Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)
Episodes
Danger in the Water: Cyanobacteria - Blue Green Algae
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most people who go outdoors have heard of this. Most people don't know much about it. It can change the color of the water, making it easy to...
Leg Cramps - The Debilitating Mysterious Leg pain
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They happen to almost everyone. You are hiking on a beautiful trail, maybe up a steep hill, all is going well. Then all of a sudden, it hits. A mu...
Electrifying Insights: An Update on Lightning
01 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More people are being injured by lightning as they go outside to places and at times where lighting is present. This podcast will spark your curio...
Drowning - An Important Update
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deaths from drowning incidents are increasing for the first time in 20 years. What is drowning? What causes injury, how do you treat someone? ...
Zika Virus - the Silent Disease that Causes Birth Defects
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was first isolated in the forests of Africa but now Zika Virus is found in many places of the world. This disease does not cause serious symptoms...
Cryptosporidium - the Ruiner of Your Backcountry Trip
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most people call it Crypto, and most people will have only mild diarrhea. But don't be mistaken, not only can it ruin a trip, it is very contag...
Giardia and its Foul Smelling Disease
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is estimated that more than 280 million human infections each year are found just in Africa, Asia, and America. In Mexico, the seroprevalence is ...
Wilderness As Medicine
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have longed talked about wilderness medicine, that is treating people in the outdoors. But what about using the wilderness AS medicine to treat peo...
Overcoming MS
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One year before recording this podcast, Matt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Instead of canceling his goals, he elevated them with the plan to ...
What Ticks Put in Us
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most people know that ticks can cause disease. And most people have heard of Lyme disease. But there are many more and some are deadly. Listen ...
STARI or LYME
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You notice a red circular rash on your skin where a tick had bitten you. It must be Lyme disease - right? Think again! While the causative ...
Doggie Giardia
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Its fantastic to take your dog outdoors into the wild. But you watch as they swallow water you would not drink. They sniff and eat things you would ...
The PFD and Me
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
People know to where a personal flotation device (PFD) when in and around water. But how can a tiny thing support me? What types of PFD's ...
Case Study: A Tree and a Broken Leg
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Broken legs are common skiing injuries. But this one was a race against the cold and pain. Life lessons learned come from hindsight. Let'...
The Goose's Foot and Other Knee Problems
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So many things can cause pain in the knee when we are outside recreating. Trail runners and backpackers frequently feel the strain on their knee...
Worms in our Body - Pork
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
These worms go back and forth from humans to pigs and back to humans again. They live in human intestines as tape worms, but can find themselves in ...
On a Slippery Slope - All About Ice Climbing
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Few people do this beautiful sport but most people know about it. When done safely it is not as extreme a sport as once thought. Listen and learn ...
Not On Thin Ice
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ice fishing is one of the most beautiful outdoor sports possible. It has its own unique medical issues that most people don't think about. Li...
Winter Vomiting Disease - Norovirus
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A common name for this disease implies it causes illness in the winter time. It actually is called Norovirus and happens all year round. It poses ...
Nature Deficit Disorder
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While not recognized as a true medical diagnosis, its effects are very real. Many people are not going outside and experiencing nature, and this is ...
Things that Sting Us - Part 3: Murder Hornets
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So they've earned the nickname “the murder hornet,” but really they're known as the Asian giant hornet. Raiding parties of several doz...
The Story of WILS Foundation
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In July of 2021 a family suffered the ultimate tragedy when their dad, Wil Lundberg died while riding his electric skate board. For the first time...
Chilling Wind - The Wind Chill Factor
14 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all know the feeling of being colder when the wind blows across our skin, and we have heard of the charts that measure that effect. Listen and le...
Case Study: 359 Foot Fall in the Tetons
14 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In what is an incredible survival and recovery story, listen as climber Ben Eder recounts his horrific fall in Grand Teton National Park in the Unit...
Things that Sting Us - Part 2: Killer Bees
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Their demeanor has earned them the terrifying nickname of 'killer bees.' Africanized honey bees are dangerous stinging insects that have b...
We need your help.
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The University of Utah School of Medicine provides free resources for students of wilderness medicine. We are developing a program to help keep chil...
Wilderness Medicine in the Alps
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to see Mt. Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe? Well, the Univeristy of Utah teaches wilderness medicine right there in Cha...
Let's Wrap it Up - All About Bandages and Dressings
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just when you thought you knew how to treat a cut or an abrasion! With this, there is definently more than meets the eye. Listen as Dr. Thomas Ca...
Its All About Sitting - The Essentials of Bike Seats
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you are done with a ride your bottom hurts. Normally we don't pay much attention to what we sit on, but with bike seats, it is important. ...
Burning Eyes in the Outdoors
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows to wear dark glasses. But are you wearing the right ones, what are you guarding against, and what are the long term problems of sun h...
In the Snow! Snowboarding
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Born in the USA. This incredible and fun sport has its own history and its own set of injuries. Listen and learn about what was originally two set...
Update: Another New Vaccine for Wilderness Medicine
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two horrible disease are out there when you travel into the wilderness. Now we have vaccines for both. There already is a vaccine for Dengue Fever...
Update: Closing in on Malaria
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It is not the end of malaria by a long shot, but the second vaccine is coming out. If your wilderness travel takes you into malaria country, then ...
Coming to the USA
22 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just when you thought it was safe to go outdoors in the USA! So diseases that were thought to exist only in tropical countries or localized in the USA...
Update: Dengue News
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the temperature of the earth rises, mosquitos are moving to new areas. And with them the diseases they carry. Dengue Fever is now in Europe a...
Quit 2: Test Your Knowledge of Wilderness Medicine
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How well did you do on the last quiz? Again we challenge your knowledge of wilderness medicine.
Danger in the Water: Chilblains-Those Pesky LIttle Sores
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What on earth is that? A tiny stinging sore sits right on top of a joint on a toe. You have been wearing sandals on a warm summer day, hiking in t...
Quiz 1: Test Your Knowledge of Wilderness Medicine
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you know about wilderness medicine? Listen to this podcast quiz and find out!
Danger in the Water: Trench Foot
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It does not take much, even moisture from sweat is enough water to cause this painful and potentially deadly condition. It's seen in river sp...
Saddle Up: Horseback Riding in the Wilderness
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
They can take us to far away and amazing places. But there is a lot to know and understand to be safe when riding horses in the wilderness. Listen...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
it comes from a tic but it is not found so much in the Rocky Mountains. It can be life threatening but is usually easily treated. Listen as pedi...
Things that Sting Us - Part 1: Fire Ants
13 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The fire ant's sting is a serious concern to people and their pets. Venom injected into the skin causes a burning sensation - hence their names. ...
Danger in the Water: Amoeba in the Brain
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is known to be a very rare infection is also a fatal one. Naegleria Fowleri is a microscopically small amoeba that enters the brain only though...
Protein and Energy Bars: Which one is right for you?
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What was the last bar you grabbed as you went on your last hike or adventure? Why did you chose that one? Not all bars are created equal and chosi...
Sunscreens -What you need to know!
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We put sunscreen on when we go in out in the sun. Do they help? We use old bottles that are on the shelves, is that safe?. There are a bunch of c...
Getting Ready
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When the seasons change, our minds and hearts turn to a different outdoor activity. Are you ready? This podcast looks at the little but very impor...
Caffeine or Not to Caffeine, That is the Question
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should you use caffeine to enhance your hike or your big climb? Listen as Dr. Kary Woodruff discusses the science of the effects of caffeine on perf...
Creatures of the Night - Scorpions: Part 2
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Their sting is worse than their bark. The Arizona Bark scorpion is one of the only scorpion species with venom potent enough to cause severe symptoms....
Creatures of the Night - Scorpions: Part 1
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
They have really scary looking tails and frightening claws. And sure being stung by a scorpion isn't exactly fun. But the truth is, with few exce...
Update: Something's Fishy
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We love to go into the ocean, but a new danger lurks there. It is called “red tide." What is this and how does it impact human health? List...
Update: Heartland and its Dangerous Companion Babesiosis
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are always on the lookout for diseases that ticks spread-but a new one called the Heartland Virus is emerging and it dangerous companion Babesiosis...
Adventure: Struggling to the Summit of Aconcagua
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to this podcast for an eye-opening journey with John Bingham and a team of climbers on their perilous journey to the top of 23,000 foot (6,900 ...
Update: Best Solutions for the Knocked Out Tooth
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yikes! A tooth has been knocked out. Once you find it, what liquid should you put it in while you go to the dentist? Listen as wilderness dentist,...
Adventure: The Ultra Runner
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to run one of these incredibly long and difficult ultramarathons? What do you eat? What shoes do you wear? And what does it take t...
Update: 'Kneed' Ski Bindings?
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ankles and legs are protected with well oiled ski bindings. But the knees sure have taken a hit since bindings came out. New quick release heel bind...
Ouch
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all know what 'Ouch" means - something hurts. Pain at home may be a big nuisance. But pain in the backcountry is always a bigger prob...
This Ability not Disability in the Wilderness
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about taking someone with a disability into the wilderness? What are the unique challenges that you should consider? In this...
The Climbers Weight
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How low do you go? Climbing is called an ‘antigravitational’ sport. So, the lighter the weight, the easier it is to climb. But some climbers...
Update: RICE and MEAT
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For years we have all used RICE therapy for treatment of athletic injuries. But now MEAT is becoming the preferred therapy. What do we do in the wil...
Chocolate Milk and the Metabolic Window
12 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How good is chocolate milk for recovery? Is there a 'metabolic window'? When should outdoor enthusiasts drink that incredibly desirable re...
Alone But Never Alone
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your wilderness experience begins with travel. Listen as Dr. Natalie Bronthius gives fascinating tips on how to stay safe as we travel, especially ...
Adventure: Climbing to the Top
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Squire started climbing when he was 'born.' He won his first of two bouldering national championships at age 15. What does it take...
Update: Don't Touch that Bat!
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rabies virus can be found in many wild and domestic animals. Listen as this podcast gives the details of this universally deadly disease.
Adventure: Above the Clouds
10 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An unlikely climber, Carol Masheter, was 61 years old when she summited Mt. Everest. And that was only the beginning. Before she was done, she had...
Adventure: The King of Peaks
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In July of 2022, a group of 12 people climbed Utah's highest mountain, King's Peak in the USA. This hike draws many people to a great heig...
These Things Suck
07 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are a lot of inconveniences and perils in the outdoors. But there are several that literally will suck you in. Listen and find out common w...
Searching for Alpha Gal
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A 57 year old lady had a rash that despite extensive therapy, would not go away. Doctors went searching for the cause and found of all things - suga...
Common Climbing Injuries
02 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most exciting modern sports is also the most ancient of activities - rock climbing. So, what are the most common traumatic and over use i...
Evacuation
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The decision to evacuate is a difficult one at best. But when, how and by what method makes the decision more complex. In this podcast, cases are ...
Adventure: The Epic First Ascent of Mt. Hunter's South Face
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen as Black Diamond Equipment's founder, Peter Metcalf, tells the amazing story of surviving the first alpine style ascent of the south face ...
Update: Frostbite Treatment
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen as Dr. Alex Charmoz details the latest treatments for this terrible cold injury.
Case Study: Rescue from the Bugaboos
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What would you do if a climbing partner was injured deep in a mountain range, stranded in a precarious position, and far from help? How would you ge...
Case Study: My Son Died of Altitude Sickness
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In August 2017, Doug Julian, a healthy 17 year old boy climbed with scouts to 10,500 feet (3,200 m). He died of altitude illness. In this podcast...
Adventure: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
18 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you were about to hike 2,640 miles (4250 km) would you know what to bring, what illness or injuries to expect? Listen to Forest Streeter&apos...
Incident Command in Searching for a Lost Person
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A search and rescue is impossible without supervision to oversee all of the many nuances and problems that arise. Incident Command or IC, is essenti...
Wilderness Medical Kits: Part 1
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Probably the most asked question in wilderness medicine is, "What should I put in a first aid kit." There is no one simple answer to this ...
The Law and Wilderness Medicine
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you protected from helping people who are injured in the backcountry? Well, maybe, it all depends. This podcasts discusses the nuances of law ...
Infectious Disease: Diarrhea
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Diarrhea at home is a terrible nuisance! But in the wilderness, it quickly can become a major medical issue. What are common causes and treatments...
Immunizations Typically Needed for Travel
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our outdoor adventures take us to all parts of the world. Which immunization are needed to keep us safe? How you decide might surprise you.
Dental Issues in the Wilderness
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what to do if a tooth is knocked out on a back country trip? What do you do if a person gets a toothache or a filling falls out...
Case Study: The Creation of a New Kayak Helmet
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Out of of tragedy comes the story of the creation of a new and safer kayak helmet.
Case Study: Passed Out on a Hot Beach
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On a hot June day while floating the Colorado River, a 38 year old lady, with no medical problems, needed help to step off of a river raft. She th...
Nutrition in the Wilderness Part 2
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have your emergency nutritional kit ready to go? Listen as nutrition professor Kary Woodruff answers this and other important questions in th...
Nutrition in the Wilderness Part 1
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about what you should be eating and drinking when you go off into the wilderness? Listen to nutrition professor, Kary Woodruff...
Ultrasound Use in the Wilderness
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ultrasound is essential in hospital medicine, but can it be used in wilderness and austere settings? What are the advantages and what are the challe...
Case Study: Rescue at Lake Blanche
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A cliff, a patient, unknown location and confusing symptoms. This is an instructive story of a recuse high in the Wasatch Mountains, told by Dan Had...
Search Techniques
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do you go about looking for someone who is lost of injured in the backcountry? For example, knowing the last known position of a person is essen...
Lost Person Behavior
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Searching and then rescuing someone starts with knowing how different people of different ages will behave when they get lost. In this podcast Dr....
Case Study: Rescue on Lone Peak
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast tells of an eight hour rescue of a brother and sister who were going to freeze to death were it not for the expertise of the SAR team. ...
Wilderness Safety for SAR Teams
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You have to know how to be safe if you are going to look for someone who is lost and try to rescue them. This podcasts outlines the steps to remain ...
Schistosomiasis
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
All it takes is a snail, a worm and some freshwater to become infected. Once you are, the disease could persist for decades -- and prove fatal. The cu...
Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
These are very important emerging diseases. But before we discuss them, we must first ask where do emerging diseases typically come from? The answ...
Malaria
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Epidemiologists estimate that four to five percent of all human deaths in history are attributable to Malaria. Currently, Malaria is responsible for...
Ticks
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ticks are not insects, although they are often mistaken for them. They require blood for sustenance, but they don’t jump or fly. How long does it ...
Parasites
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Parasites are simply everywhere. While it’s important to have a broad understanding of parasites, one should have specific knowledge about the paras...
Reducing the Risk of Mosquito Exposure
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What repellant can you use on a child? Which repellant do you use to prevent malaria? Globally, there are about 75 quadrillion mosquitos on earth....
Diarrhea in a Returning Traveler
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When we think of a person who has traveled throughout the world, we also need to think of the global causes of diarrhea. This podcast will help you...
Fever in the Returning Traveler
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Of the 50 million people who travel each year into ‘the world,’ up to 11% return with a febrile illness. Many of these will be caused by more exot...
Stream Crossing
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While the actual number is not known, each year many people die in stream crossings while hiking and trekking. Hikers underestimate the risk. So, le...
Clothing for the Backcountry
17 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To understand the use of clothing, it is first essential to understand heat. To some, clothing might seem like an afterthought. But it is the first ...