Whether from Sticks or stakes, branches or rebar, impalements can be a backcountry problem to contend with. In the field of wilderness medicine, there are specific protocols pertaining to impalements and how to manage them in a remote setting. These guidelines are attributed to the assessment and location of the impalement injury. Core  impalement. Impalements to the head, face, trunk and other core...

If you are a governing Agency, or someone who is planning on venturing out on a river trip with your family or friends, have you asked the question: How much professional training do river guides have?  Seems like a logical question for someone who is embarking on a trip with family or friends. After all,...

Weather and water can be unpredictable, and often paddlers are caught off-guard by an unexpected storm or an unplanned swim.  With cold related problems, good prevention is key, and understanding how to manage hypothermia is an important skill for guides and paddlers alike. Different texts define the stages of hypothermia in slightly different ways, the...

Splints: The good the bad and the ugly Building a good splint takes time and thought. In our wilderness first aid courses  some students do lots of both and still the end result leaves something to be desired. This post discusses improvised splints and gives some tips to building your own. Over the last 6 years teaching...

Course Date - 2/25-3/7 Course Location - Peach Springs, AZ Group - Hualapai River Runners and Grand Canyon West We had another great training with Hualapai River Runners and Grand Canyon West.  This year we had a mix of pontoon boat operators, boatman that do the Diamond Creek to Pierce Ferry run as well as photographers,...