WFR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield WFR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is carried by wilderness travelers primarily to prevent and treat: → Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
2. What is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis in a wilderness setting? → Immediate epinephrine injection (if available).
3. What is the priority when treating a wilderness patient with severe bleeding? → Direct pressure to stop bleeding
4. How often should you reassess vital signs in a stable wilderness patient? → Every 2-4 hours
5. What is the purpose of a 'go/no-go' decision point in rescue planning? → To reassess risks and continue or abort the mission.
6. How should you treat a snakebite from an unidentified venomous snake in the field? → Immobilize the limb and keep it below heart level.
7. The standard adult epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) delivers which dose intramuscularly? → 0.3 mg
8. Which medication is contraindicated in patients with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease? → Ibuprofen
9. How should you communicate with a panicked team member during a rescue? → Give them a simple, direct task to focus on.
10. When should a second dose of epinephrine be considered after the first injection for anaphylaxis? → If symptoms persist or return after 5–15 minutes
11. How do you treat a patient with severe dehydration in the wilderness? → Give small sips of electrolyte solution or clean water.
12. What is the best way to control severe bleeding in the wilderness? → Applying firm, direct pressure with a sterile dressing.
13. Which of the following is the most critical and defining sign that differentiates heat stroke from heat exhaustion? → Altered mental status
14. Ibuprofen should generally be avoided in a wilderness patient who is: → Moderately dehydrated with poor peripheral perfusion
15. Which finding indicates possible spinal injury in a wilderness trauma patient? → Tingling in extremities
16. When should you initiate a rapid body survey? → When life-threatening conditions are suspected
17. Dexamethasone (Decadron) is used as a rescue medication in the wilderness primarily for which high-altitude emergency? → High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
18. What is the 'Rule of Threes' for survival priorities? → 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in extreme conditions).
19. When documenting your patient encounter using the SOAP note format, what information would be included in the 'A' (Assessment) section? → Your field diagnosis or a list of suspected problems.
20. Which pulse point is most reliable for assessing circulation in cold environments? → Carotid pulse
21. What is the primary consideration when deciding to evacuate a wilderness patient? → Potential for condition to worsen in current environment
22. Which of the following is a key symptom of a head injury requiring urgent evacuation? → Confusion or worsening headache.
23. Ondansetron (Zofran) is most useful in the wilderness for controlling: → Nausea and vomiting
24. Which symptom suggests a possible spinal injury? → Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
25. Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) are primarily used in wilderness medicine to treat which condition? → Anaphylaxis
26. What is the primary role of a leader in a wilderness emergency situation? → Delegate tasks and maintain situational awareness.
27. Which action is most effective to prevent frostbite in subzero conditions? → Using hand warmers and dry gloves.
28. When should a tourniquet be applied in wilderness trauma care? → When direct pressure fails to stop severe bleeding.
29. Loperamide (Imodium) is used in wilderness medicine primarily to manage: → Diarrhea
30. When a patient is unconscious or actively vomiting in the wilderness, the preferred route of medication administration is: → Intramuscular (IM injection)