Wilderness EMS

This column covers the systematic and preplanned delivery of wilderness medicine by formal health care clinicians and by SAR personnel operating on wilderness response teams.

Column Editor: Seth C. Hawkins, MD, MFAWM


Spinal Cord Protection

Seth C. Hawkins, MD, MFAWM, DiMM
December 12, 2025

Spinal care is evolving. Decades of routine immobilization lack evidence and may cause harm. New research and WMS guidance shift the focus to spinal cord protection, selective movement strategies, and prioritizing perfusion over rigid collars.


Skin Color in Wilderness Medicine

Justin “Padj” Padgett, M.S., Paramedic, WEMTSeth Collings Hawkins
May 15, 2025

Let’s move beyond a narrow understanding of skin color signs to be more holistic in our approach and use science and an understanding of human diversity as our guide.


Black as a Triage Category

Seth C. Hawkins, MD, MFAWM, DiMM
March 23, 2024

One can easily see how triage color categories, despite being commonplace in medicine, could be misunderstood in common dialogue


The Definition of Wilderness Medicine & Wilderness EMS

Seth C. Hawkins, MD, NREMTTyler Prince, MD
March 31, 2022

Explore the consensus definitions of wilderness medicine and wilderness EMS.


Wilderness Survival for Search & Rescue

Frank Zuccala, RN, WEMT, FAWM
November 10, 2021

Part II: Survival Fundamentals


Wilderness Survival for Search & Rescue

Frank Zuccala, RN, WEMT, FAWM
August 6, 2021

Part I: Survival Mentality


Ultrasound Applications

W Tyler Prince, MD, NRPSeth Collings Hawkins
June 24, 2021

Part II: Critical Situations


Ultrasound Applications


February 26, 2021

Images with Valuable Information for Better Diagnosis


Wilderness EMS

W. Tyler Prince, M4, NR–PSeth C. Hawkins, MD, MFAWM
July 10, 2019

Where Street Medicine Meets the Road Less Traveled


Hospital vs. Wilderness

Stephen Hobson, MSIV, FAWM, DiMMAbigail Wehner, MSIV
October 27, 2018

Outdoor Alternatives to Hospital Precautions