Wilderness Medicine Podcast #40: Burn Care & Women’s Health Outdoors
Dec 18, 2025
Dr. Cindy Bitter, an expert in wilderness burn care, discusses critical updates on managing burns in remote settings. She emphasizes cooling strategies and the importance of evacuating in severe cases. Angela Martz, a physician assistant and mountain explorer, tackles women’s health in expeditions, highlighting challenges like menstrual hygiene and the psychological barriers women face in adventure tourism. Their conversation mixes practical advice with insights into fostering inclusivity in outdoor activities.
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Cool Burns First And Dress Simply
- Cool burns promptly with clean, running water while keeping the rest of the patient warm and dry.
- If dressing is needed, use antibiotic ointment or medical-grade honey and arrange evacuation.
Guidelines Balance Evidence And Practicality
- Wilderness burn evidence is often weak, so guidelines must blend diverse sources.
- The panel combined military, global, and burn-center experience to form practical recommendations.
Weigh Cooling Vs Hypothermia Risk
- Cool burns even in the field unless hypothermia risk is high; limit irrigation for very large TBSA or Arctic conditions.
- For most burns under ~15% TBSA, cooling is safe and effective.