What is “Wilderness” in Wilderness Medicine
What is "Wilderness" in Wilderness Medicine?
Many people picture "wilderness" as the deep backcountry, miles from civilization. While this is certainly a valid perspective, in the world of wilderness medicine, the definition is broader.
Wilderness Medicine: Beyond the Backcountry
At Don't Panic LLC, we view wilderness as any environment where access to definitive medical care is significantly delayed. This could mean:
Extended time to stabalize away from a hospital: This encompasses a wide range of scenarios, from an hour up a hiking trail to an industrial site far from major medical centers.
Challenging terrain: Mountainous regions, dense forests, and even bumpy forest roads can present significant obstacles to rapid evacuation.
Environmental hazards: Extreme weather, wildlife encounters, and exposure to toxins can complicate medical emergencies.
Wilderness Medicine Courses for Everyone
Our Desert Mountain Medicine courses are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to handle medical emergencies in a variety of "wilderness" settings:
Wilderness First Aid (WFA): Ideal for individuals who may encounter medical emergencies while recreating or working in areas with relatively quick access to definitive care (typically within a few hours). Perfect for those in the Black Hills, South Dakota, and the surrounding region.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR): Designed for individuals who may need to provide extended care in remote locations, potentially spending a night or more without access to definitive care. Essential for backcountry enthusiasts, guides, and those working in remote areas like Custer, South Dakota.
Wilderness Emergency Medical Specialist (WEMS): This advanced course is intended for pre-hospital care professionals and other first responders who regularly operate in challenging environments and may need to stabilize patients for prolonged periods before evacuation.
Who Needs Wilderness Medicine Training?
While recreationalists and outdoor enthusiasts are the most common beneficiaries of wilderness medicine training, its applications extend far beyond:
Industry Workers: Miners, linemen, foresters, and other workers in remote locations face unique risks and require specialized medical training.
Federal Lands Employees: Park rangers, forest service personnel, and other employees working on public lands often encounter medical emergencies in challenging environments.
Pre-hospital Care Professionals: EMTs, paramedics, and other first responders operating in rural or remote areas benefit from wilderness medicine skills to effectively stabilize patients for transport.
Recreationalists: Horseback riders, mountain bikers, backpackers, rock climbers, hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy remote adventures may encounter unexpected injuries or medical emergencies. Wilderness medicine skills can be crucial for self-rescue and assisting others.
Don't Panic LLC: Your Partner in Wilderness Medicine
At Don't Panic LLC, we teach Desert Mountain Medicine curriculum, ensuring our students receive the highest quality wilderness medicine training. Whether you're an avid hiker in the Black Hills, a seasoned guide, or a professional working in a remote environment, our courses will empower you to confidently handle medical emergencies in any "wilderness" scenario.
