recertification is available. Recertification is achieved by successfully completing a Wilderness First Responder Recertification course which lasts 36 hours. Students may choose to recertify through Remote Medical International or through a company approved by Remote Medical International.

Schedule
No classes are scheduled for 2008 as of this time

Cost
Total cost for the Wilderness First Responder Course has not been set.  A registration fee of $200 must be paid to reserve your spot. The balance of the course fee is due at the time registration closes and must be made through the Mountaineers Office. The registration fee of $200 will be forfeited if cancelled by participant unless a wait list exists at the time of cancellation.

Register for this class online or by using the class registration form in the Go Guide.
 
First Aid Committee 
Do you have a couple of hours a month to spare?  The Seattle First Aid Committee needs assistance with running the MOFA program.  Some items can be done at odd hours and at home.  The committee will supply materials and clear instructions.  We provide training to 400 students per year and help make the outdoors a safer place.  Come to be a part of our endeavour.

The First Aid committee is also looking for one or more volunteers who will represent the committee at the New Member events.  This job can be shared among several people.  A display and information is available.  If interested, Email the committee contacts below.

Committee Contacts
Student or Committee Questions:  Carol Sue Ivory-Carline Emails carolsic@umich.edu or call 206 522-5347 (please speak slowly and clearly).  Instructor or Course Questions:  Karl Brackmann Email k.brackmann@verizon.net or call 425 788-8947.