Claim OwnershipAdvanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)
Subscribed: 78Played: 3,545
Subscribe
© 2025 Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)
Description
This is wilderness medicine education from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the Univeristy of Utah. It is designed for use in the Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) program, but anyone who goes into the backcountry should study this material. Log onto: www.wildmedu.org for more information.
210 Episodes
Reverse
This is a deep dive with Sarah Hall into the world of wildland fire medical support—where emergency medicine meets the world wildland firefighting. This podcast explores what it takes to keep firefighters safe on the line, from treating tree strike injuries, heat illnesses, to navigating remote evacuation challenges and limited resources. Listeners will hear how Medics and EMTs prepare and train for this line of work, the specialized gear they carry, and the real-world decision-making t...
This podcast dives deep into the rise of exoskeletons in the backcountry—wearable robotic systems designed to help hikers, rescue teams, and explorers move farther, faster, and safer in rugged terrain. Exoskeletons can transform wilderness travel by reducing fatigue, protecting joints, and opening the outdoors to those once limited by injury, age, or physical strain. But with innovation comes controversy. Does using exoskeletons in nature challenge the spirit of self-reliance that defin...
Every year, thousands of hikers, trekkers, and adventure travelers return from their journeys with more than just memories — sometimes, they bring home unwanted hitchhikers: parasitic worms. In this eye-opening episode, we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes unsettling) world of travel-related worm infections. From hookworms that burrow through bare feet on tropical beaches to tapeworms hiding in undercooked meals, we uncover where these parasites live, how they infect humans, and what sy...
Ever wonder what wonders exist beneath your hiking boots? In this episode, we trade panoramic mountain views for the hidden landscapes of moss, soil, and leaf litter. Land snorkeling is a quiet, curious way to explore the outdoors — no fins, no water, just your eyes, patience, and a sense of wonder. From tiny insects navigating a single blade of grass to the dazzling architecture of lichen forests, land snorkeling reveals a universe at ground level. We’ll talk about how the practice began, an...
Hosted by Dr. Kathy Vidlock, Under Pressure explores the moments when the human body and the wild collide. From fractures deep in the backcountry to life-threatening compartment syndromes far from help, Dr. Vidlock breaks down real cases, the science behind the swelling, and what every rescuer or adventurer should know when seconds—and pressure—matter most.
Where there’s fire, there’s risk—and where there’s risk, there’s medicine. This podcast tells the untold stories of those who bring medical expertise to the edge of the wilderness fireline. Firefighter Luke Werner, from the US Forest service, talks about the many hazards, how risk is mitigated, and what happens when things go wrong.
Imagine pushing up a mountain trail or gliding across fresh snow, only to feel your chest tighten and your breath slip away. This episode by Jenson Rawlings explores exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in the outdoors, including why cold air, altitude, and intense effort can trigger narrowed airways, and how adventurers can recognize the signs. We’ll unpack the science, talk through field-tested management strategies. Whether you’re training for an ultramarathon or simply love th...
In this podcast, we look into a condition that’s often hidden, yet can have life-changing—and even life-threatening—effects: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or HOCM. This genetic heart disease causes the walls of the heart, especially the septum, to thicken abnormally, making it harder for blood to flow and putting patients at risk for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and even sudden cardiac arrest. We explore what causes HOCM, the warning signs you should never ignore, que...
Mountain biking is full of thrills—and spills. In this episode, we dive into the latest innovations in helmet protection that are changing the way riders stay safe on the trail. From advanced impact-absorbing materials to rotational force reduction systems like MIPS and beyond, we’ll explore how cutting-edge technology is helping protect brains from serious injury. Whether you’re a weekend rider or a downhill racer, this conversation will give you the knowledge you need to ride with more conf...
This episode explores how walking through natural environments can restore and sharpen our attention span. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, we’ll discuss why time in green spaces helps the brain recover from fatigue, improves focus, and enhances problem-solving skills. Listeners will gain insight into the science behind “attention restoration” and practical ways to use nature walks to boost concentration in daily life.
In this episode, student Clay Hicke shares his personal journey of living with type 1 diabetes while pursuing his passion for the outdoors. Clay opens up about the challenges he has faced in managing his condition, from daily struggles to wilderness adventures, and how those trials shaped his resilience. Through honesty and insight, he reveals the strategies, mindset, and support that helped him not just cope with diabetes, but thrive with it. This inspiring conversation is a testament to per...
In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores the hidden dangers of concussions in outdoor adventures and sports. Listeners will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of head injuries, understand best practices for immediate treatment, and discover strategies for prevention. Dr. Vidlock also dives into the long-term consequences of repeated head trauma, including Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES), highlighting what current science reveals...
Join Dr. Kathy Vidlock as she takes you deep inside the human body to explore the remarkable—and sometimes perilous—physiology of endurance sports. From ultra-marathons to long-distance triathlons, discover how the heart, lungs, muscles, and metabolism adapt under extreme stress, and what happens when the limits are pushed too far. Through real-world athlete stories and cutting-edge science, Dr. Vidlock unpacks the physical feats, hidden dangers, and recovery strategies that define performanc...
In this episode, we explore the serious threat snakebites pose to dogs and what every owner should know to keep their canine companion safe. We’ll cover effective avoidance techniques to reduce the risk of encounters, how to spot the early signs your dog has been bitten, and the latest on a potentially effective snakebite vaccine. You’ll also learn essential first-aid and treatment steps that can make a life-saving difference. Whether you hike, camp, or live in snake-prone areas, this episode...
This podcast that inspires kids to trade screen time for green time—one book at a time. Each episode highlights engaging, adventure-filled books that spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage outdoor exploration. Whether it’s tales of forest hikes, backyard discoveries, or wilderness quests, we help parents, teachers, and young readers find stories that motivate real-world adventures. Let’s read, unplug, and reconnect with the wild.
In this episode, we look into the unsettling truth behind some of the most breathtaking wilderness lakes. Though they may appear crystal clear and untouched, many are harboring dangerous intestinal bacteria like E. coli and Entercocci. We explore how these pathogens end up in seemingly pristine waters, the risks they pose to hikers, and what can be done to detect, prevent, and treat waterborne illness. This episode sheds light on the hidden microbiological dangers lurking beneath the su...
In “Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome,” we follow the personal journey of Sailor Brukard as she tnavigats the challenges of alpha-gal syndrome — a serious allergic condition triggered by a tick bite that causes a reaction to mammalian meat and products. From the shock of diagnosis to the daily realities of label-reading, restaurant stress, and lifestyle changes, this podcast explores how one life was turned upside down by an unexpected bite. Through honest conversations, exp...
You’re deep in the backcountry, on a multi-day backpacking trip, when the air thickens, the sky darkens, and smoke suddenly fills the air. What started as a peaceful trek has turned into a race against time. In “Smoke on the Trail,” we listen to Dar Kreimer tell her harrowing story of being forced to evacuate as a wildfire rapidly approached. We’ll explore how quickly conditions can change, the signs to watch for, and what you need to know and how to prepare and stay safe whe...
In this episode, Ajeyo De explores the evolving field of wilderness medicine and its critical role in addressing the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations around the world. He creates a framework for delivering equitable care in environments where traditional systems fall short. Join us as we examine how wilderness medicine isn’t just for adventurers—it’s a global necessity and there's an importance in recognizing the global differences that can affect one's approach to medicin...
Recent headlines report that British climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest in record time after using xenon gas as part of their pre-acclimatization strategy. But what is xenon, and does it truly enhance performance at altitude? We dive into the science behind this noble gas, its effects on the body, and whether it could be a game-changer—or just hype—for mountaineers pushing the limits in thin air. Doping with xenon is likely not the answer.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States