Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)
This is wilderness medicine education from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the Univeristy of Utah. It is designed for use in the Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) program, but anyone who goes into the backcountry should study this material. Log onto: www.wildmedu.org for more information.
Episodes
195 episodes
Wild Waters, Wild Risks
In this episode, we look into the unsettling truth behind some of the most breathtaking wilderness lakes. Though they may appear crystal clear and untouched, many are harboring dangerous intestinal bacteria like E. coli and Entercocci....
•
13:00
Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome
In “Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome,” we follow the personal journey of Sailor Brukard as she tnavigats the challenges of alpha-gal syndrome — a serious allergic condition triggered by a tick bite that causes a reac...
•
9:45
Smoke on the Trail
You’re deep in the backcountry, on a multi-day backpacking trip, when the air thickens, the sky darkens, and smoke suddenly fills the air. What started as a peaceful trek has turned into a race against time. In “Smoke on the Trai...
•
15:10
Unequal Grounds: Wilderness Medicine Across Cultures
In this episode, Ajeyo De explores the evolving field of wilderness medicine and its critical role in addressing the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations around the world. He creates a framework for delivering equitable care in enviro...
•
13:00
Breathing High: Can Xenon Gas Boost Climber Performance at Altitude?
Recent headlines report that British climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest in record time after using xenon gas as part of their pre-acclimatization strategy. But what is xenon, and does it truly enhance performance at altitude? We dive ...
•
12:20
Trail Hydration: What to Drink and Why
In Trail Hydration: What to Drink and Why, we dive into the science and strategy behind staying properly hydrated during outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or spending long days in the backcountry, knowing what t...
•
12:23
Heavy, Wet, and Deadly: Understanding wet snow avalanches
In this podcast, we unpack the hidden danger of wet snow avalanches—slow-moving but incredibly powerful slides that occur as spring temperatures rise. Learn how melting snow and rain transform stable slopes into deadly terrain, what science tel...
•
8:26
Meltdown: Surviving Spring Snow Travel
In this podcast we explore the hidden hazards of hiking through spring and summer snow. As the mountains begin to thaw, trails once buried in winter snow reveal a new set of challenges—soft snowfields, collapsing crusts, and the dreaded posthol...
•
11:39
Health in Every Step: Rucking
Strap on your pack and join us for Health in Every Step where we talk about the health benefits and potential pitfalls of rucking in the wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned weight-walker or just curious about adding a weight...
•
11:24
Enhancement or Harm? The Medical Truth About Performance Drugs
Welcome to “Enhancement or Harm?” where we look into the world of performance-enhancing drugs, We’ll explore the medical science behind these substances: how they work, what they do to the body, and the very real risks they pose ...
•
17:09
Hearts in the Wild
In this podcast, we look into the real-life challenges of recognizing and managing heart emergencies in remote environments. Out here, symptoms don’t wait, and time is not on your side. A heart attack in the backcountry isn’t just a medic...
•
18:57
Mineral vs. Chemical: The Sunscreen Showdow
In this episode, we break down the key differences between physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreens—what they are, how they work, and which one might be right for you. You’ll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each type, includin...
•
12:11
Reef Safe: How Sunscreen Choices Impact Coral Health
In this episode, we dive beneath the surface of the water and explore how sunscreen can have devastating effects on coral reefs. Scientists have discovered that certain common ingredients are toxic to coral larvae and contribute to coral bleach...
•
9:58
Parasites in Paradise
Think that warm weather is all sunshine and serenity? Think again. Parasites in Paradise looks into the unseen world of warm-weather pathogens lurking in water, soil, and even your favorite vacation foods. From brain-eating amoebas like ...
•
18:12
The Viral Truth: Measles, Myths & Medicine
In this episode, Dr. Matt Gunderson breaks down everything you need to know about measles—from how it spreads to the unmistakable symptoms that signal its arrival. With outbreaks making headlines in recent years, Dr. Gunderson explores why this...
•
48:28
Flying to New Heights: The Medicine of Ski Jumping
In this episode, we jump into the incredible journey of Anna Hoffmann, who clipped into her first skis at just 2 years oldand never looked back. From snowy slopes to the grand stage of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Anna’s path was anything ...
•
16:14
Sugar, Sweat, and Survival: Type 1 Diabetes in the Wild
In this episode, guest host Liv Sosnoski looks at the essentials of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the wilderness setting. From understanding the autoimmune nature of the disease to explaining how environmental factors like temperature, altitude, ...
•
8:08
The Wild Swim: The Medicine of Wild Swimming
Wild Swim is the story of wild swimming. Explore the meidcine, science, and soul of swimming in open water—from serene lakes and secret rivers to icy seas and waterfall pools. Here are practical tips so that you can find meaning and joy b...
•
12:09
Where There is Fire There is Smoke
This is a podcast about the growing impact of wildfire smoke on the places we go to escape in the wilderness. As wildfires grow more frequent and intense, the haze they leave behind stretches far beyond the burn zone—affecting air qual...
•
22:45
Strained & Sprained – A podcast on tendon health, injuries, and treatments.
Whether you’re a dedicated athlete, or just love staying active outdoors, Strained & Sprained is your go-to podcast for everything related to tendon health, injuries, and recovery. Dr. Kathy Vidlock looks at the science of tendons, e...
•
17:29
Under the Skin: The Lone Star Tick Exposed
In this episode, Liv Sosnoski, Andrew Long, Mack Strobel, and Chandler Morel, medical students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the United States will break down the Lone Star tick — one of the most aggressive and medic...
•
10:26
Hormones in Motion
“Hormones in Motion” is a podcast dedicated to exploring how outdoor exercise can support those with hormone disorders like diabetes, thyroid conditions, PCOS, and overreaching issues. Listen as Dr. Kathy Vidlock looks at real-life cases ...
•
18:43
Cold Front: The Science of Frostbite Treatment
Welcome to “Cold Front,” the podcast dedicated to the science of frostbite treatment. This show delves into the latest research and best practices for managing cold-induced injuries. From recognizing early-stage frostbite to proper rewarming te...
•
13:49
Sole Support: The Insole Podcast
Welcome to Sole Support, the ultimate podcast for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their feet happy on the trail! Join us as we dive into everything you need to know about foot comfort, injury prevent...
•
14:51
Wild Hearts: Wilderness and the Cardiovascular Journey
What happens when the call of the wild meets the challenges of heart disease? Wild Hearts explores the intersection of wilderness adventure, chronic cardiovascular conditions, and extreme endurance sports, where science, survival, and human res...
•
16:04