Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

Frostbite has long been one of the most feared cold-weather injuries for mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and winter adventurers—often leading to permanent tissue loss or even amputation. In this episode, we explore how frostbite happens, how to prevent it in the outdoors, and what to do when it strikes far from help. We also highlight a breakthrough in treatment: the FDA’s recent approval of ilo...

As climate and ecological conditions shift across the United States, the geographic boundaries of several tick species are expanding—and with them comes growing confusion about the diseases they carry. In this episode, we explore the spread of the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), and how their overlapping ranges are complicating the diagnosis of t...

In the backcountry, decisions matter.  And sometimes the only difference between a good outcome and a bad one is knowing when to stop, when to descend, and when to listen to what the body is telling you. In this podcast we talk about a small device that’s making its way into more packs, first-aid kits, and expedition gear — the pulse oximeter.  You’ve probably seen one in a hospital or clinic. But...

When we head outdoors, we think about weather, wildlife, terrain, and terrain — but we rarely think about what’s floating in the air, living in the soil, or hiding in the dust. In this episode, we explore the invisible world of environmental fungi — where they live, how people are exposed, the illnesses they can cause, and how simple awareness can dramaticall

Bats are an essential—and often misunderstood—part of the Grand Canyon ecosystem. In this episode, we explore the role bats play in the canyon, why they are so abundant along the Colorado River, and what that means for people camping overnight in one of America’s most iconic landscapes. We’ll discuss the real but often low-probability dangers associated with bats, including rabies exposure and acc...

Shock can develop quickly in the backcountry, and recognizing it early can save a life. In this episode, we focus on how to i dentify shock with limited tools and how to tell the difference between its major types in remote settings. We break down cardiogenic, vasogenic, and hypovolemic shock using real-world backcountry scenarios, emphasizing observable signs, mental status changes, skin findings...

Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores how the human body responds when sport and movement take place in the most demanding environments on Earth—and why proper fueling can mean the difference between performance, illness, and survival. From endurance athletics to long days hiking at altitude or in extreme heat and cold, the body undergoes profound physiological changes affecting oxygen delivery, hydration, m...

In this episode, Dr. Richard Ingebretsen explores women’s health challenges in the backcountry, focusing on common conditions that can arise far from definitive medical care. We discuss menstrual-related conditions—including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), mittelschmerz (ovulation pain), urinary track infections and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—with an emphasis on recognition, prevention, and...

Dr. Keely Coxon discusses a critical but under-discussed topic in acute care: blood glucose management in the hypothermic patient. In this episode, Dr. Coxon examines how hypothermia affects glucose metabolism and challenges conventional treatment protocols. Are the guidelines we rely on truly appropriate for patients in the cold? Dr. Coxon breaks down current protocols, highlights where they may...

High altitude changes the rules of the game for the human body. As oxygen levels drop, systems we usually take for granted—our heart, lungs, metabolism, and immune response—are suddenly asked to work harder. For some people, that challenge is barely noticeable. For others, especially those living with chronic medical conditions, altitude can quietly turn a manageable illness into a serious problem...

This episodes looks into the often-overlooked medical issues that can strike men far from help. We break down the signs, symptoms, and field-management strategies for three critical conditions: inguinal hernias, testicular torsion, and epididymitis.   This podcast helps listeners understand how these problems develop, what they feel like, how to recognize red flags, and what immediate steps to tak...

In this insightful podcast, Matthew Guthrie explores a transformative way to understand and manage pain—by shifting our mindset from seeing pain as a threat to viewing it as a challenge. Listeners will learn how threat-based thinking amplifies discomfort, fear, and suffering, while a challenge-based mindset promotes resilience, confidence, and improved function. Matthew guides listeners toward a h...

This podcast is your guide to exploring the wild with your four-legged adventure partner. We delve into everything you need to know about taking dogs trekking and hiking in the backcountry—from choosing the best breeds for rugged terrain to understanding the physical and behavioral traits that make a dog trail-ready. Each episode covers practical safety tips, conditioning strategies, gear essentia...

Welcome to today’s episode, hosted by wilderness medicine expert Dr. Kathy Vidlock. In this episode, Dr. Vidlock walks us through a real case from the backcountry—a hiker who developed supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, away from definitive medical care. Dr. Vidlock explains what SVT is, why it can strike suddenly even in otherwise healthy individuals, and how the stressors of the wilderness—de...

This is a deep dive with Sarah Hall into the world of wildland fire medical support—where emergency medicine meets the world wildland firefighting. This podcast explores what it takes to keep firefighters safe on the line, from treating tree strike injuries, heat illnesses, to navigating remote evacuation challenges and limited resources. Listeners will hear how Medics and EMTs prepare and train f...

This podcast dives deep into the rise of exoskeletons in the backcountry—wearable robotic systems designed to help hikers, rescue teams, and explorers move farther, faster, and safer in rugged terrain.  Exoskeletons can transform wilderness travel by reducing fatigue, protecting joints, and opening the outdoors to those once limited by injury, age, or physical strain. But with innovation comes con...

Every year, thousands of hikers, trekkers, and adventure travelers return from their journeys with more than just memories — sometimes, they bring home unwanted hitchhikers: parasitic worms. In this eye-opening episode, we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes unsettling) world of travel-related worm infections. From hookworms that burrow through bare feet on tropical beaches to tapeworms hiding...

Ever wonder what wonders exist beneath your hiking boots? In this episode, we trade panoramic mountain views for the hidden landscapes of moss, soil, and leaf litter. Land snorkeling is a quiet, curious way to explore the outdoors — no fins, no water, just your eyes, patience, and a sense of wonder. From tiny insects navigating a single blade of grass to the dazzling architecture of lichen forests...

Hosted by Dr. Kathy Vidlock, Under Pressure explores the moments when the human body and the wild collide. From fractures deep in the backcountry to life-threatening compartment syndromes far from help, Dr. Vidlock breaks down real cases, the science behind the swelling, and what every rescuer or adventurer should know when seconds—and pressure—matter most.

Where there’s fire, there’s risk—and where there’s risk, there’s medicine. This podcast tells the untold stories of those who bring medical expertise to the edge of the wilderness fireline. Firefighter Luke Werner, from the US Forest service, talks about the many hazards, how risk is mitigated, and what happens when things go wrong.

Imagine pushing up a mountain trail or gliding across fresh snow, only to feel your chest tighten and your breath slip away. This episode by Jenson Rawlings  explores exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in the outdoors, including why cold air, altitude, and intense effort can trigger narrowed airways, and how adventurers can recognize the signs. We’ll unpack  the science, talk through field-teste...

In this podcast, we look into a condition that’s often hidden, yet can have life-changing—and even life-threatening—effects: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or HOCM. This genetic heart disease causes the walls of the heart, especially the septum, to thicken abnormally, making it harder for blood to flow and putting patients at risk for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and even s...

Mountain biking is full of thrills—and spills. In this episode, we dive into the latest innovations in helmet protection that are changing the way riders stay safe on the trail. From advanced impact-absorbing materials to rotational force reduction systems like MIPS and beyond, we’ll explore how cutting-edge technology is helping protect brains from serious injury. Whether you’re a weekend rider o...

This episode explores how walking through natural environments can restore and sharpen our attention span. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, we’ll discuss why time in green spaces helps the brain recover from fatigue, improves focus, and enhances problem-solving skills. Listeners will gain insight into the science behind “attention restoration” and practical ways to use nature wa...

In this episode, student Clay Hicke shares his personal journey of living with type 1 diabetes while pursuing his passion for the outdoors. Clay opens up about the challenges he has faced in managing his condition, from daily struggles to wilderness adventures, and how those trials shaped his resilience. Through honesty and insight, he reveals the strategies, mindset, and support that helped him n...