Feeling Mushy

So I'm feeling a little nostalgic and thought I would share the final entry of my journal. Darryl, Joe - I promise to send it to you by the end of the weekend! Writing is not my forte but hopefully the sentiment is there:

I am currently in Boulder, CO realizing that I am talking non-stop about the rotation. I am about to embark on a four-day journey to Palo Alto, CA while car camping/hiking along the way. Driving six to eight hours a day can make you pretty nostalgic.

As I drive along I-70 through Utah, I look at the weathered rock around me hoping to catch glimpses of the familiar landscapes of Valley of the Gods or Grand Gulch. It’s beautiful, but it’s not the same. I never fully appreciated the landscapes that the US has to offer. I didn’t know about Albuquerque; I was completely mistaken about New Mexico; and I couldn’t fully appreciate that the southwest is more than just desert. I’ve always chosen to travel to foreign countries just to see and experience something new. And while that’s an incredible experience in itself, I’m surprised and embarrassed to have been so ignorant of what was in our “backyard.” I have just passed through Arches National Park. Finally, I know what crypto is. I also know that I prefer backcountry camping as opposed to crowded national parks during spring break. I don’t know how to not make this sound cheesy, but I am about to make an analogy between weathered rock/natural arches and people/experiences we have. I look at some of these breathtaking terrains and I am astounded by what I see. How is it that an enormous rock came to be perched upon such a fragile-appearing base? How is it still standing? Then I realize that each balanced rock is the result of water sweeping along its sides, rain running between its crevices, and wind beating against its surface. Forty years from now when I am old and decrepit, I hope to have that same outlook and understanding. I hope to stand elegantly and proudly displaying my weathered self (not in a exhibitionistic way). I hope to recall the time I spent on this rotation in Albuquerque, NM and remember the experiences I’ve had and the people who have shaped and sculpted a part of me.

Thank you to all of you who have made this rotation such a memorable experience. Best of luck and warm wishes all in all you do.

-kristina

Another Photo Album

Hi Folks,
While glad to be back in Philly, compiling this album made me terribly nostalgic.
Here it is: http://picasaweb.google.com/mthomer1
Enjoy!
Maggie

Ya Know That Feeling...

Well it came... Just thought I would share the latest rescue with you all. Call came in Sunday night around 7pm for 6 females (ages: 42, 16, 16, 17, 17, 14) who took the Embudo trail (SAR day trail) up around 12 pm and encountered snow then lost the trail. They had a hard time getting out of it and became dehydrated and hypothermic along the way. They were all wearing sweats, had ran out of food and water, did not have anything to start a fire and no light source. They call 911 who advised them to stay put until rescue arrived. I quickly "obtained" their cell phone number and advised them to head down the mountain carefully toward Albuquerque and got a good idea of where they were at. I knew that they were in either Embudo or Embudito canyon, which is 2 canyons to the North of Embudo. I sent a team up Embudo and I headed up Embudito. Approximentaly 2 miles up Embudito canyon I gained voice contact with the party and a few minutes later was in contact with the group. As soon as I started to assess the first patient I see one vomiting heavily out of the corner of my eye. Priorities switched to that patient. She was cold and a little out of it. Last oral intake was 4 hours ago and she had apparently fallen a few times while heading down the trail, however no trauma noted on head to toe, no pertinent history. Hot chocolate was brewed for all and a warm IV established for the vomiter. Approx. 20 minutes on scene and we started down trail with the group.  Took about an hour to get down. Good short rescue. You can see how things could have gotten much worse if more patients were vomiting ect... We were also lucky that we could hike them down. 

Anyway.... Thanks again for the great card and gift. Hope to see you all soon. 

-Jason 

Another Video Journal

This video/photo journal is pretty weak in comparison to Whitney and Allison's... but figured I should post it to pass the course.



It can also be seen/downloaded here in a larger size.

-Dave Z

spinach feta pasta

Hi all,
per request, here's the pasta recipe from last night... guess I should have made a double batch.
1 package family size Buitoni (or other) 3 cheese tortellini
1 bag baby spinach
2 lemons/~3/4 cup lemon juice
2-4 cloves garlic/~1tbsp+ minced garlic
a couple forkfulls of capers
small container of crumbled feta
olive oil

Cook pasta according to directions
combine lemon juice, capers,and garlic
Add 3/4 to most of the bag of spinach when there's 1-2 minutes left
Drain pasta and spinach
Add a little olive oil so the pasta doesn't stick together
add the lemon/garlic/caper mixture
add the feta
mix well

Alternatively, you can add the spinach to the hot, drained pasta with everything else and then cover the pot and let it sit a few minutes to steam

Thanks for a great month- hopefully some of our paths will cross again
Take care,
Alli

Grand Gulch

Here is our grand gulch video. Sorry it didn't get included on the DVD. Still don't know how that happened. Thanks again for a fun month. Hope everybody had safe travels.

Whitney

Eco Resus and Thank You All!

What a tremendous month! Over the time we had together, we learned, lived, laughed, and loved (well, I dunno about the last one, but some loved more than others)! Eating crickets, MRE's, sleeping in Grand Gulch without sleeping bags, being airlifted, and of course, deploying, were all part and parcel. Our guest videographer, Paul "Pablito" Romo, one of the most understated poets, says it all as hats were lost and patients were saved on the zipline. Follow Paul on his excursion, and good luck to all!
Darryl

Chill Night before the Big Day

Hi Gang,

Just throwing it out there - staying in watching a movie at 1606 Las Lomas tonight (say 7:30/8:00-ish) if anyone is interested. I've got Gone Baby Gone, Into the Wild, and some 80's John Cusack ("Ken") movie. Please bring what you've got if these don't do it for you. I've got some peanut butter, pop tarts, and gorp...kidney beans, black beans, and gum.

I don't really know where I live except that it's across campus off University. Call Dave or Zev for directions. Call me if you don't have their number.

-Kristina

Photo Album

Sorry I didn't put it up yesterday; my internet was on the fritz. If you go to Google, under "More" you will see photos. Picasa is a free download.
My album is:

UNM Wilderness Medicine

I don't know if you can add your own photos to it, but I am pretty sure it is easy to take photos off of the site.
Enjoy.

Zev

Party time

Hey all. So we will discuss on Saturday what time the party will start... I'm guessing as soon as the exam is over... but I wanted to get directions out there. Thanks to everyone for bringing food, drinks ect. 

Copper is the second intersection to the North from I-40 and Tramway. From Tramway and Copper head east. Take your first left onto Montie Alto, next left onto Grant. From there go straight and the road will  fork, continue straight onto Vidal pl. Townhome on the right 13807 Vidal pl. Directions on the google map are from the tram. 

View Larger Map

photos

Hey all,

Here are some pics from this month to enjoy. I plan on doing a photo journal for my "creative" project. Feel free to use some of my photos if so desired.

http://picasaweb.google.com/julielaughner/UNMWildernessMedicine

match day celebration

congrats all. Here's the party plan. Dinner at 7:30 at Tucanos Brazilian grill located at 110 central, go to www.tucanos.com. Sarah made reservations for 2 tables of 4 and there is bar seating. more Reservations can be made at 505-246-9900 if need be. Also there is a $5 off coupon in the city's visitor guide.

that's not all folks...pre-game somewhere downtown around 4-5. Any suggestions for somewhere with happy hour and outdoor seating? If so call me 412-551-3549.

Christiana suggested finishing the night with some booty shaking. Any suggestions. Call Christiana.

Party!

So here is the list of people I have bringing different things for Saturday night. Everybody is bringing their own thing for the grill and alcohol of choice. Beyond that:
Dessert: Zev, Paul
Salad: Jen, Donny, Brian
Other Side: Jules, Connell, Jerell
Condiments: Mary
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Allison, Whitney
Utensils/Plates: Maggie

Feel Free to Edit this list, add to it or whatever. Its just what I got down from our chat this afternoon!

Happy Match Day.

Friday Snake Demo!

This friday you will have the unique opportunity to see multiple species of rattlesnakes up close and personal. This will be an interactive session with Eric Schaad, UNM PhD candidate, who can answer specific questions about venom characteristics and ecology of these snakes!

As we discussed, this will be an optional day, but unless you are going to be out of town, we encourage you to come to this last day before the Eco-Resus (Eco-Rescue) adventure!

We will start at 9:00 am at the UNM EMS academy which is in the north side of the building shared with the Center for Disaster Medicine (located by the airport at 2700 Yale SE).

Directions are here.

Schedule for 3/21/08:
9am-11am - Wilderness Veterinary Medicine
11am - 12:00noon - Medical Kits
1:00pm - 2:00pm - Snake demo
2:00pm - TBA, Q&A about eco-resus, etc.

Good luck on the match!


Joe

Eco-Rescue Challenge

Welcome back everyone. I hope Grand Gulch was fantastic. Now get ready for the Primal Quest of Rescue! This coming Saturday the 22nd we will be meeting at the Sandia Peak Tramway at 8:30am to begin your final exam. Please do not be late as the tram will leave at 9am wth or without you. 

Once on top of the Sandia Crest we will break into our 4 rescue strike teams, listed below, and your first scenario will be given. Medical equipment will be provided for you. Please being your RESCUE ORIENTED day pack and be prepared for a long day on the mountain. If for some reason the tram shuts down, most likely due to wind, we will be hiking 8 miles down the La Luz trail. By now most of you know that I am pretty much always against hiking boots, but due to the snow and ice conditions on the crest I recommend boots for the day. Below is a list of skills that will be assessed throughout the day. The Strike Team that is most proficient in the skill sets will be awarded the "Golden Carabiner" at the party. 

Movement over terrain

Land Navigation

Patient Packaging 

Improvised Patient Transport 

Improvised Splinting 

ACLS

Hypothermia Treatment 

Survival Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Group Leadership Dynamics 

Stress Tolerance 

If you own a harness and a belay device please bring it with you. For the rest of the class harnesses will be provided for you. Strike Teams listed below: 

Strike Team 1 Strike Team 2  

TL: Jake         TL: Sara  

Allie               Brian     

Whitney           Paul

Connell            Jules

Kristin            Donny

Ken              Dave  

Strike Team 3 Strike Team 4  

TL: Ortho Dave TL: Maggie

Ryan                         Jan

Allison                     Jarrell

Mary                         Tim

Zev                          Jen

Allen

If any questions or concerns arise feel free to call. Map and directions below. See you all on Saturday! 

-Jason 

505-249-0170

From Tramway Blvd. and Paseo Del Norte head North. You will come to a stop sign, Tramway Rd., head West. You will come to a gate house where at 8:30am there may or may not be a guard. If there is he will want one dollar for parking... tell him you are with Albuquerque Mountain Rescue going to a training and he will let you proceed. Note: Google Map takes you a different way... Click on view larger map for the directions. 

View Larger Map

Mountain Bike and Waterworld Extravaganza

Welcome back from Grand Gulch! Tomorrow is the big day-March 18 at the Alameda Open Space-on Alameda over the Rio Grande! See this map link or paste the address on the Internet! Then a little rest, an aquarium night, to be chased down by a sushi delight.

TIMES: 11:00am AT ALAMEDA TRAILHEAD FOR BIKING! Please call Joe this evening before 10pm or tomorrow am between 8:00 - 9:30am if you need help transporting or picking up rental bikes (280-5181). See also the post below about mountain biking.
5:00pm AT THE ALBUQUERQUE BIOPARK.

ALAMEDA TRAILHEAD Link: http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=35.185594,-106.638107&spn=0.185753,0.294571&z=12
Use the scroll to zoom in or out. If the Rio Grande Alameda Open Space icon doesn't appear, look where Highway "528" intersects the big Rio Grande river. (Take the Alameda exit from I25 - go west, lake a left right before it crosses the river).

The Management

Climbing at Soccorro

While off to Grand Gulch, check out the climbing day, featuring Super Jake!

Bike and Aquarium Day

We also will have a big day AFTER we get back from Utah!

We will need to assemble a list of people that need bikes. I have reserved 10 mountain bikes from the Northeast Cyclery
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/8-t*CO
Their phone is 299-1210.
The bikes are different sizes so bike renters will have to get together with me tomorrow pm. The price is $19.00 including tax, (payable to me), and bikes may be picked up the morning of 3/18/08 or the day before.

The UNM outdoor store also rents bicycles (you must have a lobo card, sorry out-of-towners)
2 Bike Mike also advertises rentals but is kind of far away and I have not called them.
I can help people transport some bikes if need be.

If you are bringing your own or a borrowed bike, be sure it is in good condition - each year we have flat tires and broken chains! You must have a helmet - included with NE cyclery (and most other) rentals.

Following the mountain biking (11:00 am; directions here; we are meeting at Alameda right before it crosses the river - labeled as 1 on the map on this link, we will meet at the Albuquerque Biopark aquarium at 5:00pm. (Yes it will be a long day!)
Click here for link to the aquarium plus directions

We will do some scenarios and lectures at the Biopark aquarium. Afterwards we have traditionally gone out for sushi.....

PS. I have added some additional info about grand gulch to my post below.

JA

Grand Gulch Vans/Trails

Howdy!=) O.k., here are the lists

Van 1#: Leaving Sunday Starting from Collins and going to Government >14.5 plus miles

1.) Connell

2.) Allison

3.) Allie

4.) Ken

5.) Dave

6.) Allen

7.) Paul

8.) Open as of now

Van 2#: Leaving Monday Starting from Kane and hiking to Collins, ~38 miles

1.) Whitney

2.) Donny

3.) Jen

4.) Mary

5.) Jake

6.) Jarrell

Van 3#: Leaving Monday Starting from Gov. and hiking to Kane, ~ 29 miles

1.) Zev

2.) Kristin

3.) Tim

4.) Ryan

5.) Sarah

6.) Maggie

7.) Jules

8.) Dave

9.) Brian

See you all in tomorrow, and yeah, we can totally adjust things as needed=) Night!

{Thanks Sarah for putting the lists together. This will be a great adventure - we will cover more territory than previous groups have done! The third group might exceed the limits of the BLM for a group, tho, someone should consider switching to a different group. By the way, I am planning on hiking from Kane to Collins!
See you tomorrow,
Joe}

SWAT

SCARED DOCTOR: Whose is bigger?

TERRORIST?

AWW YEAH!!

Brownie Recipe

Several people asked for my brownie recipe, so here it is. Pretty simple and straightforward. Enjoy!

Zev

Chocolate Chewy Scotch Bars
1 cup chocolate chips
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
2 Tbsp. butter
1 cup margarine
2 eggs
2 1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Melt chocolate chips, milk, and butter in a small bowl. Mix together, and set aside. Melt margarine in a large bowl. Add eggs and brown sugar, and mix well. Add flower, salt, vanilla, and nuts. Mix well. Pour ½ the brown sugar mix into an ungreased brownie tray. Pour the chocolate mix on top. Drizzle the remaining brown sugar mix over the top. Swirl with the tip of a knife. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool, cut, and enjoy.

GUN SAFETY DAY!

This Wednesday the 12th we will be having our gun safety day. We will be meeting at the UNM Continuing Education building at 8:45am. We will then carpool to the firearms range. Apparently parking is limited. Classroom instruction at the range will be from 9am to approximentaly 11am then each student will have to opportunity to fire 30 rounds. Some things to bring and NOT to bring...

To Bring:

Outdoor attire

Brimmed hat

Sunglasses or glasses with plastic lenses 

Shoes, no sandals

Not to bring:

Under no circumstances can you bring your own firearm or ammo

We will wrap up around 1ish and will not be eating lunch at the range. 

Good climbing today. See you all tomorrow at 8:45. 

-Jason 

Embudo Recap

What an excellent scenario on Saturday!! Thanks to the patients, volunteers and low flying aircraft :) Here is a video to recap the day -- bear with me, first video I've made, enjoy!
-- Allison

Helicopter Operations Day!

Hello all. Again great job at the Mountain Rescue day on Saturday. On Monday we will be meeting at the NM National Guard hanger in Santa Fe at 9am. Plan on leaving ABQ by 7:45 to make it to the hanger by 9. It looks like it will mostly be inside lectures and scenarios, but as always come prepared to be active. 

Directions: Head out of ABQ on I-25 North. Get off on exit 599 (The Santa Fe relief route) and head West. You will come to Airport Rd./Paseo Real where you will make a Left. Then make your next Left onto Huey Rd. where there will be a security gate. Tell the guard that you are with UNM Wilderness Medicine and are traveling to the Guard Hanger. They will direct you to its location. 

If you have any questions feel free to call: 505-249-0170 

See you all on Monday!

-Jason

Note: Click on "view larger map" below to see the correct arrow on HUEY RD, which is right of the arrow shown in the map below.  

View Larger Map

Taos Video Recap and Search and Rescue Saturday!

Wow! what an amazing week thus far! Kudos to all of you in the class, as well as to all the instructors participating in Taos. After I left you all, I went up and enjoyed the pow-pow at Huntzinger's Bowl and El Funko. Today it's time to do the wash and thaw out, for our Embudo Search and Rescue Day tomorrow will be excellent. Read Jason's posting below for info!
A bientot,
Dario

Embudo Mountain Rescue Day!

SATURDAY MARCH 8th 9am

The Embido SAR day is coming up this weekend. I hope everyone is excited as it is going to be an action packed day. While at taos this week we will briefly discuss SAR operations and then pre-plan our 2 Strike Teams and 1 Support Team for the day. Whether you are in a strike team or a support team everyone will have the opportunity to provide patient care. As soon as the teams are in the parking lot at Embudo at 9am you will be given a scenario and a brief overview/introduction of the equipment and staff for the day. Teams will be provided with radios for day. Keep in mind that communication is key in a rescue situation, not only for relaying medical patient information to base, but also for dispatching adequate resources to the rescue site... And yes you will need a lot of resources during this scenario. Last Hint: Review how to manage Mass Casualty Incidents.

ITEMS TO BRING:

Day Pack

Adequate Clothing

Water/Lunch

Harness/Helmet if you have it

You will be provided with your FASTPACKS and 2 ALS kits

Map Link Below. See you all on the 8th at 9am!

From Tramway and Indian School Head East on Indian School until it dead ends at the trail head parking lot।

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-gm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=map

Solar Injury and Sunscreen Preview

Solar Injury (Part 1) See the handout section on the right to view the complete document.

1) my dermatologist tells me I should never be exposed to the sun. Is solar radiation all bad?
Clearly no. Without infrared radiation - we would freeze to death. Without light, we would all starve, by viture of having no plants to eat. Finally, without UV radiation causing Vitamin D production we would get rickets and increased levels of cancers.

2)What are the three relevant kinds of Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of importance to humans?
UVR comes in 3 flavors. The first UVC, has the shortest wavelengths, and therefore the greatest energy, measuring 200 - 290 nanometers. UVC is of importance only where the protective ozone layer has been destroyed, e.g. arctic regions and extreme southern Chile and Argentina. Elsewhere, UVC is entirely absorbed in the stratosphere by ozone and oxygen.

UVB measures (290-320nm) and is responsible for Vitamin D production from 7-dehydroxyxholesterol, vias the skin, liver and kidney. UVB is also responsible for tanning, burning and skin cancers, though not melanoma.

UVA has longer wavelengths (320 - 400), and contributes to photoaging, tanning, burning, and some skin cancers. UVA also triggers phototoxicity of certain pharmaceuticals.

3) What environmental features most affect the amount of UVA and UVB that reaches the skin?

Time of day: 65% between 10a and 2p, but with daylight savings all bets are off!
Season is important. June has 100x more UVR than December
Latitude: 3% decrease with every degree of latitude from equator. Albuquerque 35 degrees N, Taos is 36.
UVA varies less with daytime and latitude changes - scatters less than shorter wavelength UVB.

Surface features: water reflects small amount of UVR. Snow reflects much more. (85%).

Clouds - attenuate UV radiation by 20-80% - generally 40%. Better absorber of IR radiation (heat).

Altitude: 10% increase with every 1000 feet elevation. Wind exacerbates solar damage - erythema- of skin. Moisture increases dermal absorption of UVR.

Pollution increases absorption of UVR through particulates and ozone.

Bottom line: Taos Ski Valley in March is a site of plenty of UVR! So slather up with sunscreen and don't forget those sunglasses! (I speak from personal experience)....

To read more:
Part 1 and Part 2 of the handout references are permanently posted in the "Handout" sections.

Joe Alcock

Buca di Beppo-Arranging Rides and Food Groups

Hello!=)
Ok! There's a lot of confusion regarding rides to Taos, so in order to clear it up and enjoy fine Italian fare, we're going to meet at Buca di Beppo tonight at 7 pm (below is the link as well as a map). We'll discuss rides there and back, times, food groups for those who don't have any, etc. In addition, those who are local or who have cars, there currently is a shortage of vehicles, witnessed by the fact that we barely had enough to get everyone to and from Cabezon with gear. So, if those who are riding with others but have a car, could you please consider letting others borrow your vehicle? If this is not a possibility, then we can look into renting a vehicle for 4 days, but this will be a bummer considering it will only be driven for 6 hrs total and sitting for the rest of the time~3 days. For those of you who have rides, can you please contact me, or have a group person ccontact me so we can make SURE that we are not leaving anyone, for both there and back!!
Marti428@msu.edu
517.803.0473
Reservations: Sarah or Wilderness Medicine

Link Buca di Beppo: http://www.bucadibeppo.com/locations/location.aspx?location=3301

Phone number for directions: 505.872.2822

Meetup & Dinner Monday Night

Per Ryan:
Let's meet up at Buca di Beppo for dinner at 6:30pm. It's located at 6520 Americas Parkway N.E. off of I-40 at the Louisiana Blvd Exit, just west of the corner of Louisiana Blvd on Americas Parkway.

Rides to Taos

By taking a look at the Cabezon rides and by going with what I've heard around the group, carpools to Taos are shaping up. Here's what I could gather, but there are a lot of guesses. Drivers, please fill in the blanks. I know that Ken is looking for a ride and possibly Jen.

Dave & Bryon (different schedule)
Jan (solo due to upcoming child)
Jake (leave _?_, return _?_): Allen?
Dave (leave Tues, return _?_): Kristina, Zev
Allison (leave early Tues, return Thur, maybe Fri): Whitney, Conal, Maggie
Ryan (leave _?_, return_?_): Sarah, Tim, Jurrel, Jules...?

Alli = ?
Don = ?

Make corrections/additions by copying and pasting the above list with your changes in a comment post. Later changes should be make from the list in the most recent comment post.

Thanks! ~Maggie

FOOD!

Because I hate to not deliver on promises made around the campfire, and tomorrow might be a good day to take advantage of some local spots below are a few of the favorite local places to eat. These are just some of my personal favs or local must visits and I'm sure others have their own but here are a couple to get started with...

Mexican:
Los Cuates (3 locations, 2 on Lomas just up from campus)
El Pinto (4th street)

Breakfast Burritos:
Dos Hermanos- lots of locations, huge delicious burritos
Hannah and Nates (Coors just north of Montano near starbucks and keva juice)-- Breakfast or Lunch

Other good spots:
The Range- 2 locations in town
Dion's- if you are looking for a quick slice of pizza or salad
Frontier- try a cinnamon roll (Central)
Saggios- lots of good sandwiches, calzones, salads, soccer games on TV (across from Frontier)

So this might get you guys started. Call with questions or directions

Taos!

UNM Wilderness Medicine Students:

Tuesday night: youth hostel - Abominable Snowmansion - meet for evening lectures. I will start at 6:00 pm! (you might want to grab some dinner beforehand). You would be smart to arrive at the Snowmansion early to stake a claim on a the bunk of your choice. Of course what you do on Tuesday during the day is up to you - we would recommend skiing, since Taos conditions are good!

Wednesday: am lectures at the hostel after breakfast (there is a little grocery store nearby if you forget to bring oatmeal/cereal or Frontier burrito for breakfast!

Wednesday day: then we will travel to Bull of the Woods yurt
In case you are curious, there is an outhouse near the yurt. Probably a good idea to bring hand sanitizer. Not this!
You will need to figure our car-groups and food groups.
Wednesday night: Journal club in the yurt.
Thursday: Avalanche safety at Bull of the Woods
Friday: free day!

Gear:
You will need snowshoes or backcountry skis (with skins) - skis only if you are very skilled; it is a steep climb! Contact Darryl if you are having trouble getting snowshoes. I recommend bringing ski poles in addition to snowshoes.

You will need: (more or less the same stuff you had to stay warm at Cabezon today). But because the climb is steep - pay attention to the weight of your pack - don't bring unnecessary stuff.

Warm, layered, synthetics, down layer, shell. Waterproof gloves, gaiters are helpful. Ski goggles in case of bad weather may come in handy.
Backpack to carry gear

Snow campers will need a pad, sleeping bag, tarp. (bivy sack and tents are optional).
Yurt sleepers will not need a pad, e.g. thermarest.
You will not need to carry much water. The yurt has a wood stove - and we will melt snow.
Do not need cookware. Some of us will bring small camp stoves for individual drinks, etc.

Bring a backcountry snow shovel and avalanche transceiver if you have one! And don't forget to bring sunscreen, extra socks, and ear plugs!

If you think you may be prone to altitude sickness, obtain a prescription for diamox! Call Darryl or me if you have questions.

JA

Mild to Moderate Hypothermia!

Note: Horizontal snowflakes in Darryl's compass demo! Click on the photo for detail. I did not use photoshop!

This is what I like to call the "snugglee burritto" with a quote of the day: "I don't remember where you are from!"

1st Journal Club

High Altitude: The role of Acetazolamide by Dave and Tim
High Altitude: the role of Viagra by Maggie and Kristina
Current Mgmt of Frost Bite by Zev and Jarrell
Current Mgmt of Drugs with and in Hypothermia by Jake and Ali
Current Mgmt of Drugs with and in Hyperthermia by Connel and Ken
Drowning by Ryan and Sarah

Articles due to Dr Macias by Tues March 4th

Rides to Cabezon

Dave: Connel, Kim and Maggie
Jan: Brain, Jennifer and Kristina
Jake: Zev, Dave and Allen
Darryl: Joe and Ali
Allison: Mary, Whitney and Don
Ryan: Sarah, Tim, Jurrel and Jules

Cabezon Survival Weekend!

Tomorrow am, we meet at the UNM Continuing Ed building Parking Lot bright and early.

Remember - first, this is going to be a lot of fun!

Second - somebody should bring firewood.

Third - we expect some gourmet camp cookery! Hope you chose a good food group.

Remember to bring a small daypack and canteen or camelbak, a flint and steel and compass and signal mirror if you have one (otherwise they will be provided).

Don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring raingear and cold weather gear just in case! We have seen first class blizzards out there (probably not this weekend....)

Park in the back of the building (space permitting) Close up map

7:30 am sharp.

Be safe,

Joe Alcock

Best Comment of the Day

Ankle Dislocation Demonstration

This is a video clip of Darryl Macias MD explaining technique to reduce an ankle dislocation for students in the UNM elective.

JA

Tomorrow am: Meet at Sandia Ski Area Lodge at 9:00 am.

Scroll down for Sandia Day lab post for directions and gear list!

I will post a gear list for Cabezon plus directions tomorrow.

JA

Wilderness Medicine Course Lecture

A successful first day of lecture (one of only a handful of classroom days this year) for the Wilderness Medicine Course.

Tomorrow we meet at 8:00 am on the 3rd floor of the Domenici Center for patient transport and improvisation skills sessions.

Wilderness Patient Assessment

This is a preview of tomorrow's UNM Wilderness Medicine lecture: Patient Assessment. We will start by explaining the general approach to wilderness medicine patients: The Scene size-up. The scene size-up has three components: First - Check the scene safety - Is it safe for rescuers to approach and attend to victims. Second - Assess the mechanism of injury - Consider what injury patterns might arise from such a mechanism. Third - Find how many victims are involved - the number of injured persons has large consequences for the rescue effort.

Organize your thoughts (and your report) with the SOAP note setting.

But lets change the SOAP note from its traditional format. Those who are familiar with hospital and clinic use of SOAP notes will understand this acronym as Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. But who knows what is subjective in the wilderness anyway? I have never liked this, so we are going to change it!

Our new scheme:

"S" stands for Setting, Scene size up and scene Safety.
"O" stands for major Organ system functioning. (ABCDEs)
"A" is the "ample" history and secondary survey.
"P" will remain "plan", but will include plans for contingencies and anticipated problems.

I hope this will be an easier way to understand the Wilderness SOAP note.

We will discuss this in more detail soon!

Joe Alcock MD

Sandia Ski area extravaganza 2/28/08

The Wilderness Medicine Course is visiting the Sandia Ski area, and will meet at the ski lodge at opening time this Thursday. Directions to the Sandia Ski area from Albuquerque are: I40 East to Tijeras. Take route 14 north to Sandia Park. Follow the signs to the Sandia Ski area and park at the lodge for lectures on hypothermia and survival in the snow! We will discuss carpool options tomorrow.

Students who will be joining us should look at this gear list:

Outdoor snow gear - ski wear - sunglasses/screen -swimsuit for some!
Daypack
Ski area: Alpine/Telemark or Snowboards
Backcountry: X-country skis or Snowshoes
Bring or buy lunch/drinks
You may rent cross-country skis/snowshoes at REI - (505) 247-1191
Other gear at Sportz Outdoor (505) 837-9400
Ski Systems (505) 296-9111
UNM outdoor shop 277-8182

JA

Wilderness Medicine Elective

After brief introductions, Jan Gilmore led the UNM Medical School Wilderness Medicine students on a brief hike in the Albuquerque foothills.

Tomorrow students will be presented with Introduction to Wilderness Medicine, Patient Assessment, Leadership, and Gear lectures at room 2112 in the Domenici center. Click on the map for directions.

See you soon!

Greetings from Darryl Macias

Hello from Albuquerque to all taking the March class!
We are excited to have you come out at the end of February. Things are on track for another OUTSTANDING course-so get ready to learn, live, and laugh! Although I am honing my survival skills a bit (practicing with a bow and drill for firestarting), I have been "checking" out the snow for you as well. The backcountry skiing and snowshoeing is really good this year, and the weather is mild after several weeks of pretty cold weather. Dress properly...we are all meeting at the Copper open space for orientation at 1pm on Feb 25. You should have received a map. Registration will be done first (we will also do a little "accounting" work). Then, on a nice hike. Give us a jingle at 505-272-5062, or email me at dmacias@salud.unm.edu for questions. If you have anything that you would like to learn other than what is on the WIIM website, let us know. And tell your friends and family not to get too jealous while you embark on this fun educational event...
Cheers, aloha, namaste, and hasta...Darryl (Dario)

First Day for Wilderness Medicine Course

Welcome to the UNM Wilderness Medicine Course. We will be meeting at the Albuquerque Open Space at the easternmost end of Copper Ave NE at 1:00 pm. Students will meet Karen Lucero, our administrative assistant and will receive syllabi and additional information. Dress warmly, and bring hiking shoes, water and a snack. We will go on a brief excursion after the administrative paperwork is done.

Questions, call Karen Lucero at 272-5062.

Check out this link for videocasts!

Mountain & Marine Medicine Videos!

http://web.mac.com/dmacias5/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html

Visit this blog for lecture handouts

This is a handout for a scenario-based lecture during the UNM Wilderness Medicine Course

We will cover bicycling injuries when we go on a mountain biking excursion this month. Cases will be presented involving both road cyclists and mountain bikers.

A brief overview follows.

Injuries come in three categories:

1) Acute trauma

2) Overuse injuries

3) Environmental hazards.

I. Trauma

Mountain biking may have a few subgroups that qualify as extreme sport. As extreme sports become more common, it is important to note that practitioners rarely have medical insurance.

Bicycle Injuries are becoming more common in adults. Safety campaigns are directed mostly at children. In Massachussetts, the incidence of accidents was stable for kids in late 90’s but rose by 30% for adults. 51% were unhelmeted, accounting for 75% of closed head injury. 16% had a positive serum alcohol.

California Cycling Club: Reports a 41% yearly injury rate. Of these, most are minor, 26% required medical care. Only 1% required hospitalization. Extremity injuries accounted for 90% injuries. Head and neck trauma occurred in 12%. Victims were helmeted in 88%. Equipment failure accounted for 7% of injuries.

Downhill mountain bike injuries: common mechanism is going over the handlebars. Among racers, women more at risk than men. Injuries to torso and upper extremities. One report of fatality from diaphragmatic rupture.

Road vs. Mountain bike Injury Pattern.

Mountain bikers have a 40% - 60% decreased incidence of head/face/dental injuries than roadies. Mountain bikers are also less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to have severe injuries. These findings are because of decreased traffic on mountain trails and increased helmet use among mountain bikers.

So it is safer with helmets and safer off road!

A JAMA study showed that helmets provide 4-fold protective effect against head injury. Helmets are 85% effective against head injury and 88% effective against brain injury.

Helmet type does not matter. Hard shell, thin shell (most), and no shell helmets are all equally effective. All must meet ANSI, Snell requirements. Fit is probably the most important consideration when buying a helmet.

Helmets reduce risk of nose and upper face injury by 65%. California helmet legislation has resulted in 18% reduction in head injury for<18 yrs.

II. Overuse injuries.

1. De Quervain’s Disease. Overuse injury of thumb tendon. Repetitive shifting. Pain on inside of wrist and thumb movement.

2. Patellofemoral pain. Overworking the quadriceps. Using too high gears. Hill training.

3. Low Back Pain. Very Common. Fit of bicycle is important.

4. Ulnar tunnel syndrome. Bilateral ulnar distribution numbness. Treat with rest splinting, and NSAIDs.

5. Cyclists palsy. Distal ulnar nerve sensory and motor dysfunction. 92% IN A SERIES OF 25 cyclists completeing 600 km ride. No significant difference on mtn vs road handlebars for motor symptoms, Sensory sx more common in mtn bike group. Gloves, bicycle fit, changing hand positions also important.

6. Scrotal abnormalities. Microlithiasis, Spermatocele. Hydrocele, Scrotoliths, Varicoceles. More common in Biker group.

7. Bilateral Pudendal nerve injury secondary to excessive biking has been reported. ED may develop. However, Bicyclists have no more ED than runners and less ED than the general pop, reflecting healthier subpopulation. Authors recommend comfortable saddles and rear suspension on bikes.

Possible benefit. Mountain bikers have increased bone density and protection from osteoporosis compared to road cyclists.

III. Environmental Injuries

1. Hypothermia. This is rarer than hyperthermia, but can occur with rapidly changing weather conditions.

2. Hyperthermia. A real risk in the desert

3. Hyponatremia. Low serum sodium occurs when salt loss through sweating is accomanied by hypotonic fluid intake - like drinking water without salt-containing foods.

4. Lightning Injury. A real risk in summer afternoons. Lightning is the subject of another lecture.

5. Cactus injury

6. Animal encounters. Bites will be covered separately. Look for upcoming posts!

UNM Wilderness Medicine - Welcome!

Welcome to the UNM Wilderness Medicine Blog! This weblog will be updated daily during the UNM Wilderness Medicine Course. Check for updates, news, directions to events, and other extremely useful information for wilderness medicine course!!!