MedWAR teaches and tests wilderness medicine knowledge and skills.

We often attempt to use scenarios and questions which correspond to the location and conditions of the race, however we do not always do so. (e.g. You may be standing in the middle of a swamp, but we can still simulate an avalanche if we choose.)

We welcome everyone. There are no training or knowledge requirements to race. If you don't know something, you can learn by racing.

MedWAR Racers should be prepared to manage and deal with the following:

Musculoskeletal Injury Management

  • Strains/Sprains

  • Dislocations

  • Fractures – Splinting, Traction

Soft Tissue Wound Management

  • Lacerations

  • Burns

  • Puncture – with and without embedded objects

  • Blisters

  • Infection

  • Frostbite/Extremity Immersion

  • Animal Bites

  • Insect Bites/Stings

  • Fishhook Removal

Exposure Injury and Condition Management

  • Hypothermia – Full Body Immersion

  • Hyperthermia/Heat Stroke

  • Altitude/Mountain Sickness

  • Dehydration

  • Hazardous Materials Exposure

  • Poisonings

    • Injections (Animals, Insects)

    • Ingestions (Foods, Plants, Liquids)

  • Contaminated Water/Water Purification

  • Food/Electrolyte Deprivation

  • Lightning and Other Weather Conditions

  • Drowning/River Safety

  • Fire Issues – Smoke Inhalation, Fire Safety

  • Avalanche safety and burial/rescue

  • Crevasse extrication

Systemic Injury and Condition Management

  • Shock

  • Respiratory Conditions/Respiratory Arrest (CPR)

  • Cardiovascular Conditions/Cardiac Arrest (CPR)

  • Neurological Injuries/Conditions

  • Pre-existing Medical Conditions (e.g. Diabetes, Sickle Cell Anemia)

  • Diarrhea/Fluid Loss

General

  • Basic search and rescue

  • Ethical Issues in Wilderness Medicine

  • Legal Issues in Wilderness Medicine

  • Scene Assessment Skills -- Multiple Patients (Wilderness Triage)

  • Patient Assessment Skills -- Multiple Injuries

  • Pediatric Issues in Wilderness Medicine

  • Orienteering

  • Medical Kit Planning

  • Expedition Gear Planning

  • Communication Issues

  • Transition-to-Hospital Issues