Case Study: Frostbite on Denali

With incoming winter temps and atmospheric rivers heading back to California I thought it was a good time to review a case study on prevention and treatment of cold injuries.  If you are looking to learn more about hypothermia you can view last year’s January treatment of hypothermia article.

 

This case study is based on an incident on Mt Denali- but keep in mind frostbite is a risk factor even in California.

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How Dangerous are Rattlesnakes?

 

The sun is out and so are the snakes – but just how worried should you be about rattlesnake bites?

 

North America is home to several species of venomous snakes. Thankfully, none of these are very deadly. The most common venomous snakes are known as pit vipers. These fascinating creatures include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. They have a unique feature known as heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils. Coral snakes (elapids) are slightly more poisonous, but bites are so rare they are not a considerable concern. In this blog post, we will explore how to identify pit vipers, discuss the characteristics of specific venomous species, and debunk common myths associated with bites and treatments.

 

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Students practice a litter carry during a WFR course.

What is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course?

The goal of a WFR is to make sure you have the knowledge to take helpful action, no matter what situation you find yourself in.

 

So, what is a WFR course?

A Wilderness First Responder course (WFR) is much more than just a course about first aid, CPR, or even emergencies. This course teaches you how to think critically, allowing you to apply your knowledge to unique situations that go far beyond typical backcountry-based trips.

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