outdoor medicine

Outdoor medicine involves the medical knowledge and skills needed to treat injuries or illnesses that occur in outdoor or wilderness settings, where access to traditional healthcare may be limited. It includes managing emergencies like fractures, hypothermia, or bites, often using minimal equipment. Practitioners assess protected environments, stabilize patients, and make decisions about evacuation or continued care. This discipline requires understanding of terrain, weather, and resources, ensuring safety and effective treatment when immediate medical facilities are unavailable. It's essential for outdoor enthusiasts, guides, and rescue personnel to be prepared for medical situations in remote locations.