In this episode of Wilderness Medicine Updates, host Patrick Fink interviews Moose Mutlow, an experienced outdoor educator and search and rescue professional with nearly four decades of experience globally. Moose discusses his extensive career from being an Outward Bound instructor to working with Yosemite Search and Rescue, and his role as a Family Liaison Officer for the National Park Service. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by search and rescue teams, the importance of robust communication skills, and how to build resilience against trauma in high-stress professions. Moose also shares his personal experiences, reflecting on the value of mentorship, the significance of team dynamics, and the essential need for compassionate support during crises. The episode includes practical advice for those in the field of wilderness medicine and search and rescue, highlighting the necessity of emotional balance and continuous learning.
Connect with Moose:
Website
Blue Sky
Instagram
Substack
Book: Searching
Book: When Accidents Happen
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Links from the show:
The Stress Continuum
Responder Alliance
Quell Foundation
Dr. Nicola Lester: trauma informed practice
More Reading:
Ranger Confidential
Nature Noir
The Cold Vanish
The Last Season
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:19 Moose Motlow's Background and Career
01:58 Challenges in Search and Rescue
02:58 The Importance of National Parks
05:23 Moose's Nickname and Early Career
07:07 Transition to the US and Outdoor Adventures
10:54 Search and Rescue Experiences
15:20 Swift Water Rescue Operations
19:38 Training and Mentorship in SAR
30:18 Role of Family Liaison Officer
45:24 Managing Emotional Burden as a Liaison Officer
47:12 Recognizing and Addressing Trauma
48:36 The Importance of Peer Support
49:44 Cultural Norms and Vulnerability
51:05 The Cost of Ignoring Trauma
53:37 Building Resilience and Longevity in C
As always, thanks for listening to Wilderness Medicine Updates, hosted by Patrick Fink MD FAWM.
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