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Featured Articles

Does Canyon Difficulty Predict Injury?

Matthew McKinnonAudrey Memmott
April 10, 2026

An analysis of canyoneering accidents questions whether canyon difficulty predicts injury severity, highlighting the role of human factors and decision-making in risk.

Applying Austere Medicine in Urban Maine

Taylor A. Klein, DO
March 30, 2026

As definitive care recedes in Maine, austere medicine is no longer confined to remote settings. Taylor A. Klein, DO, examines how longer transports, OB deserts, and shrinking resources are reshaping care in towns and cities.

No Caves to Speak Of

Kenneth V. Iserson, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAAEM, FIFEM
February 6, 2026

A real-world cave rescue reveals why underground medicine is different. From prolonged timelines and pain control to communication and team trust, these lessons highlight what truly matters when caring for patients deep below the surface.

Marathon Injuries

Ahmed Nadeem, DO, MS, MS FAAEM
January 14, 2026

A behind-the-scenes look at medical operations at the Chicago Marathon detailing on-course medical tents, volunteer teams, common injuries, and the coordinated care that keeps 53,000+ runners safely moving from start to finish.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Wilderness

Aaron Billin, MD, MS, DABFM, FAAFP, MFAWM
January 9, 2026

A practical, evidence-based look at CPR in wilderness settings covering scene safety, austere challenges, termination decisions, and when prolonged resuscitation saves lives. Grounded in real cases and modern guidelines.

Trapped in the Rapids: In-Field Amputation and Severe Hypothermia

Dr. Kayla Blickensderfer, MDDr. Sameer Sethi, MD, FAWM, DiMM
November 26, 2025

This article details a harrowing white-water incident where a rafter became trapped in rapids for over 20 hours, requiring high-stakes rescue efforts and an above-knee amputation to save his life.

Starting a Wilderness Medicine Student Elective

Walker Plash MD, FAWMCarver Haines MD, FAWM
October 21, 2025

Ready to launch your own wilderness medicine elective? This step-by-step guide walks you through curriculum design, logistics, approvals, and more - so you can inspire the next generation of wilderness-ready medical professionals.

Using Snake Biology to Understand the Clinical Course of Envenomation

Griffin Bleecker, MD, MS
October 15, 2025

Snakebites are a serious threat. Grouping snakes by traits, not species, helps predict toxins, symptoms, and treatment more efficiently.

The Hiker’s Guide to Wilderness Medicine Tracks

Dr. Kevin WatkinsDr. Geoff Comp
September 16, 2025

Educational tracks in wilderness medicine: benefits, curriculum design, logistics, and key insights (pearls and pitfalls).

Native History in the Shadows

Darla Stupey, DO, MBA, FAAFP
September 4, 2025

Wilderness isn’t empty—it holds the histories and stewardship of Native peoples. Exploring these lands means honoring their stories too.

Ketamine Infusion to Break Status Migrainosus

Tyler Harrell DMSc, PA-C, FAWMAlexandra Chaparro MLS, EMT-B
August 28, 2025

Ketamine has gained attention as an alternative treatment for chronic pain and refractory conditions, including migraines.

Rethinking Crisis Planning

Shana Tarter, WEMT, FAWM
July 7, 2025

Whether you're an outdoor org or a healthcare clinic, sticking to business as usual leads to stress and inefficiency—reacting to disruptions instead of preparing for them.

Emergency Medical Services in the Brazilian Amazon

José Henrique Pereira Pinheiro MD MSc, Carolina Poltronieri Chiaroni MD, Vinicius Ortigosa Nogueira MD MSc, Millena Gomes Pinheiro Costa MD, Magali de Lourdes Caldana PhD & Júlio César Garcia Alencar MD PhD
June 18, 2025

Access to healthcare in northern Brazil is particularly arduous due to the low number of healthcare professionals, low coverage of ambulances, limited technological availability, long distances between health units, and inadequate transportation networks.

Ten Lessons from East Africa

Mark Lopshire, MA, M.Ed, FAWM
April 30, 2025

After serving in East Africa for six weeks as part of a medical non-governmental organization, in a country that is in the middle of a civil war and refugee crisis, there were a number of lessons to be learned.