Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

This podcast tells of an eight hour rescue of a brother and sister who were going to freeze to death were it not for the expertise of the SAR team.  Listen as Dan Hadley recounts this fascinating and instructive story.

Searching and then rescuing someone starts with knowing how different people of different ages will behave when they get lost.  In this podcast  Dr. Jason Tanner outlines the behavior of lost individuals. 

How do you go about looking for someone who is lost of injured in the backcountry?  For example, knowing the last known position of a person is essential.  This podcasts talks about the basics of search techniques.  

You have to know how to be safe if you are going to look for someone who is lost and try to rescue them.  This podcasts outlines the steps to remain safe as you put yourself at risk. 

Parasites are simply everywhere. While it’s important to have a broad understanding of parasites, one should have specific knowledge about the parasites that can infect humans.  Listen to this podcast for amazing information about parasites.

Ticks are not insects, although they are often mistaken for them. They require blood for sustenance, but they don’t jump or fly.  How long does it take for a disease to transmit to a human after a it latches on to out skin?  And how do you remove a tick? This and more in this podcast about these creepy little things.  

Epidemiologists estimate that four to five percent of all human deaths in history are attributable to Malaria.  Currently, Malaria is responsible for the infection of 220 million people worldwide and caused over 700,000 deaths across the globe.  Most deaths happen to children in Africa.  

These are very important emerging diseases.  But before we discuss them, we must first ask where do emerging diseases typically come from?  The answer, they come from animals. Scientists estimate that more than six out of every ten known infectious diseases in people are spread from animals. We talk about this and more in this important podcast.

All it takes is a snail, a worm and some freshwater to become infected. Once you are, the disease could persist for decades -- and prove fatal. The culprits come as a pair: freshwater snails harboring parasitic worms.  People cannot do their wilderness travel without knowing about this very prevalent disease. This podcast will tell you what you need to know. 

 It is estimated that over 90% of hikers experience painful foot issues. From a medical perspective, it is challenging to assess these types of patients because of the complexity and multiplicity of joints within the foot.  Proper shoes, support and socks really do help.  This podcast will help to keep our feet healthy.

The danger associated with flash floods is due to their sudden onset. They can occur up to 6 hours after a rainful. Flash flooding is the second leading cause of natural disaster-related deaths. And while they are dangerous, they can be avoided.  This podcast discusses the important details of flash floods.

To understand the use of clothing, it is first essential to understand heat.  To some, clothing might seem like an afterthought. But it is the first and most important layer of protection between you and the elements. No level of skill or planning can make up for ill-chosen clothing.  This podcast outlines the science behind clothing.

While the actual number is not known, each year many people die in stream crossings while hiking and trekking.  Hikers underestimate the risk. So, let’s ‘know before we go.’  This podcast outlines how to cross a stream safely.

Of the 50 million people who travel each year into ‘the world,’ up to 11% return with a febrile illness. Many of these will be caused by more exotic diagnoses such as malaria and dengue. A systematic approach to the returned traveler with a fever is essential.

When we think of a person who has traveled throughout the world, we also need to think of the global causes of diarrhea.   This podcast will help you determine the cause and the treatment for diarrhea in a traveler.

What repellant can you use on a child?  Which repellant do you use to prevent malaria?  Globally, there are about 75 quadrillion mosquitos on earth. But of the 3,000 species of mosquitoes, only three species bear the responsibility for the spread of human diseases.  This podcast outline steps to help the spread of diseases from mosquitos. 

What causes back pain when backpacking? How do you prevent it?  Do trekking poles help prevent injury?  The equipment you choose when hiking, backpacking and trekking  has significant ramifications for your health.  This podcast covers these important questions.

Taking children into the wilderness is important.  But, it poses a number of special problems.  Let's talk about taking children in the wilderness with Dr. Trahern W.  (TW) Jones.  

When we go fast we get hurt.  What are the most common biking injuries?  What is the appropriate set up for a bike to prevent these injuries?  How are snowboarders injured?  How do you treat injuries associated with skiing?  Lets talk about all of this with Dr. Jake Saunders.

How quickly and to what temperature should frostbite be warmed?  Is frostnip dangerous?  What happens if skin is kept wet for a long time? And can cool moisture damage skin, even on a hot day?  You will need to know these issues to appropriately treat skin affected by cold temperatures. 

You don't need to know how to be a  diver in order to treat someone who has developed diving problems.  This podcast outlines what happens to the body when it is subjected to pressures as a diver goes down, and then returns to the surface too quickly.  

What is the best way to evacuate someone with chest pain?  How do you treat an asthma attack in the wilderness?  Here the basics of medicine for the backcountry are discussed. 

Abdominal pain can be scary in the backcountry.   Allergic reactions are completely annoying but can also be severe.  Do they need to be evacuated?  Medicine in the backcountry is discussed. 

Do you know the single most important initial treatment for someone who has been involved with a drowning incident?  Do you know what 'drowning: means?   This podcast covers these and other essential topics.  

There are few parts of the human body that are more delicate than the human eye.  Yet it is frequently involved with minor or major trauma.  Let's talk about it.