Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute

Another reason I carry a tarp. 

While injuries generally follow being caught, carried and buried in an avalanche it’s not the only way to get hurt in the backcountry. Snow sports and lower leg injuries are nearly synonymous.

Thus a plan for packaging and warming a patient while awaiting rescue is mandatory. The versatility of the guide tarp facilitates this perfectly.

Keeping an injured victim warm is the goal. The “human burrito” or “hypo wrap” is the solution. The recipe: tarp, insulation and external heat sources.- Wrapping the patient snuggly in this reduces the amount of dead air space around them and keeps them warmer.

In addition to my tarp I carry an extra pair of puffy pants for insulation and heat packs to apply on the chest, armpits and groin. If someone else in the group carries an extra down jacket we have a full packaging/warming kit.

What’s your emergency plan in the backcountry?

-Who are you responsible for in the backcountry? –
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-The items that reside at the bottom of my pack in winter while rarely used are my constant companions and carried for the benefit of myself, group members or others in need.
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-My most bestowed item is my tarp. What I often refer to as my most versatile piece of equipment. –
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-In the photo, as a TCSAR member I am assisting community members carry out a heart attack patient out of the backcountry. Prior to arriving on scene a former student of our WFR program .mook.5 had already administered what was likely a life extending dose of aspirin. When I arrived on scene the patient collapsed in the snow as they were trying to walk him out as he was too fatigued to ski. We quickly wrapped him in warm clothing and laid him in the center of the tarp. We rolled the sides up and carried it like a stretcher over a half mile to an awaiting helicopter. –
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-Two very of simple solutions to saving a life. –
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-What do you carry for others when traveling in the backcountry?-
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Listen to the first person accounts of the rescue. Click the link in our bio or check the comments. –

What’s your need? CPR, 1st Aid or WFR Recert…we have a little bit of everything coming your way!

It’s huckleberry and wildflower season in the Tetons!

Did you know huckleberries are rich in antioxidants and potassium helping to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health? They are packed with vitamins and fiber as well, contributing to improve immune function, reduce inflammation and better your digestive health.

High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder increasing the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease. High blood pressure can also damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

So go out into the mountains and find yourself some juicy huckleberries, you won’t regret it! can confirm 😎

Happy Birthday to Meaghan, our fearless leader and visionary! Thank you for helping us all live better in the backcountry!

Want to be a better partner in the backcountry? Consider Wilderness Medicine training to help everyone Live Better in the Backcountry.

Excited to announce this East Coast class, in partnership with and

Course will be held on site at the Cardigan Mountain School with lodging and/or meals available for purchase.

Looking for more East Coast Programming this summer?
- Hybrid WFR July 23 - 27 in Lyme, NH
- WFA August 16 & 17 @ Cardigan Mountain School

To reserve your spot head to jholi.net

You want to take a charge from LeBron James coming down the lane with no helmet on that’s dangerous. But you know what? Some people like to do that stuff. So leave them alone. 

- Jon Gruden 

You can wear one or not. Although the jury is in. Helmets help reduce the effect of low impact direct hits and of those from glancing blows. Thus helping reduce the occurrence of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. This includes what we use to call a concussion. Meaning concussions are TBI’s.

I have witnessed numerous TBI’s. Anecdotally, I have concluded the following:
1. Helmets don’t always work
2. Helmets work in inexplicable ways
3. Helmets have saved the lives of people I have rescued
4. Helmets have been worthless in the survival of people I have rescued
5. I have never rescued anyone in a major event who didn’t want their hemet on.

It’s your choice to wear a helmet…it’s also your choice to get the appropriate medical training to care for a head injury. Major head injuries often result in a combination of wounds involving soft tissue, possible skull fracture and breathing problems associated with swelling of the brain.

What skills do you need?
1. Airway Management and Rescue Breathing Techniques
2. Bleeding Control Management 
3. Cervical Spine Management Techniques

Do you have the proper skills and training to provide these treatments? Do your partners? Join us for a training or a refresher!