Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

What is known to be a very rare infection is also a fatal one.  Naegleria Fowleri is a microscopically small amoeba that enters the brain only though the nose.   Listen and know about a rare danger i…

What was the last bar you grabbed as you went on your last hike or adventure?  Why did you chose that one?  Not all bars are created equal and chosing the right bar can power you through to the end. …

We put sunscreen on when we go in out in the sun. Do they help?   We use old bottles that are on the shelves, is that safe?.  There are a bunch of chemicals in them, but we don't know what they do.  …

When the seasons change, our minds and hearts turn to a different outdoor activity.  Are you ready?  This podcast looks at the little but very important things that will keep us safe and healthy in t…

Should you use caffeine to enhance your hike or your big climb?  Listen as Dr. Kary Woodruff discusses the science of the effects of caffeine on performance and provides us with practical tips on how…

Their sting is worse than their bark. The Arizona Bark scorpion is one of the only scorpion species with venom potent enough to cause severe symptoms. Listen to part 2 of this series on scorpions as …

They have really scary looking tails and frightening claws. And sure being stung by a scorpion isn't exactly fun. But the truth is, with few exceptions, scorpions can't do much harm to humans.  Liste…

We love to go into the ocean, but a new danger lurks there.  It is called “red tide." What is this and how does it impact human health?  Listen as Dr. Natalie Koons discusses regional algae blooms an…

We are always on the lookout for diseases that ticks spread-but a new one called the Heartland Virus is emerging and it dangerous companion Babesiosis is spreading. Listen and learn about these two t…

Listen to this podcast for an eye-opening journey with John Bingham and a team of climbers on their perilous journey to the top of 23,000 foot (6,900 meters) Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the we…

Yikes! A tooth has been knocked out.  Once you find it, what liquid should you put it in while you go to the dentist?  Listen as wilderness dentist, Dr. Paul Schmutz, gives us the latest data on the …

What does it take to run one of these incredibly long and difficult ultramarathons?  What do you eat? What shoes do you wear? And what does it take to complete one?  Listen as ultramarathoner Magnus …

Ankles and legs are protected with well oiled ski bindings. But the knees sure have taken a hit since bindings came out.  New quick release heel bindings are supposed to help. Do we 'kneed' them?  Th…

We all know what 'Ouch" means - something hurts.  Pain at home may be a big nuisance.  But pain in the backcountry is always a bigger problem.  How do we evaluate and manage pain in the wilderness?  …

Have you ever thought about taking someone with a disability into the wilderness?  What are the unique challenges that you should consider?  In this podcast Dr. Joey Fyans discusses why it is importa…

How low do you go?  Climbing is called an ‘antigravitational’ sport.  So, the lighter the weight, the easier it is to climb.  But some climbers take this to an extreme so that disordered eating becom…

For years we have all used RICE therapy for treatment of athletic injuries. But now MEAT is becoming the preferred therapy.  What do we do in the wilderness for these types of injuries?  This update …

How good is chocolate milk for recovery? Is there a 'metabolic window'?  When should outdoor enthusiasts drink that incredibly desirable recovery drink?  Listen as we answer these important questions…

Your wilderness experience begins with travel.   Listen as Dr. Natalie Bronthius gives fascinating tips on how to stay safe as we travel, especially for solo travelers.  She covers common social medi…

Brian Squire started climbing when he was 'born.'  He won his first of two bouldering national championships at age 15.  What does it take to climb to the top. Listen as Brain tells his incredible  s…