Mik Dalpes is an avalanche forecaster for the Chugach National Forest in Alaska. Her previous roles included teaching at the Alaska Avalanche School and Outward Bound, ski patrolling at Alyeska, and being a Ranger at Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks. Mik’s story in this conversation comes from a patrol on Denali, where she foundContinue reading "Mik Dalpes: Leadership & Vulnerability"

In this episode of the Triple Point Training Podcast, Erin Phillips, a helicopter pilot for the Alaska Air National Guard, shares insights from his extensive experience in wilderness risk management and rescue missions. Phillips discusses operational risk mitigation, effective mission planning, and the importance of preparation and training for handling unforeseen conditions in outdoor activities. He emphasizes the value of team input, stress management, and the use of essential equipment such as two-way communication devices and medical kits. Phillips also provides guidance on how recreational adventurers can adapt professional risk management practices to their own outings.

Dive into the complexities of risk, especially in outdoor adventures, where balancing potential dangers and rewards is key. Discover the value of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than focusing on perfection. Unpack the differences between risk and uncertainty, using clever analogies to illustrate decision-making. Explore the concept of risk savvy versus risk averse, emphasizing intuition in assessments. Lastly, learn about innovative techniques to help enhance intuitive decision-making while fostering a culture of accountability.

Joe Stock, an IFMGA-licensed mountain guide from Anchorage, Alaska, authored "The Avalanche Factor," which won the 2024 National Outdoor Book Award. The book is praised for its innovative approach to avalanche education, urging readers to consider terrain over technical details. Stock also discusses risk management and lifelong mountain activity.

In 2013, I met Jim Harris during a biking and packrafting trip to Mexico. A year later, he faced paralysis from a kiting accident. Jim's recovery journey highlights the importance of self-agency and wilderness skills, which aided him in relearning to walk and navigate life after injury.

Experienced paddlers Sarah, Jack, Rod, and Heidi recount their challenging expedition on the Rio La Venta in Mexico, facing high water levels, sieves, rocky passages, venomous snakes, and limited communication. They discuss the importance of group dynamics, communication, and decision-making in outdoor adventures, emphasizing the lessons learned from close calls and the significance of data collection on near-miss incidents for safety training.

Charlie Walbridge, a whitewater safety expert, discusses the importance of safety in paddling, sharing near-miss stories and emphasizing the need for continuous learning and preparation. He explores the evolution of safety practices in whitewater paddling and the significance of accurately reporting incidents. The podcast also highlights the importance of reporting near misses in pack rafting safety and reflects on the joy of river safety preparation and community interactions.

Deb Ajango, a wilderness medicine and risk management educator, discusses the brain's response in emergencies, the importance of realistic training, managing risks with checklists, and the impact of amygdala size on stress responses in this insightful podcast.

World-class mountain athlete Will Gadd discusses risk engagement and decision-making in the outdoors, highlighting efforts to quantify dangers in mountain sports. He shares insights on managing fear, navigating risks, and the importance of reflective debriefing in high-consequence environments.

Daryl Miller has been a risk management role model of mine since I first heard some of his safety messaging based on 18 years as a Ranger and Chief Ranger with the Denali National Park. I visited Daryl at his house a few years ago and was so enthralled by his stories that I interrupted the conversation to ask if I could start a recorder. Daryl's path took him from Vietnam to the rodeo to a career as a Denali Ranger, where he initiated significant changes to the Ranger training and risk management strategies. Daryl was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000. I was interested to hear how Daryl managed the transition from a lifetime of rescuing others to being "just Daryl." Daryl was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000. I was interested to hear how Daryl managed the transition from a lifetime of rescuing others to being "just Daryl."