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Wilderness Medicine Podcast

#28: Avalanche Safety and Toxinology

Dec 21, 2022
Join medical doctor Esteban A. Valle and experts Andrew P. Cobourn, Spencer JH. Trivitt, Jordy Hendrikx, and Jerry D. Johnson as they dive into the world of backcountry skiing and avalanche safety amid the pandemic. They discuss the challenges faced by novice skiers and the increasing avalanche risks. The conversation shifts to toxinology, unpacking snake bites and the complexities of venom. Listeners will learn about the myths surrounding Amanita mushrooms and the importance of timely medical intervention for venom-related emergencies.
01:23:53

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Quick takeaways

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a notable increase in backcountry skiing participation, particularly among newcomers lacking avalanche training.
  • A concerning trend indicates that many experienced skiers have not updated their avalanche education, fostering overconfidence and risky decision-making.

Deep dives

The Impact of COVID-19 on Backcountry Skiing

The pandemic has significantly influenced backcountry skiing, leading to a notable increase in participation rates. Many new skiers were motivated by resort closures and overcrowding, prompting about a quarter of them to venture into backcountry skiing for the first time. This shift indicates a broader trend in which people sought outdoor activities as an alternative to crowded ski resorts, reflecting a cultural embrace of backcountry skiing, which has been one of the fastest-growing segments in the sport over the years. As interest in this sport accelerates, safety and avalanche awareness need to keep pace to prevent accidents among inexperienced skiers entering this domain.

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