Tech
A column dedicated to gear- both classic and cutting edge- used in the practice of wilderness medicine. Reviews range from software to hardware and everything in between.
Column Editor: Mary Rosegrant, DO
Dr. Michael Klopper DHS, NRP, FAWM, WP-C June 15, 2026
Artificial intelligence is changing wilderness search and rescue by helping teams detect subtle clues in large image datasets. This article explores how AI can augment human search efforts, improve efficiency, and potentially reduce morbidity.
Ashley Hedges, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP May 20, 2026
E-Bikes: Fully Charged with Benefits and Drawbacks explores the growing use of e-bikes, including their health benefits, safety risks, injury trends, battery concerns, and evolving regulations affecting riders and rescuers alike.
Michael Klopper NRP, FAWM, WP-C February 11, 2026
In wilderness medicine, weather is a vital sign-not background noise. This article explains why common weather apps fail in mountains, how to interpret forecasts like diagnostic tests, and which tools best support safe clinical and rescue decisions.
Scott Stephens DO, PD, FACOP, SFHM December 9, 2025
Satellite communication technology can now provide a critical resource for remote medical providers and should only improve as companies continue to add satellites to their fleets.
Mary Rosegrant, DO September 29, 2025
Exploring the role of pressurized chambers in altitude and dive medicine — what they are, when to use them, and how they work.
Mary Rosegrant, DO August 26, 2025
In Part II, we review avalanche airbags, air diverters/air pocket devices, and the newest player on the market, the Safeback SBX system.
Mary Rosegrant, DO March 30, 2025
Transceivers and signal-searching tech like RECCO reflectors have significantly reduced avalanche rescue times.
Eric D. Harleman, PA-C February 24, 2025
After becoming stranded on the mountainside, one of the skiers transmitted an SOS signal from his Apple Watch, alerting authorities to their distress and whereabouts.
Tim Durkin, DO December 20, 2024
Airborne cell phone detector
Amber Beserra, PA-C, FAWM candidate September 25, 2024
This article explores key tools for global health missions from portable diagnostics like handheld ultrasounds to essentials for field comfort like water filters and headlamps highlighting how smart gear can amplify impact in austere settings.
Mark Lopshire, MA, M.Ed July 29, 2024
It is important to have the capability to communicate amongst your team and externally during emergencies
Mary Rosegrant, DO May 9, 2024
Artificial intelligence in healthcare has had significant hype over the last several months
Mary Rosegrant, DO January 26, 2024
Will medical grade tech have influence on the industry?
Mary Rosegrant, DO February 20, 2023
The launching of Apple Emergency SOS satellite connectivity to aid the rescue of its users
Alex SchinHalla Bates September 21, 2021
Drone Use in Search and Rescue Scenarios
J. Pearce Beissinger, M.S., PA-C, FAPACVS, DiMM, FAWM, AMGA-SPI May 1, 2021
Protecting the greatest piece of tech -- the human brain
J. Pearce Beissinger, MS, PA-C, FAWM, DiMM, AMGA-SPI December 12, 2020
Point-of-Care Ultrasounds When and Where You Need Them
J. Pearce Beissinger, MS, PA-C, FAWM, DiMM, AMGA-SPI October 1, 2020
Backcountry Temperature Management: Old & New Tech
Jason Williams BS, NRP, DiMMSeth C. Hawkins MD, MFAWM September 24, 2020
Managing a Spinal Cord Injury
J. Pearce Beissinger, MS, PA-C, FAWM, DiMM, AMGA-SPI June 11, 2020
Wilderness medicine application for new technology
Gabe Webster, Paramedic, FP-C, FAWM, DiMM, AMGA-SPIJ. Pearce Beissinger, MS, PA-C, FAWM, DiMM, AMGA-SPI September 5, 2019