Plan & Prepare
What is Wilderness Medicine?
Wilderness medicine is a specialized field that deals with the medical issues that can arise during outdoor activities in remote or inhospitable environments. It has a long and interesting history closely connected to the evolution of outdoor recreation and emergency medical care. A Brief History of Wilderness Medicine One of the pioneers of wilderness medicine…
Read MoreHow to keep kids safe in this heat
Dr. Grant Lipman talks about keeping kids protected from the heat in a feature with Washington Post
Read MoreHow to Cool Down When It’s Really Hot Outside
Stay cool in our latest feature with Dr. Grant Lipman in Time Magazine.
Read MoreStay safe during your next outdoor winter adventure
For those who are willing to brave the ice and snow, winter weather opens up a whole new world. Whether you are hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, skating, or hunting, an outdoor winter adventure can unlock incredible beauty, freedom, and fun. Before you strap on your boots, it’s important to remember that winter weather comes…
Read MoreHow to build a first aid kit
“What do I put in my first aid kit?” This is the single most common question I get asked about wilderness medicine. September is National Preparedness Month, and recent flash floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and destructive forest fires have all shown us the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. This is super important…
Read MoreHow dangerous are snakebites and how do I avoid them?
Is there any sound in nature that strikes more fear in your primeval brain than the dry clacking rattle of a rattlesnake? This sound triggers a rush of adrenaline and evokes a body and mind struggle between my reactionary desire to run versus my academic brain that calmly instructs me to stop, look, and see…
Read MoreMyths, tips, and tricks for heat illness
My first experience with the power of heat illness was in the “Flaming Mountains” of the Gobi Desert. It is the second-lowest elevation on earth, second only to Death Valley. While I was there, I provided medical care for an ultramarathon and acted as the “camel” who carried water for distressed runners. I traversed the…
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