Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

Rabies remains one of the deadliest infections known to medicine, yet it is almost entirely preventable with prompt treatment. In this episode, Alastair Milne from the medical school in the University of Nicosia in Cyprus, explores how the virus is transmitted, and describes a practical scenario to understand how fatalities from this disease can be avoided.

Cuts and lacerations are among the most common injuries encountered in the backcountry, but in wilderness medicine the greatest threat often isn’t the wound itself—it’s infection. In this episode of the AWLS Wilderness Medicine Podcast, we explore why nearly every wilderness wound should be considered contaminated and why thorough irrigation and cleaning are often far more important than closing the skin. Through real-world wilderness cases, listeners will learn when wounds should be left open, why premature suturing can trap bacteria and lead to serious infections, and how proper wound care can make the difference between an uncomplicated recovery and a medical evacuation. Whether you’re a backpacker, climber, guide, first responder, or wilderness medicine provider, this episode offers practical, evidence-based principles for managing wounds safely when definitive medical care may be hours or days away.

Join mountain medicine expert Dr. Sebastián Donato for a fascinating discussion on the realities of altitude illness on Aconcagua, the highest mountain in Western and Southern Hemispheres.  Drawing from recent rescue operations and real patient cases, Dr. Donato explores the recognition, prevention, and treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Through dramatic stories of climbers who required emergency evacuations, listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by rescuers and medical teams operating in one of the world’s most demanding high-altitude environments. Recent data from Aconcagua show that altitude illness accounts for the majority of mountain evacuations, with HAPE being the single most common reason climbers require rescue. 

This podcast is ideal for climbers, wilderness medicine practitioners, guides, and anyone interested in the medical and human challenges of high-altitude mountaineering.

In Part 2 of this fascinating podcast series, Dr. Matt Gunderson explores more about Hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly infectious disease carried primarily by rodents.  Dr. Gunderson also breaks down the biology of Hantavirus, This episode provides more details and cases of one of the world’s most intriguing zoonotic diseases. 

Canyoning combines hiking, climbing, rappelling, swimming, and navigating through narrow canyons carved by water, creating one of the most exciting adventure sports in the outdoors. However, the same features that make canyoning thrilling also create significant risks. Participants may face foot entrapment in fast-moving water, where a trapped foot can lead to drowning. Rope-related incidents, including improper rigging, equipment failure, and rappelling errors, can result in serious injury or death. Powerful waterfalls and recirculating pools, often called “hydraulics” or “keepers,” can trap swimmers underwater. Cold water exposure and prolonged immersion can lead to hypothermia, even in warm weather. Wet suits are essential, but have hidden dangers.  Flash floods, falling rocks, slippery surfaces, exhaustion, and limited access to emergency rescue further increase the danger. 

In this fascinating episode, Dr. Benny Chen explores the unique hazards of canyoning and the essential skills, preparation, and decision-making required to safely enjoy this challenging sport.

In Part 1 of this fascinating podcast series, Dr. Matt Gunderson explores the origins and characteristics of Hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly infectious disease carried primarily by rodents. Listeners will learn how the virus was first identified, where it is commonly found, and how it spreads to humans. Dr. Gunderson also breaks down the biology of Hantavirus, its symptoms, and the environmental conditions that contribute to outbreaks. This episode provides an engaging introduction to one of the world’s most intriguing zoonotic diseases and lays the foundation for future discussions on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock shares a compelling real-world wilderness medicine experience involving two runners found on a remote trail, each suffering from different medical emergencies. Through the lens of AWLS (Advanced Wilderness Life Support) protocols, Dr. Vidlock explains how returning to the fundamentals of patient assessment, observation, history-taking, and clinical reasoning allowed her to quickly recognize the underlying problems and begin effective treatment in the field. This practical discussion highlights the importance of mastering basic wilderness medicine principles when advanced tools and diagnostics are unavailable.

In this episode, Matthew McKinnon takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked but potentially fatal condition known as suspension trauma. Commonly associated with climbing, rope access work, and wilderness rescue, suspension trauma can develop rapidly when a person is left hanging motionless in a harness. Matthew breaks down the physiology behind the condition, explaining how restricted blood flow can lead to loss of consciousness and even death if not addressed quickly. He also covers the key warning signs to watch for in the field, practical strategies for prevention—including proper harness use and movement—and step-by-step guidance on safe and effective treatment. Whether you’re a climber, rescuer, outdoor professional, or backcountry enthusiast, this episode provides essential knowledge that could save a life.

In this episode, Dr.Kathy Vdilock explores the emerging role of peptides in wilderness and remote medicine, where limited resources demand creative and effective solutions. From secretagogues that stimulate natural hormone release to angiogenic and tissue-healing peptides that may accelerate recovery from injury, we unpack how these compounds are being discussed and used at the edge of traditional care. We also examine practical considerations—storage, stability, dosing challenges, and safety—alongside the ethical and regulatory questions that come with bringing advanced therapeutics into austere environments. Whether you’re a wilderness medicine provider or simply curious about the future of backcountry care, this conversation sheds light on a rapidly evolving frontier.

This episode explores the alarming rise in avalanche-related deaths across the Alps this year. We break down what’s driving this deadly trend—from unstable snowpack layers and rapid temperature swings to human decision-making in high-risk terrain. Drawing on insights from avalanche science and recent incidents, this episode unpacks how avalanches form, why they’ve been more frequent and severe, and what skiers, climbers, and mountaineers can do to reduce their risk. Whether you’re an experienced backcountry traveler or simply curious about mountain safety, this episode offers critical knowledge that could save lives.