- Participant Medical Record Review & Screening: Detailed analysis of health information and medical history for individuals applying to an expedition. A professional screening can determine suitability for a program and help optimize preexisting medical conditions (e.g., evaluation and optimization of a participant with asthma and a cardiovascular condition for a high altitude trek). Individualized care recommendations can be provided for each participant’s medical needs.
- Instructor Evaluation & Training Recommendations: Assessment of the training level (OEC, WFR, EMT) and medical care proficiency of instructors and guides employed by your organization. Program recommendations for further training may be provided, where applicable.
- Offline Medical Direction & Protocols: Creation of customized emergency protocols to be used by instructors and guides in the absence of direct communication with a medical professional. Designed, reviewed and endorsed in partnership with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Wilderness Medical Institute (WMI), these protocols are tailored to the specific needs of each expedition.
- Online Medical Direction & Telemedicine: Immediate medical assistance provided 24/7 by an expert in wilderness and emergency medicine. This assistance can be accessed via cell, satellite phone, remote viewing or telemedicine kit.
- Medical & Survival Kit Customization: Design and review of customized medical and survival kits for every expedition. Medical equipment needs for emergency care vary dramatically depending on the expedition environment, activities planned, and health status of participants, as well as the size of the group, duration of the expedition and the instructor/guide’s level of medical training.
- Medication Prescriptions & Equipment Ordering: Wilderness medical kits may contain certain prescription medications that must be prescribed by a physician. These include epinephrine for anaphylaxis, antibiotics, pain medications, and high altitude prophylactic/treatment medications. State and federal laws make prescribing and dispensing medications challenging in certain situations, but we will work with your organization to arrive at the best solution for your needs.
- Expedition Medical Coverage: Our expert physicians are available, upon special arrangement, to accompany your expeditions. They will provide consultation services, medical equipment, and individual care for your group.
- Post-Expedition Analysis: Review of each medical case, evacuation and near miss. Careful incident analyses promote the safety and success of future expeditions.
Costs
Upon receipt of your application, WEMS will provide a cost estimate and work with you towards achieving your organization’s unique needs. Discounts are available for nonprofit organizations.
Proper medical direction services require many hours of dedicated time from a specialized physician. The University of Utah and WEMS are nonprofit organizations whose goal is to provide service to the community and enhance safety in wilderness organizations at a reasonable cost.