What is Wilderness Medicine?
GOES Health Team
Wilderness medicine is the knowledge and care of people in resource-limited environments, where access to medical resources are limited or non-existent. While humans have been living in the outdoors since our beginning, wilderness medicine evolved from the intersection of outdoor recreation and emergency medical care.
A Brief History of Wilderness Medicine
One of the pioneers of wilderness medicine was Dr. Paul Auerbach, a physician and researcher who was instrumental in advancing the field over the past several decades. Auerbach was a leading expert on wilderness medicine and wrote extensively on the subject, including several influential textbooks and articles. He also played a key role in developing training programs, including the Stanford Wilderness Medicine Fellowship, which is widely considered the first of its kind.
Founded in the 2000’s, the Stanford Wilderness Medicine Fellowship has played a crucial role in the development of wilderness medicine as a recognized field of study. The program, which is based at Stanford University School of Medicine, offers advanced training to medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals.
The program has since been expanded to other medical schools, including the University of Colorado and the University of Utah, and has helped to train a new generation of wilderness medicine specialists who are equipped to handle the unique challenges of providing medical care in remote and challenging environments.
What Does It Do?
Wilderness medicine takes into account the environmental context and circumstances of being under-resourced when you’re outdoors. By having a deeper understanding of the medical issues that can arise during outdoor activities, you can be better prepared to handle emergencies and injuries that may occur in the wilderness. This may include improvised tools and unconventional methods. Having wilderness medicine awareness can also help you appreciate the risks and hazards associated with outdoor activities. With proper knowledge and preparation, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
In addition, the study of wilderness medicine can help outdoor enthusiasts develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and to connect with nature in a more meaningful way. Whether learning about the unique plant and animal life of different regions or understanding the impacts of environmental factors on human health, wilderness medicine can empower you to have more meaningful and enjoyable experiences in the outdoors.
Outdoor Medicine & Technology
Today, many leaders in the field are exploring ways to get their specialized tools and knowledge to as many people as possible. Technology plays a big role in this effort, and portable/wearable health devices are more powerful and accessible than ever before.
Understanding the limited resources available in the backcountry, GOES is the ultimate realization of wilderness medicine technology, packing decades of research and experience into an intuitive smartphone app. Serving as the pocket guide to outdoor safety, GOES has the wilderness medicine resources and best practices that can go with you on any adventure, no matter how remote.
At its core, wilderness medicine is about equipping people to have safer and enjoyable adventures. It may have begun in the backcountry, but it’s since expanded to equip first-timers, families, and experienced adventurers alike.
So go ahead, be wild. We’ve got you.
