Wilderness Medicine Podcast

Anna Maria Gstaettner is a researcher who shares her findings on visitor safety in Western Australia's parks, revealing surprising data on incident types and demographics. Ken Zafren, an experienced wilderness medicine physician, dives into sunscreen use, adventure travel safety, and the role of wilderness medicine during COVID-19. They discuss how extreme environments impact risks and the importance of preparation. Both guests highlight the beauty of Western Australia while emphasizing the need for awareness and caution in outdoor adventures.

Brent C. Ruby, PhD, a researcher from the University of Montana, shares insights on wildland firefighter nutrition and physiology. He discusses a study on energy intake during fire suppression, emphasizing the high demands placed on firefighters. Ruby highlights the importance of frequent food intake and how firefighters often struggle to meet caloric needs in the field. He also compares MREs to first strike rations, advises on optimal eating patterns for energy management, and reflects on his passion for improving firefighter health through research.

Join Kevin N. Alschuler, a pain psychology researcher, as he dives into coping strategies for ultramarathon runners and the link between pain perception and performance. Manuel Genswein, an avalanche expert, shares crucial insights on rescue protocols and triage techniques in avalanche scenarios. Jamie Newberry enhances the discussion with her thoughts on educational design and learner behavior, emphasizing iterative training for improved skills. Together, they unwrap essential survival tactics in both wilderness medicine and athletic endurance.

Scott McIntosh, lead author of the 2019 Wilderness Medical Society frostbite guidelines, shares expert insights on frostbite prevention and treatment. He advises controlled rewarming in water baths and discusses surprising findings, like the potential low harm in walking on frostbitten extremities. The discussion also touches on improvised medicine techniques, including using coconuts for IV fluids and innovative suturing methods. Additionally, climate change's impact on health is covered, with attention to glacier retreat and wildfires.

David J. Farstad, an expert on cold water immersion syndrome, discusses the critical risks of cold exposure during outdoor activities and shares preventive strategies for enthusiasts. Jake McRae, a medical student and search-and-rescue member, reveals how drones were pivotal in a high-altitude rescue, showcasing their capability in challenging environments. Both guests highlight the evolving nature of wilderness medicine and its integration with advanced technology, emphasizing safety and innovative solutions in the field.

Dr. Steven Roy, an expert in wilderness medicine, discusses groundbreaking research on using chemical heat packs to extend ultrasound battery life in cold environments. He dives into the design and practical testing of this innovative approach, revealing a surprising 22-minute increase in runtime. The conversation then shifts to the Terra X-Cube, a unique facility for simulating extreme conditions, with insights from researchers on its groundbreaking applications. Roy also highlights the crucial importance of diversity in wilderness medicine, addressing barriers and initiatives to promote inclusion.

Gordon G. Giesbrecht, a Professor at the University of Manitoba and an expert on hypothermia, dives into the intricacies of cold-weather survival techniques. He discusses innovative rewarming methods, emphasizing the importance of head heat retention. The conversation also covers the role of esophageal temperature probes in wilderness settings and the latest advancements in wilderness EMS education, including a new alpine first responder training in the Everest region. Insights on the medical training of Sherpa guides highlight the transformative power of wilderness education.

In this enlightening discussion, Jacob Jensen moderates insights from Dr. Seth E. Wolpin, a clinical associate professor with extensive research on porter welfare in Nepal, alongside Drs. Pranawa Koirala and Janet Peterson. They explore the alarming misconceptions surrounding high altitude illness among porters and underscore the need for better education. The conversation also highlights the vital importance of avalanche survival strategies and advancements in emergency response for hypothermic cardiac arrest, showcasing critical public health issues in mountainous areas.

Andrew Nyberg is an emergency physician from Park City, Utah, known for his work on the 2015 Everest Base Camp avalanche response. Matt Wilkes, a doctor at the International Port of Protection Group, explores the use of methoxyflurane for pain management at high altitudes. Together, they discuss the harrowing experiences during the Nepal earthquake, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and communication in crisis response. They also delve into the innovative use of methoxyflurane in austere medicine and its safety for patient self-management, especially in remote environments.

Giacomo Strapazzon, Deputy head of the Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, and Oliver Kreuzer, a flight paramedic with Air Zermatt, join to discuss cutting-edge wilderness medicine. They dive into canyoning incidents, emphasizing new guidelines and the complexities of patient management. Strapazzon shares insights on avalanche rescue and hypothermia, while Kreuzer compares helicopter rescue techniques across the Alps, the U.S., and Nepal. Their experiences highlight the necessity of proper training, equipment, and risk assessment in these high-stakes environments.