Wilderness medicine

Wilderness Medicine

Wilderness medicine (pronunciation: /ˈwɪldərnɪs ˈmɛdɪsɪn/) refers to the practice of medicine in remote, wild, and generally inaccessible areas where traditional medical resources may not be available.

Etymology

The term "wilderness medicine" is derived from the English words "wilderness", meaning a wild and uncultivated region, and "medicine", which refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases.

Related Terms

First Aid: The immediate care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until full medical treatment is available.
Emergency Medicine: A medical specialty involving care for undifferentiated and unscheduled patients with illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Survival Skills: Techniques a person may use in a dangerous situation to save themselves or others.
Outdoor Education: Education that takes place in the outdoors, often involving wilderness survival skills and environmental education.
Search and Rescue: The search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.

Practice

Wilderness medicine involves the application of both general medical knowledge and specific wilderness-related skills, such as navigation, survival skills, and outdoor hazard management. It includes the treatment of common outdoor injuries such as fractures, burns, hypothermia, and dehydration, as well as the management of more serious conditions such as snake bites, animal attacks, and altitude sickness.

Training and Certification

Training in wilderness medicine can be obtained through various organizations, including the Wilderness Medical Society and the National Outdoor Leadership School. Certification programs often include courses in wilderness first aid, wilderness first responder, and wilderness emergency medical technician.