EMS: Wilderness EMS

Wilderness EMS encompasses emergency medical care that is delivered in an environment that is often remote, and austere. Wilderness providers are often tasked with the stabilization of illness and injury in areas that are positioned far away from established systems of care. Several national organizations exist to promote the field of Wilderness EMS. Wilderness providers often function under "expanded" protocols that permit the administration of specific medications to alleviate pain and encourage the reduction / splinting of injured extremities. Organizations such as the National Ski Patrol and the National Park Service depend upon the skill and ingenuity of Wilderness EMS providers for patient transportation and safety. Health care providers wanting to learn more about the scope and practice of Wilderness EMS are encouraged to investigate the following links and reach out to Dr. Douglas Sward. 

 

 

 

 

This organization is one of the most well recognized and established groups. The WMS sponsors student interest groups and authors position statements on treatment of various wilderness specific emergencies. Information on national conferences is hosted on the website

 

 

Described as "Wilderness Medicine for Medical Professionals," AWLS represents an organized curriculum for healthcare providers functioning in the wilderness medical setting.