Backcountry Medical Guides

Sometimes things—including fingers—go a little sideways… We’ve got a new trip report on the blog from alumni ‘s bikepacking trip along the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route. From altitude sickness to a dislocated pinky, Will had quite the adventure—not to mention the 800-plus miles of amazing riding. Check out the blog for the full write up! And if you’ve done some fun adventuring since you took a BMG program, or utilized the knowledge you learned to respond to an emergency, we’d love to hear about it. | ⛰️⚕️

Naloxone’s effectiveness in reversing opioid overdoses has made it an important component of first aid kits. The medication has been a significant factor in curbing opioid overdose deaths, which, as of this month, are down more than 10 percent nationally—a welcomed change for this years-long public health crisis. Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan) works by attaching to the body’s opioid receptors and blocking their effects, helping reverse overdoses by restoring respirations. And there are tons of resources to help get naloxone into the public’s hands at minimal cost. Check out our latest blog post to learn how you can get naloxone for your first aid kit, or to keep anywhere else it could save a life.

While we teach well beyond the fundamentals of wilderness medicine, we never forget about the fun. From improvised splints and carrying methods to packing roasts with gauze, all of our programs focus on experiential learning. Here’s a quick highlight reel from courses all over the West Coast this summer. | ⛰️⚕️

Meet Captain Dan Ohms, one of our long-time maritime and wilderness instructors. We often call him a renaissance man of the sea, but his extensive 32-year professional career as a firefighter/paramedic and captain with Bellingham Fire Department is just as impressive as his sailing accolades, which include multiple Vic-Maui races, and time sailing in France, New Zealand, and Russia. These days, he regularly cruises his homeland in the PNW on his Aphrodite 101, is a Lummi Island fire commissioner, teaches ACLS and PALS, takes piano lessons, works the Lummi Ferry, is the senior master on the Plover Ferry, and is certified as a 100 Ton Master Mariner with sailing and towing endorsements. (He sure likes to keep busy in retirement.) Here he is at the helm on Swiftsure during last week’s maritime WFR in the San Juan Islands. | ⛵️⚕️

We sure appreciate everyone who prioritizes learning wilderness medicine. Beyond our programs, if you’d like to support BMG, check out our t-shirts! Rep your knowledge and let others know the importance of being prepared for whatever adventure brings. As a small nonprofit, every bit of support and awareness helps us achieve our mission—thanks for being a part of our adventure! Hit the link in our bio to explore our web store. | ⛰️⚕️

📣New program alert!!📣 Ski/snowboard WFA + AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course! We are excited to offer two December 2024 sessions for this three-day backcountry program, taught in collaboration with . We’ve combined our highly experiential in-person WFA program with an AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course to create a comprehensive training that covers the dynamic and multifaceted challenges of backcountry accidents and emergencies. The WFA program provides all the skills-practice and knowledge needed to handle a range of medical and traumatic emergencies, while AIARE’s Avalanche Rescue Course teaches companion rescue and avalanche-specific response techniques to help skiers and snowboarders better understand and navigate backcountry-specific challenges. Join us December 13-15 or 20-22 for this awesome, one-of-a-kind program! | Link in bio to learn more and register! | ⛰️⚕️

There are still a few spots left in our September 21-22 mountain bike WFA program in Bellingham, WA! This two-day course provides a weekend of focused learning, practical experience, and fun riding on some of Bellingham’s renowned trails. You’ll learn essential knowledge, skills, and techniques for addressing medical and traumatic emergencies in the wilderness, with a focus on common mountain-bike injuries and mountain environments. | ⛰️⚕️ | 📸:

📣2025 program dates just announced‼️ While we’re enjoying the heck outta this summer, we’re already looking forward to another year of teaching wilderness medicine programs! We just released 2025 dates for all of our Big Sur, CA & Bellingham, WA Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder programs, as well as a few mountain bike and maritime courses, on our website. Dates for ski, trail running, and more mountain biking programs will be coming soon, so stay tuned. We hope to see ya in 2025! Link in bio. | ⛰️⚕️

We love working with all types of organizations and companies to create custom programs. From nonprofit land trusts to adventure tourism outfitters, outdoor gear companies to trail crews and local hiking clubs, Backcountry Medical Guides can adapt its core curriculum to meet any specific needs in just about any location. We’ve also found that first aid and wilderness medicine courses make for excellent team building and risk management experiences while creating safer working environments. Let’s work together to create an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind program that meets your specific training needs! ⛰️⚕️|

From Bellingham to Big Sur, springtime never disappoints. We had some wild weather, a landslide on Hwy 1, tacky trails, and epic sunsets—all ingredients that make for fun and exciting programs. Thanks to all of our awesome students and clients who came out to learn wilderness medicine these past few months!

For many of us, summer is synonymous with escaping to the high alpine, hot days at the lake, or weekends at the beach. These kind of activities also tend to be accompanied by a lot of sun exposure, which means there’s plenty of potential for sunburns. So, we put together a guide to sun protection, featuring a deep-dive into sunscreens and some wisdom on the best ways to stay safe when adventuring in the summertime sun.

What happens when a land slide and subsequent road closure divides a WFR class in Big Sur? Unfortunately, we got to find out a few weeks ago when this happened during one of our programs. Thankfully, everyone was OK and the situation was resolved relatively smoothly, so we were able to use it as a learning opportunity to reflect on our emergency management plan and decision making processes. Check out our latest blog to read more about the situation and the lessons we learned.

Our adventure-based Wilderness First Aid/WFR-Refresher program helps equip you for outdoor adventures. Spend a weekend hiking in Big Sur or Bellingham while learning how to treat life threats, stabilize injuries, and manage medical and environmental hardships. Earn your Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or refresh a valid WFR certification.

Swipe to see course dates through the rest of 2024 and learn more at the link in our bio.

A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) program is the gold standard for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone seeking to feel capable and confident while exploring remote places. Our WFR programs are immersive outdoor experiences that empower you with tools to stay safer and go further. Our courses combine self-paced online pre-course work with five days on site in Bellingham or Big Sur.

Swipe to see course dates through the rest of 2024. Learn more at the link in our bio.

Our Wilderness First Responder for Skiers & Splitboarders requires a special group of instructors and participants willing to take on experiential learning in variable winter conditions. We’re grateful for the curiosity, hard work, and stoke that this class brought to the backcountry. As one student described, an “inclusive environment for safe, joyful learning” was cultivated with care.

Thank you to and for making this week possible. We appreciate the opportunity to teach emergency response skills in this dynamic and beautiful environment.

This year, this program filled up months in advance. If you’d like to hear when our 2025 Ski/Splitboard WFR will be, join the notification list by emailing [email protected].

Port Townsend! We'll be back for two Advanced First Aid/CPR for Mariners programs this year, March 9-10 and April 20-21. You can learn more and register here: https://www.maritimemedicalguides.org/advanced-first-aidcpr-for-mariners/port-townsend

There are several opportunities coming up to prepare mariners of all levels for safety on and near the water. Hosted by Backcountry Medical Guides, participants can receive certifications for First Aid / CPR, advanced first aid and CPR skills, Wilderness First Response for Mariners, or participate in Maritime Medical Online learning opportunities.
There are multiple opportunities within Washington over the next few months, so check out the link for more information: https://www.maritimemedicalguides.org/

We’re delighted to be partnering on this Wilderness First Aid program with one of our favorite local organizations, . This all-women training will take place at Larrabee State Park in April. Learn more & snag your spot at https://letsshiftgears.org/wilderness-first-aid.

We couldn’t have been happier to return to Alaska for this month’s WFR-Refresher with . This one is always a course to look forward to.

If you believe in the importance of experiential education, supporting BMG (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) on this Giving Tuesday will help ensure countless others have the opportunity to learn wilderness medicine in remarkable places. We, and the folks we are able to serve with your help, are truly grateful for your support.

Here's how you can contribute:
1. Enroll in (or gift!) a course.
2. Donate at the link in our bio.
3. Share what we do with your friends.
4. Volunteer with us.

These actions will enable us to continue offering exceptional itineraries, maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios, providing top-notch staff, and granting scholarships to students.

P.S. The majority of our programs will increase in price on December 1st, 2023, so register now for early bird pricing!

We’re grateful to have had the chance to teach custom courses to some wonderful groups this fall. The (unsurprisingly) excelled in improvisatory, rope-assisted rescue techniques. joined us again at Larrabee State Park for a catered First Aid/CPR training. Plus, you don’t have to be an “official” organization to book a program with us - we had a fantastic time with this Wilderness First Aid course organized by “Rick’s Hiking Group.”

If you’re part of a club, workplace, or even a group of friends that could benefit from some customized first aid training, feel free to get in touch with us. As we schedule our 2024 dates, we always look forward to seeing groups grow and bond over all things wilderness medical.

As the days get shorter and the rain comes in, it’s time to get ready for ski season. Join & for a winter favorite, our unique Wilderness First Responder tailored to backcountry skiers & snowboarders.❄️

Are you familiar with avalanche safety but unclear on your next steps for emergencies in remote environments? Earn your turns and a WFR certification in a week of immersive wilderness medical training in Mt. Baker’s backcountry.

An excellent finale to summertime with September’s Big Sur Wilderness First Responder crew. Splints, slings, seaside, serenading, scenarios, and a delightful looking scramble(?).

We’re looking forward to another week of camping, cheffing, & wilderness medicine this December. Join us 12/16-12/20 to get WFR certified at Big Creek Reserve.

Join AdventureMed and Backcountry Medical Guides this April in Lake Tahoe for WLS:MP!

Formerly AWLS, learn life saving backcountry skills while simultaneously earning CME. Visit adventuremed.com to learn more and sign up today!

BMG specializes in adventure-based, hybrid Wilderness First Responder programs. Our sport-specific offerings include mountain biking, hiking, sailing, backcountry skiing, and more, combining self-paced online pre-course work with a multi-day adventure of a lifetime.

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is the standard for industry professionals & outdoor enthusiasts. Our programs teach you to respond to emergency scenarios in remote locations, using beautiful wilderness destinations as the classroom. You’ll learn how to treat illnesses, assess and stabilize common injuries, and evaluate risks inherent to wilderness settings.

Our classes meld adventure sports with emergency practice scenarios in a hands-on learning environment. These 5- to 6-day courses are for anyone who works or adventures outside — and wants to do so safely. Check out our 2024 programs and join us in California or Washington!