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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT & REMOVAL POLICY
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1.0 INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE
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This document outlines the expected standards of conduct for all participants in the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. As a course that involves realistic emergency scenarios, hands-on skills practice, and potential high-stress situations, maintaining a professional, respectful, and safe learning environment is essential for all participants' success and safety.

By enrolling in this course, you agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct throughout the duration of the program, including online components and in-person sessions.

 
2.0 CORE VALUES & EXPECTATIONS
 
2.1 Professionalism
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  • Treat all participants, instructors, staff, and guests with respect and courtesy

  • Arrive prepared and on time for all sessions

  • Complete assigned pre-course work by deadlines

  • Maintain a focused, engaged attitude during instruction

  • Represent the wilderness medicine community with integrity

 
2.2 Safety
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  • Prioritize safety in all practical scenarios and skills sessions

  • Follow all instructor directives immediately during safety-critical situations

  • Use equipment only as instructed and for its intended purpose

  • Report unsafe conditions or behaviors to instructors immediately

  • Maintain situational awareness of your environment and others

 
2.3 Respectful Learning Environment
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  • Listen actively when others are speaking

  • Respect diverse perspectives and experience levels

  • Provide constructive feedback appropriately

  • Maintain confidentiality of scenarios and patient information

  • Support fellow students in their learning journey

 
2.4 Physical and Emotional Safety
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  • Establish and respect personal boundaries during hands-on practice

  • Use appropriate communication during stressful scenarios

  • Follow "STOP" protocols if uncomfortable with any activity

  • Report any concerns about physical or emotional safety immediately

 
3.0 SPECIFIC CONDUCT REQUIREMENTS
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3.1 Attendance & Participation
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  • Punctual attendance at all scheduled sessions is mandatory

  • Notify instructors in advance of any necessary absence

  • Maximum allowable absence: 10% of course hours (as per WMS guidelines)

  • Active participation in all practical sessions is required for certification

 
3.2 Scenario Conduct
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  • Take all scenarios seriously—maintain the "reality" of simulations

  • Follow instructions regarding role-playing and moulage application

  • Never use real medications, medical equipment, or improvisations that could cause harm

  • Respect the "pause" or "time out" signal immediately when given

 
3.3 Substance Policy
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  • Absolutely no alcohol or recreational drugs during course hours

  • No impairment from substances at any time during the course

  • Prescription medications must be used as prescribed and not shared

  • Smoking/vaping only in designated areas at designated times

 
3.4 Equipment & Facilities
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  • Use course equipment responsibly and return it properly

  • Respect training facilities (cabins, outdoor spaces, etc.)

  • Clean up after yourself and your group

  • Report damaged or missing equipment immediately

 
3.5 Academic Integrity
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  • Complete your own work for online modules and written exams

  • No unauthorized assistance during assessments

  • Report any concerns about academic integrity to instructors

  • Plagiarism or cheating will result in immediate course failure

 
3.6 Inclusivity & Non-Discrimination
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  • Harassment, discrimination, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated

  • This includes but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or medical condition

  • Use inclusive language and respect preferred pronouns

  • Create space for all voices in discussions

 
4.0 REMOVAL FROM COURSE POLICY
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4.1 Grounds for Immediate Removal
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The following behaviors will result in immediate removal from the course without warning:

  1. Endangering Safety

    • Intentionally creating unsafe conditions

    • Disregarding critical safety instructions

    • Physical violence or threats of violence

    • Sexual harassment or assault

  2. Substance Violations

    • Appearing impaired by alcohol or drugs during course hours

    • Possession or use of illegal substances on course premises

    • Providing alcohol/drugs to other participants

  3. Gross Misconduct

    • Theft or intentional damage of property

    • Repeated, severe disrespect toward instructors or participants

    • Violation of confidentiality with patient information

    • Academic dishonesty during examinations

  4. Failure to Meet Prerequisites

    • Inability to demonstrate required physical capabilities

    • Failure to complete mandatory pre-course work

    • False information on medical forms

 
4.2 Progressive Discipline Process
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For less severe but repeated violations, the following progressive steps will be taken:

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Step 1: Verbal Warning

  • Private discussion with instructor

  • Clear explanation of the violation

  • Opportunity for student perspective

  • Documented in course records

 

Step 2: Written Warning

  • Formal written notice of violation

  • Specific behavior change requirements

  • Consequences for continued violations outlined

  • Signed acknowledgment by student

 

Step 3: Conditional Continuation

  • Formal probationary status

  • Specific behavioral contract

  • Possible temporary suspension from certain activities

  • Regular check-ins with instructors

 

Step 4: Removal from Course

  • Final decision by Course Director

  • Formal notification of removal

  • No refund of course fees

  • Documentation of reasons for removal

 
4.3 Removal Procedure
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  1. Initial Action

    • Student is immediately separated from activities

    • Safety and continuity of course maintained

    • Course Director notified immediately

  2. Investigation

    • Gather facts from all involved parties

    • Review any documentation or evidence

    • Consult with instructional team

  3. Decision & Notification

    • Course Director makes final determination

    • Formal written notice provided to student

    • Clear explanation of reasons and effective date

    • Information about appeals process (if any)

  4. Logistics

    • Arrangements for student departure

    • Return of any course materials or equipment

    • Notification to sponsoring organization (if applicable)

    • Documentation for certification records

 
5.0 APPEALS PROCESS
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5.1 Grounds for Appeal
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Appeals may be considered only for:

  • Alleged procedural errors in the removal process

  • New evidence not previously considered

  • Claims of discrimination or unfair treatment

 
5.2 Appeal Procedure
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  1. Written appeal must be submitted within 7 days of removal

  2. Appeal reviewed by designated committee (not involved in original decision)

  3. Review may include interviews with involved parties

  4. Written decision provided within 14 days

  5. Decision of appeals committee is final

 
6.0 REFUND POLICY FOR REMOVALS
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6.1 No Refund
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  • Removal for disciplinary reasons: No refund

  • Removal for safety violations: No refund

  • Removal for academic dishonesty: No refund

 
6.2 Partial Refund (at discretion of organization)
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  • Medical withdrawal with documentation: Prorated refund possible

  • Emergency circumstances: Case-by-case consideration

 
7.0 REPORTING CONCERNS
 
How to Report Violations:
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  1. To any instructor – for immediate safety concerns

  2. To Course Director – for conduct or interpersonal issues

  3. Anonymous reporting – [provide method if available]

 
Protection from Retaliation:
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  • All reports will be taken seriously

  • Confidentiality maintained to the extent possible

  • Retaliation against reporters is prohibited and grounds for removal

 
8.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENT & AGREEMENT
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By enrolling in this Wilderness First Responder course, I acknowledge that:

  1. I have read and understood this Code of Conduct and Removal Policy

  2. I agree to abide by all provisions outlined herein

  3. I understand the consequences of violating this code

  4. I understand that my continued participation is contingent upon compliance

  5. I understand that the Course Director has final authority on all conduct matters

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