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...

The figure of eight on a bight is one of the most commonly used knots in swiftwater rescue. It is often used with throw bags for live bait,  tethered boats, and tag lines. The figure of 8 on a bight is relatively strong, secure when dressed, easy to tell when its tied properly, and easy...

Swiftwater rescue  not only crosses international  borders, but language barriers too. I was fortunate enough to spend a few days last week working with 4 fire fighters  Thailand. These 4 gentlemen are here in the states training with Thai Fire training director Chatchay Thaikla. The group has several stops on their trans-continental sight-seeing training trip...

Heat Wave!!! Fortunately we were in the water for much of the Kayak specific river rescue certification this weekend at Mother Lode River Center on The South Fork of the American River. Temps on saturday were upwards of 100 degrees F. But that didn't slow us down too much. I had a group of private...

Julie and I just finished up a great 3-day training with O.A.R.S last week in Coloma, CA.  Sure seems like summer is here a little early this season, but that means hot weather and refreshing water.  I got to train with 6 guides from O.A.R.S  as well as the river rangers from BLM and El...