Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

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 exceptions, scorpions can't do much harm to humans.  Listen as Dr. Matt Gunderson tells us more about these fascinating creatures of the night. 

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?  Listen as Dr. Natalie Koons discusses regional algae blooms and their impact on human health and how to treat  the symptoms. 

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 is spreading. Listen and learn about these two tick borne diseases that are becoming more prevalent. 

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 meters) Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere. 

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, Dr. Paul Schmutz, gives us the latest data on the best solution for the knocked out tooth. 

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 to complete one?  Listen as ultramarathoner Magnus Tveit inspires us.

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 bindings are supposed to help. Do we 'kneed' them?  This update podcast looks at common ski injures to the knees and how to help prevent them. 

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 problem.  How do we evaluate and manage pain in the wilderness?  The answers will surprise you.  

Have you ever thought about taking someone with a disability into the wilderness?  What are the unique challenges that you should consider?  In this podcast Dr. Joey Fyans discusses why it is important to get people with cognitive and physical disabilities into the wilderness setting and how to do it.

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 take this to an extreme so that disordered eating becomes a problem. Lighter weight means less calories for performance.  This podcast introduces the topic.