Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

What happens when you spend days, weeks, or even months walking through some of the most demanding landscapes on earth?

In this first conversation with Titus Humphreys, we explore the remarkable treks that have taken him far beyond the ordinary trail experience. Titus shares what draws him to long-distance journeys, what he has learned about endurance and the human body, and what it is really like to spend extended periods of time far from the comforts—and medical resources—of civilization.

We also explore some of the medical experiences he has encountered along the way. What...

Why does your heart rate keep climbing during a long hike even though you’re walking at the same pace—or even slowing down?

This phenomenon is called cardiovascular drift, and it is an important physiologic response to prolonged exercise. In this podcast, we explore what happens to the heart during a long hike as dehydration, heat, altitude, and fatigue begin to affect the cardiovascular system.

The heart is a pump—but the pump has to fill before it can pump. Understanding venous return will help you become a safer and more knowledgeable wilderness traveler.

Most of us think of tick bites as a risk for Lyme disease. But ticks can transmit a surprising number of other infections—including a rare and potentially deadly virus known as Bourbon virus.

First identified in Bourbon County, Kansas, in the United States in 2014, Bourbon virus is believed to be transmitted by ticks, particularly the lone star tick. It can cause fever, severe fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and abnormalities in the blood—including low white blood cells and low platelets.

In this episode, we’ll explore where Bourbon virus is fou...

At just 16 years old, Brock Holloway set out into the mountains expecting an adventure. Instead, he found himself in a life-threatening battle with two of the most dangerous forms of altitude illness: high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

In this gripping episode, Brock shares his experience of becoming seriously ill at altitude and the frightening progression of symptoms that nearly cost him his life. His story provides a firsthand look at how quickly altitude illness can escalate—and why recognizing the warning signs and acting decisively can make the difference between life and death.

Sunscreen technology is evolving rapidly, offering better protection, improved cosmetic feel, and a growing focus on environmental sustainability. In this episode, we explore the latest advances in sun protection, including next-generation UV filters such as Bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S), innovations in engineered zinc oxide, antioxidant-rich plant extracts, and ingredients that enhance water resistance and photostability. We’ll separate fact from marketing, discuss what “reef-safe” really means, and explain how these new technologies are helping outdoor enthusiasts stay better protected during long days in the sun. Whether you’re a hiker, climber, trail runner, or simply enjoy spending time outside, this episode...

In this episode, our hosts Sophie Emery, Kaylee Stark, Noelle Lordahl, and Kate Persak explore how a nonprofit organization is transforming the lives of girls ages 11–17 through backpacking and other outdoor adventures. More than just learning outdoor skills, these experiences build confidence, leadership, responsibility, resilience, and lifelong friendships. 

We’ll discuss how spending time in nature supports mental health, encourages personal growth, and helps break down financial and social barriers so more young women can experience the outdoors. Join us as we discover how adventure in the wilderness inspires the next generation of confident, capable leaders.

Rabies remains one of the deadliest infections known to medicine, yet it is almost entirely preventable with prompt treatment. In this episode, Alastair Milne from the medical school in the University of Nicosia in Cyprus, explores how the virus is transmitted, and describes a practical scenario to understand how fatalities from this disease can be avoided.

Cuts and lacerations are among the most common injuries encountered in the backcountry, but in wilderness medicine the greatest threat often isn’t the wound itself—it’s infection. In this episode of the AWLS Wilderness Medicine Podcast, we explore why nearly every wilderness wound should be considered contaminated and why thorough irrigation and cleaning are often far more important than closing the skin. Through real-world wilderness cases, listeners will learn when wounds should be left open, why premature suturing can trap bacteria and lead to serious infections, and how proper wound care can make the difference between an uncomp...

Join mountain medicine expert Dr. Sebastián Donato for a fascinating discussion on the realities of altitude illness on Aconcagua, the highest mountain in Western and Southern Hemispheres.  Drawing from recent rescue operations and real patient cases, Dr. Donato explores the recognition, prevention, and treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Through dramatic stories of climbers who required emergency evacuations, listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by rescuers and medical teams operating in one of the world’s most demanding high-altitude environments. Recent data from Aconcagua show...

In Part 2 of this fascinating podcast series, Dr. Matt Gunderson explores more about Hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly infectious disease carried primarily by rodents.  Dr. Gunderson also breaks down the biology of Hantavirus, This episode provides more details and cases of one of the world’s most intriguing zoonotic diseases. 

Canyoning combines hiking, climbing, rappelling, swimming, and navigating through narrow canyons carved by water, creating one of the most exciting adventure sports in the outdoors. However, the same features that make canyoning thrilling also create significant risks. Participants may face foot entrapment in fast-moving water, where a trapped foot can lead to drowning. Rope-related incidents, including improper rigging, equipment failure, and rappelling errors, can result in serious injury or death. Powerful waterfalls and recirculating pools, often called “hydraulics” or “keepers,” can trap swimmers underwater. Cold water exposure and prolonged immersion can lead to hypothermia, even in warm weather. Wet suits ar...

In Part 1 of this fascinating podcast series, Dr. Matt Gunderson explores the origins and characteristics of Hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly infectious disease carried primarily by rodents. Listeners will learn how the virus was first identified, where it is commonly found, and how it spreads to humans. Dr. Gunderson also breaks down the biology of Hantavirus, its symptoms, and the environmental conditions that contribute to outbreaks. This episode provides an engaging introduction to one of the world’s most intriguing zoonotic diseases and lays the foundation for future discussions on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock shares a compelling real-world wilderness medicine experience involving two runners found on a remote trail, each suffering from different medical emergencies. Through the lens of AWLS (Advanced Wilderness Life Support) protocols, Dr. Vidlock explains how returning to the fundamentals of patient assessment, observation, history-taking, and clinical reasoning allowed her to quickly recognize the underlying problems and begin effective treatment in the field. This practical discussion highlights the importance of mastering basic wilderness medicine principles when advanced tools and diagnostics are unavailable.

In this episode, Matthew McKinnon takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked but potentially fatal condition known as suspension trauma. Commonly associated with climbing, rope access work, and wilderness rescue, suspension trauma can develop rapidly when a person is left hanging motionless in a harness. Matthew breaks down the physiology behind the condition, explaining how restricted blood flow can lead to loss of consciousness and even death if not addressed quickly. He also covers the key warning signs to watch for in the field, practical strategies for prevention—including proper harness use and movement—and step-by-step guidance on safe and...

In this episode, Dr.Kathy Vdilock explores the emerging role of peptides in wilderness and remote medicine, where limited resources demand creative and effective solutions. From secretagogues that stimulate natural hormone release to angiogenic and tissue-healing peptides that may accelerate recovery from injury, we unpack how these compounds are being discussed and used at the edge of traditional care. We also examine practical considerations—storage, stability, dosing challenges, and safety—alongside the ethical and regulatory questions that come with bringing advanced therapeutics into austere environments. Whether you’re a wilderness medicine provider or simply curious about the future of backco...

This episode explores the alarming rise in avalanche-related deaths across the Alps this year. We break down what’s driving this deadly trend—from unstable snowpack layers and rapid temperature swings to human decision-making in high-risk terrain. Drawing on insights from avalanche science and recent incidents, this episode unpacks how avalanches form, why they’ve been more frequent and severe, and what skiers, climbers, and mountaineers can do to reduce their risk. Whether you’re an experienced backcountry traveler or simply curious about mountain safety, this episode offers critical knowledge that could save lives.

In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores the physiology and real-world risks of pulmonary edema triggered by both intense physical exertion and high-altitude exposure. Drawing on clinical insight and wilderness medicine experience, she explains how fluid can accumulate in the lungs during extreme exercise and conditions like High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema, breaking down the underlying mechanisms in a clear and practical way. Listeners will learn how to recognize early warning signs—such as shortness of breath out of proportion to effort, cough, and decreased performance—and understand why these symptoms can rapidly become life-threatening. The episode also covers prevention strategies, incl...

In the towering peaks of the Austrian Alps where adrenaline and precision define every run, one moment can change everything. This episode tells the story of Lucas Hungerford, an experienced skier whose life took a devastating turn after launching off a terrain park lip and suffering a catastrophic crash.

What began as a routine descent quickly became a fight for survival—marked by severe physical injuries and a long, complicated recovery. But the story doesn’t end when the bones heal. Lucas continues to grapple with the invisible aftermath of PTSD, a condition that lingers long after the...

Long days on the trail, limited hygiene options, sweat, and wet clothing can create the perfect conditions for vaginal bacterial and yeast infections during backcountry trips. In this episode, Layla Risdon explores why these infections are more common during hiking, backpacking, and remote expeditions. She discuss the basic biology behind bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, the environmental factors in the wilderness that increase risk, and the early symptoms to watch for while far from medical care. The episode also offers practical prevention strategies—including clothing choices, hygiene techniques, moisture management, and what items to pack in a wilderness first-aid ki...

Frostbite has long been one of the most feared cold-weather injuries for mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and winter adventurers—often leading to permanent tissue loss or even amputation. In this episode, we explore how frostbite happens, how to prevent it in the outdoors, and what to do when it strikes far from help. We also highlight a breakthrough in treatment: the FDA’s recent approval of iloprost, the first medication specifically designed to save tissue and improve outcomes in severe frostbite. From backcountry prevention tips to cutting-edge hospital care, this conversation brings together wilderness safety and modern science to help outd...

As climate and ecological conditions shift across the United States, the geographic boundaries of several tick species are expanding—and with them comes growing confusion about the diseases they carry. In this episode, we explore the spread of the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), and how their overlapping ranges are complicating the diagnosis of tick-borne illnesses.

One of the biggest challenges is distinguishing between Lyme disease and STARI (Southern Tick–Associated Rash Illness). Both conditions can present with a similar bull’s-eye rash and early flu-like symptoms, yet they are caused by dif...

In the backcountry, decisions matter.  And sometimes the only difference between a good outcome and a bad one is knowing when to stop, when to descend, and when to listen to what the body is telling you. In this podcast we talk about a small device that’s making its way into more packs, first-aid kits, and expedition gear — the pulse oximeter.  You’ve probably seen one in a hospital or clinic. But what does it really tell you when you’re miles from a trailhead, at altitude, in the cold, and far from help? In this episode, we break down...

When we head outdoors, we think about weather, wildlife, terrain, and terrain — but we rarely think about what’s floating in the air, living in the soil, or hiding in the dust. In this episode, we explore the invisible world of environmental fungi — where they live, how people are exposed, the illnesses they can cause, and how simple awareness can dramaticall

Bats are an essential—and often misunderstood—part of the Grand Canyon ecosystem. In this episode, we explore the role bats play in the canyon, why they are so abundant along the Colorado River, and what that means for people camping overnight in one of America’s most iconic landscapes. We’ll discuss the real but often low-probability dangers associated with bats, including rabies exposure and accidental nighttime contact, and explain why sleeping in tents is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce risk while protecting wildlife. The episode also takes a closer look at white-nose syndrome...

Shock can develop quickly in the backcountry, and recognizing it early can save a life. In this episode, we focus on how to identify shock with limited tools and how to tell the difference between its major types in remote settings. We break down cardiogenic, vasogenic, and hypovolemic shock using real-world backcountry scenarios, emphasizing observable signs, mental status changes, skin findings, and simple assessments you can perform in the field. The discussion highlights how understanding the type of shock can guide priorities such as bleeding control, positioning, insulation, and evacuation decisions when definitive care is hours—or...

Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores how the human body responds when sport and movement take place in the most demanding environments on Earth—and why proper fueling can mean the difference between performance, illness, and survival. From endurance athletics to long days hiking at altitude or in extreme heat and cold, the body undergoes profound physiological changes affecting oxygen delivery, hydration, metabolism, thermoregulation, and energy availability. In this podcast, Dr Vidlock breaks down how these stresses alter appetite, digestion, and nutrient needs, and why eating the right foods at the right time becomes essential when conditions are unforgiving. By connecting hu...

In this episode, Dr. Richard Ingebretsen explores women’s health challenges in the backcountry, focusing on common conditions that can arise far from definitive medical care. We discuss menstrual-related conditions—including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), mittelschmerz (ovulation pain), urinary track infections and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—with an emphasis on recognition, prevention, and field-appropriate management.

This podcast is designed for those who are not as familiar with these issues and help them understand how to keep others stay safe, comfortable, and resilient while traveling in the wilderness.

Dr. Keely Coxon discusses a critical but under-discussed topic in acute care: blood glucose management in the hypothermic patient. In this episode, Dr. Coxon examines how hypothermia affects glucose metabolism and challenges conventional treatment protocols. Are the guidelines we rely on truly appropriate for patients in the cold? Dr. Coxon breaks down current protocols, highlights where they may fall short, and offers evidence-based insights and practical strategies to improve patient outcomes. This episode will equip you with the knowledge to rethink and refine your approach when temperature and glucose regulation collide. 

High altitude changes the rules of the game for the human body. As oxygen levels drop, systems we usually take for granted—our heart, lungs, metabolism, and immune response—are suddenly asked to work harder. For some people, that challenge is barely noticeable. For others, especially those living with chronic medical conditions, altitude can quietly turn a manageable illness into a serious problem.

In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores how high altitude can exacerbate a wide range of medical conditions—from common issues like high blood pressure to more complex diseases such as autoimmune disorders, coronary heart...

This episodes looks into the often-overlooked medical issues that can strike men far from help. We break down the signs, symptoms, and field-management strategies for three critical conditions: inguinal hernias, testicular torsion, and epididymitis.   This podcast helps listeners understand how these problems develop, what they feel like, how to recognize red flags, and what immediate steps to take when medical care is hours—or days—away. From preventing strain-related hernias during long portages to identifying torsion early enough to save a testicle, the episode blends practical wilderness medicine guidance with real-world advice for staying safe and capable in remote envir...

In this insightful podcast, Matthew Guthrie explores a transformative way to understand and manage pain—by shifting our mindset from seeing pain as a threat to viewing it as a challenge. Listeners will learn how threat-based thinking amplifies discomfort, fear, and suffering, while a challenge-based mindset promotes resilience, confidence, and improved function. Matthew guides listeners toward a healthier relationship with both physical and emotional pain. Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from injury, or simply looking to better understand the mind–body connection, this episode offers empowering insights that can help you move through pain—not with fear, but with pur...

This podcast is your guide to exploring the wild with your four-legged adventure partner. We delve into everything you need to know about taking dogs trekking and hiking in the backcountry—from choosing the best breeds for rugged terrain to understanding the physical and behavioral traits that make a dog trail-ready. Each episode covers practical safety tips, conditioning strategies, gear essentials, wilderness first aid, wildlife awareness, and how to keep both you and your dog comfortable and protected miles from the trailhead. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or preparing for your first overnight with your pup, this helps you...

Welcome to today’s episode, hosted by wilderness medicine expert Dr. Kathy Vidlock. In this episode, Dr. Vidlock walks us through a real case from the backcountry—a hiker who developed supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, away from definitive medical care.

Dr. Vidlock explains what SVT is, why it can strike suddenly even in otherwise healthy individuals, and how the stressors of the wilderness—dehydration, exhaustion, heat, stimulants, and altitude—can increase the risk. She breaks down the signs and symptoms you might see in yourself or a companion, from rapid heart rate to anxiety, dizziness, and chest discomfo

This is a deep dive with Sarah Hall into the world of wildland fire medical support—where emergency medicine meets the world wildland firefighting. This podcast explores what it takes to keep firefighters safe on the line, from treating tree strike injuries, heat illnesses, to navigating remote evacuation challenges and limited resources. Listeners will hear how Medics and EMTs prepare and train for this line of work, the specialized gear they carry,  and the real-world decision-making that happens when help is hours away. Whether you’re a firefighter, a medical provider, or simply curious about the hidden world behind wildl...

This podcast dives deep into the rise of exoskeletons in the backcountry—wearable robotic systems designed to help hikers, rescue teams, and explorers move farther, faster, and safer in rugged terrain.  Exoskeletons can transform wilderness travel by reducing fatigue, protecting joints, and opening the outdoors to those once limited by injury, age, or physical strain.

But with innovation comes controversy. Does using exoskeletons in nature challenge the spirit of self-reliance that defines wilderness travel? Could technology erode the purity of the backcountry experience—or make it more inclusive than ever before? This episode reveals the opportunities and dilem...

Every year, thousands of hikers, trekkers, and adventure travelers return from their journeys with more than just memories — sometimes, they bring home unwanted hitchhikers: parasitic worms. In this eye-opening episode, we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes unsettling) world of travel-related worm infections. From hookworms that burrow through bare feet on tropical beaches to tapeworms hiding in undercooked meals, we uncover where these parasites live, how they infect humans, and what symptoms to watch for after a trip abroad. You’ll learn how to recognize the warning signs, how to diagnose worm infections, and how modern treatments like albendazole work...

Ever wonder what wonders exist beneath your hiking boots? In this episode, we trade panoramic mountain views for the hidden landscapes of moss, soil, and leaf litter. Land snorkeling is a quiet, curious way to explore the outdoors — no fins, no water, just your eyes, patience, and a sense of wonder. From tiny insects navigating a single blade of grass to the dazzling architecture of lichen forests, land snorkeling reveals a universe at ground level. We’ll talk about how the practice began, and why slowing down to look closer can change the way you see the world.

Hosted by Dr. Kathy Vidlock, Under Pressure explores the moments when the human body and the wild collide. From fractures deep in the backcountry to life-threatening compartment syndromes far from help, Dr. Vidlock breaks down real cases, the science behind the swelling, and what every rescuer or adventurer should know when seconds—and pressure—matter most.

Where there’s fire, there’s risk—and where there’s risk, there’s medicine. This podcast tells the untold stories of those who bring medical expertise to the edge of the wilderness fireline. Firefighter Luke Werner, from the US Forest service, talks about the many hazards, how risk is mitigated, and what happens when things go wrong.

Imagine pushing up a mountain trail or gliding across fresh snow, only to feel your chest tighten and your breath slip away. This episode by Jenson Rawlings  explores exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in the outdoors, including why cold air, altitude, and intense effort can trigger narrowed airways, and how adventurers can recognize the signs. We’ll unpack  the science, talk through field-tested management strategies. Whether you’re training for an ultramarathon or simply love the backcountry, this discussion offers practical tools to keep your lungs open and your adventures safe.