It’s that time of year. We all make resolutions in some form or another. For some it may be to increase their trail running milage or vertical gain. Others make a list of adventures they want to do over the next year. And then there are those that discipline themselves through rigorous training days to be mountain ready. As for us here at Base Medical, we are daring to dream big.
BASE MEDICAL’S 2018 RESOLUTION
Base Medical was established in May of 2017 as an international online school for outdoor safety and wilderness medicine courses. Our mission is simple: to create a safer and more informed outdoor community through education and awareness.
We are small, but we have patience. Our day is coming. We have big plans for the future that will be unlike anything seen before in the area of wilderness medicine and outdoor safety. Our big plans will be unveiled throughout 2018 as we set out to change the attitude and approach to wilderness safety by breaking the barriers and making education more accessible for all.
For our 2018 resolution, we want to make a measurable difference in the lives of those who like to adventure beyond the city limits while highlighting the transformative power of education and awareness in creating a safer outdoor community, Base Medical has selected a particular wilderness adventure group as it’s 2018 focus: Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hikers.
How One Small Wilderness Company Is Trying To Save Lives On The PCT
The 2017 season on the Pacific Crest Trail saw a shockingly high number of tragedies, including many deaths. Among these, one hiker slipped on ice and fell to his demise. Another lost his life to heat related causes. And two women died within a week of each after failed river crossings. Their bodies were found submerged under the icy cold water. These deaths are just a few of the long list of other injuries and incidents.
Why is was 2017 so dangerous? The conditions of the trail were in large part due to the high snowpack of last winter. This was complicated by the fact that the PCT trail has seen a massive increase in traffic over the last few years. And then of course, there’s the human factor. Many of the individuals thru hiking the PCT are simply not prepared in knowledge, experience, or equipment, to safely navigate the various conditions and terrain of the trail.
Many substitute comfort for lightweight packs, and thus ultimately may sacrifice safety. Others do not have the experience in traversing steep snow slopes or raging rivers. They may not yet know their limits for when it’s time to turn around or quit. Or many altogether lack the capabilities of risk assessment. And of course, if something were to occur, the knowledge of how to handle and treat such emergencies is little. This is not at the fault of most thru hikers. They say ignorance is bliss. But in the wilderness, ignorance can kill.
Unfortunately, the PCT Class of 2018 is looking at similar year of difficulties and extremes. We have had enough with receiving sad news in regards to the Pacific Crest Trail.
In an effort to create a safer and more informed outdoor community, and to honor those lost, Base Medical has decided to gift their online outdoor safety course to all PCT permit holders for 2017 and 2018.
But it does not stop there. Base Medical wants the PCT class of 2018 to be the safest yet. The Online Outdoor Safety course is not a walk in the park. It teaches everything from how to treat hypothermia and shock, to how to stop a bleed and splint fractures, wound care, and more. It’s at the level of a wilderness first responder course. Since PCT hikers come from all corners of the globe, an online course gives all the flexibility to learn and prepare.
Some PCT hikers have done their part, and are certified as Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responders. Base Medical is encourages others to do the same as hands on training is the other half of knowledge.
Currently, plans are being drafted to also provide free hands on training to thru hikers from other experienced PCT hikers and Base Medical. This may not be ready for the 2018 season, but it is sure to make a positive impact in future seasons to come. The Base Medical PCT Team is actively seeking volunteers willing to help spread the mission in creating a more informed and safer outdoor community. If interested, please email us at basemedicaledu@gmail.com
Online education, and even hands on training, does not completely eliminate the dangers of the Pacific Crest Trail. Many factors are simply beyond control. But this small wilderness medical education company hopes it will make a difference and maybe even save a few lives.
You can sign up for the online outdoor safety course here or visit www.base-medical.com
BASE MEDICAL’S 2018 RESOLUTION
Base Medical was established in May of 2017 as an international online school for outdoor safety and wilderness medicine courses. Our mission is simple: to create a safer and more informed outdoor community through education and awareness.
We are small, but we have patience. Our day is coming. We have big plans for the future that will be unlike anything seen before in the area of wilderness medicine and outdoor safety. Our big plans will be unveiled throughout 2018 as we set out to change the attitude and approach to wilderness safety by breaking the barriers and making education more accessible for all.
For our 2018 resolution, we want to make a measurable difference in the lives of those who like to adventure beyond the city limits while highlighting the transformative power of education and awareness in creating a safer outdoor community, Base Medical has selected a particular wilderness adventure group as it’s 2018 focus: Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hikers.
How One Small Wilderness Company Is Trying To Save Lives On The PCT
The 2017 season on the Pacific Crest Trail saw a shockingly high number of tragedies, including many deaths. Among these, one hiker slipped on ice and fell to his demise. Another lost his life to heat related causes. And two women died within a week of each after failed river crossings. Their bodies were found submerged under the icy cold water. These deaths are just a few of the long list of other injuries and incidents.
Why is was 2017 so dangerous? The conditions of the trail were in large part due to the high snowpack of last winter. This was complicated by the fact that the PCT trail has seen a massive increase in traffic over the last few years. And then of course, there’s the human factor. Many of the individuals thru hiking the PCT are simply not prepared in knowledge, experience, or equipment, to safely navigate the various conditions and terrain of the trail.
Many substitute comfort for lightweight packs, and thus ultimately may sacrifice safety. Others do not have the experience in traversing steep snow slopes or raging rivers. They may not yet know their limits for when it’s time to turn around or quit. Or many altogether lack the capabilities of risk assessment. And of course, if something were to occur, the knowledge of how to handle and treat such emergencies is little. This is not at the fault of most thru hikers. They say ignorance is bliss. But in the wilderness, ignorance can kill.
Unfortunately, the PCT Class of 2018 is looking at similar year of difficulties and extremes. We have had enough with receiving sad news in regards to the Pacific Crest Trail.
In an effort to create a safer and more informed outdoor community, and to honor those lost, Base Medical has decided to gift their online outdoor safety course to all PCT permit holders for 2017 and 2018.
But it does not stop there. Base Medical wants the PCT class of 2018 to be the safest yet. The Online Outdoor Safety course is not a walk in the park. It teaches everything from how to treat hypothermia and shock, to how to stop a bleed and splint fractures, wound care, and more. It’s at the level of a wilderness first responder course. Since PCT hikers come from all corners of the globe, an online course gives all the flexibility to learn and prepare.
Some PCT hikers have done their part, and are certified as Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responders. Base Medical is encourages others to do the same as hands on training is the other half of knowledge.
Currently, plans are being drafted to also provide free hands on training to thru hikers from other experienced PCT hikers and Base Medical. This may not be ready for the 2018 season, but it is sure to make a positive impact in future seasons to come. The Base Medical PCT Team is actively seeking volunteers willing to help spread the mission in creating a more informed and safer outdoor community. If interested, please email us at basemedicaledu@gmail.com
Online education, and even hands on training, does not completely eliminate the dangers of the Pacific Crest Trail. Many factors are simply beyond control. But this small wilderness medical education company hopes it will make a difference and maybe even save a few lives.
You can sign up for the online outdoor safety course here or visit www.base-medical.com
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