Category: Wilderness Medicine
The Outdoor Season: Essential Skills for the Trail and the Backyard
When the Northern California foothills trade their winter brown for vibrant green, the shift is immediate. Suddenly, Saturday mornings are…
The Outdoor Guide to Treating Strains and Sprains
Whether you are navigating a rocky trail, playing a pickup game at the park, or just working on a weekend…
River and Stream Crossing Considerations for Hikers and Backpackers
By Ted Lenzie As spring arrives, mountain snowpack begins to melt, causing rivers and streams to run deep, cold, and…
Everything You Need to Know About Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Courses & Certification
When you explore the remote landscapes of Northern California, the distance between you and the nearest hospital can be measured…Avoiding and Treating Cold Illnesses and Injuries
By Ted Lenzie When we think of cold illness and injuries, most people picture severe hypothermia or deep frostbite. In…Wilderness Wisdom: Hypothermia Reference Guide for Northern California Adventurers
Winter in Northern California can be breathtaking — the sun glinting off Lake Tahoe’s snow-covered slopes, fog weaving through the…
When the Plan Changes: Lessons in Backcountry Leadership
By Ted Lenzie Every great outing starts with an idea: where, when, how, and who. Some adventures take months of…
Fall Hiking Safety Tips for Northern California Adventurers
Fall is one of the best seasons to explore Northern California’s trails — but it also brings unique risks. Cooler…Caught in the Storm: One Ski Patroller’s Lessons in Safety and Rescue
When record-breaking snow buried the Sierras during the 2022–23 winter season, Ted Lenzie found himself skiing into what could have…Rattlesnake Bites in the Wilderness: What You Need to Know
Rattlesnakes are part of the backcountry landscape across much of North America, and their bites are the most common serious…
