Wilderness Medicine Podcast

George Rodway is an influential figure in mountain medicine, serving as the president of the Medical Commission of the UIAA. JJ Agassi, a pioneer in Italian mountain medicine, shares insights from his extensive outdoor experiences. Aaron Reilly discusses hydration issues in ultramarathons, emphasizing the dangers of exercise-associated hyponatremia. The conversation also touches on the ethics of drug use in mountaineering and the implications it has for safety, alongside an introduction to helicopter search and rescue training essentials.

Neal Pollock, PhD, a leading physiologist in diving medicine, discusses the risks and management of scuba diving injuries, highlighting the dangers of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness. Joe Alcock, MD, offers insights on effective sun protection strategies beyond just sunscreen, emphasizing the importance of protective clothing and understanding SPF. David A. Rust, MD, delves into cervical spine management for winter sports, debating helmet removal protocols and injury stabilization techniques that prioritize patient safety in the wilderness.

Buddha Basnyat, an expert in altitude medicine from Nepal, discusses a groundbreaking study on the efficacy of ibuprofen versus acetaminophen in preventing acute mountain sickness. He shares insights about acclimatization, emphasizing its crucial role in high-altitude trekking. Brad Bennett, a research physiologist and past president of the Wilderness Medicine Society, delves into Tactical Combat Casualty Care, bridging battlefield lessons with wilderness medicine. Their engaging conversation highlights innovative strategies for trauma management in extreme environments.

Joe Alcock, a Professor of emergency medicine at the University of New Mexico and an advocate for evolutionary medicine, shares fascinating insights on wilderness and environmental health. He discusses updated avalanche rescue protocols and the importance of using airbag technology. The conversation also delves into how ultra-endurance races affect athletes’ immune systems, particularly the impact of sleep deprivation and ibuprofen use. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on the intersection of extreme sports, health, and safety in wilderness settings.

In this engaging discussion, Aaron Reilly, an expert at the International Mountain Medicine Center, presents insights alongside Susanne J. Spano, who focuses on wound irrigation techniques, and Cindy C. Bitter, a specialist in burn injuries. They delve into innovative improvised medical practices in wilderness settings, the new avalanche resuscitation guidelines, and personal anecdotes about rock climbing injuries. The conversation also highlights the importance of training programs like the Nepal Diploma in Mountain Medicine and their impact on enhancing emergency response skills.

Brent C. Ruby, a physiology expert, discusses hydration strategies crucial for thermal regulation during extreme heat. Wolfgang Lederer addresses pediatric emergencies in alpine rescues, highlighting the unique challenges faced by helicopter EMS teams. Steve Roy emphasizes the importance of wilderness medicine education, particularly for medical residents, while Emmanuel Cauchy reveals innovative tools like the mountain telemedicine kit. The conversation also touches on altitude acclimatization techniques and empowering women in wilderness medicine, making for a riveting exploration of critical medical practices in challenging environments.

Linda Keyes, an expert on outdoor activity during pregnancy, discusses the risks faced by women at high altitudes, sharing survey insights that highlight the need for more comprehensive studies. Justin Sempsrott, a drowning prevention specialist, talks about evolving CPR techniques tailored for drowning victims and emphasizes the importance of public awareness. Darryl Macias, who reviewed Linda's findings, adds depth to the conversation on safe practices in challenging environments. Additionally, intriguing case reports, including incidents involving cognitive dysfunction from high altitude and alligator turtle bites, provide gripping real-world examples.

Join guest Patrick Bagley, a third-year medical student and co-author on a groundbreaking summit success study for Denali, as he discusses the predictive power of the six-minute walk test. James Pattarini shares insights into medical clinic utilization at Antarctic stations, revealing unique operational challenges. Chris Davis explores innovative frostbite management techniques for extreme conditions, while Sam Oliver introduces portable treatments for near-hypothermic casualties. This engaging conversation highlights crucial developments in wilderness medicine.