Get Your EMT Certification Faster: The Only Intensive 3-Week Wilderness EMT Course in South Dakota

Are you looking for an EMT program that goes beyond the classroom? If you’re searching for an EMT course in South Dakota or the surrounding region, you’ve likely found a number of options. But for those who want to be prepared for any emergency, whether on a city street or deep in the backcountry, there’s only one choice: Don't Panic's Wilderness EMT Course.

Our intensive program, based in scenic Custer, South Dakota, isn't your average EMT class. We've designed a unique training that combines the gold standard of wilderness medical education with a comprehensive urban EMT curriculum, all in a single, focused session. Forget months of night classes and long commutes; get certified faster and become a more versatile provider.

What Makes Our WEMT Course Different?

At Don’t Panic, we believe your training should be as dynamic and challenging as the environments you'll work in. Our program stands out from traditional EMT courses with three key advantages:

1. The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Foundation

Unlike most EMT programs that start with an urban-centric curriculum, our course begins with a full week dedicated to wilderness medicine. You'll master the "gold standard" of austere environment care from day one, culminating in your Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification from Desert Mountain Medicine. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone who plans to work, live, or play far from definitive medical care. You’ll master a KILLER patient assessment, the foundation of emergency medicine, laying the groundwork for exceptional patient care in the backcountry or the back of an ambulance.

2. An Intensive 3-Week Session in Custer, SD

Why spend months in night classes? Our January 5th-23rd, 2026 course is designed for efficiency. By condensing a complete WFR and EMT curriculum into an intensive three-week block, we save you time and travel. This focused format allows for total immersion, helping you master critical skills faster and more effectively. It’s the perfect solution for motivated individuals ready to fast-track their medical career.

3. All-Inclusive & Value-Packed

Our $2,250 course fee is transparent and comprehensive. The all-inclusive price covers:

• Three weeks of comprehensive WFR and EMT instruction.

• Your National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam fee.

• A complete EMT textbook and a DMM WFR handbook.

• A fully-equipped first responder kit.

• Exclusive Don't Panic and DMM merchandise.

• All applicable taxes and fees.

(Please note: the course fee does not include room and board.)

Key Benefits: Certified for Anywhere

Graduating from our program means you're prepared for anything. You'll leave with dual certification—a Desert Mountain Medicine Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and your EMT certification—making you a highly qualified provider ready for any environment, whether that’s in a busy city or the remote backcountry of the Black Hills.

• Efficient: Get certified in just three weeks. Our intensive format saves you months of training time compared to traditional programs, allowing you to get into the field or on the ambulance sooner.

• Real-World Experience: Our curriculum goes far beyond the textbook. You'll participate in realistic scenarios and gain invaluable experience from ambulance ride-alongs, ensuring you have the confidence to perform when it matters most.

• Expert Instruction: Your lead instructor, Sam Smolnisky, is a paramedic and educator by trade. His unique background combines extensive field experience with proven teaching skills, making complex medical topics easy to understand and master.

What to Expect From Your 3-Week Journey

Our program is a dynamic, hands-on experience built to immerse you in both the skills and the mindset of a high-level provider.

• Week 1: Focus on wilderness medicine, culminating in your WFR certification.

• Week 2: Master the core urban EMT knowledge and skills.

• Week 3: Put everything into practice with real-world scenarios and hands-on experience, including ambulance ride-alongs.

Course Details

Dates: January 5-23, 2026 Location: Custer, SD Cost: $2,250 (all-inclusive, does not include room and board) Prerequisites: Participants must be 18 years of age or older and must complete ICS 100 and ICS 700 (free, online courses)

Ready to become a more versatile and highly qualified medical provider? Get certified faster with Don't Panic's Wilderness EMT Course in Custer, SD.