As spring begins to show its head, we wish you the best in these warmer temperatures. Kick your spring off right by registering for one of our upcoming courses!

As always, be safe in the outdoors,

Whitewater enthusiasts know that after every good winter, there's a good runoff. But while rising rivers can make for a great river season, the risk for drowning and near drowning incidents increases greatly and so does the need to wear a proper personal flotation device (PFD). Keep yourself safe with these helpful facts:

According to Coast Guard statistics, the most common factor in whitewater deaths is failure to wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket). Submersion causes breathing and heart rate changes that make it difficult for a swimmer to stay above water. Two types are typically used in whitewater sports:

• Type III PFD This vest-style jacket is preferred by paddlers because of greater mobility and comfort. The Coast Guard requires 15.5 pounds minimal buoyancy for type III PFDs. This lift is effective since most adults weigh between 10 and 12 pounds in the water.
• Type V PFD These jackets provide greater flotation and are constructed to "turn" or roll an unconscious wearer face-up. They are often used by commercial outfitters.

A life jacket should fit well and not ride up over the head while the swimmer is in the water. To further ensure a snug fit, many life jackets are now equipped with a crotch strap. Some jackets are also equipped with a built-in harness for rescues. Other uses for a PFD include:

• Insulation to prevent hypothermia
• Foam padding for falls, rapids, etc.
• Improvised splints
• Cervical collars, cylindrical knee braces, padded ankle stirrups, etc

Make sure that you and your patients are always equipped with a well-fitting and Coast Guard certified life jacket from a proper outfitter, and you'll be sure to stay afloat this river season! Enjoy!

Flagstaff, Arizona - April 4-6, 2008

Set in the Ponderosa Pine forests of the Colorado Plateau, this Awls course is being presented by Northern Arizona University. This is a weekend course available for 17.5 hours of CME credits and Wilderness Medical Society FAWM credits.

Moab, UT- May 28-31, 2008

This AWLS course is taught in the spectacular red rocks area of Moab Utah. You will learn the practical hands-on skills of wilderness medicine in a warm weather setting, with a focus on hiking, biking, rafting and climbing related medical issues. You can certify in AWLS and obtain CME credits.

Joe Wheeler State Park, Alabama - June 20 - 22, 2008

The forests, lakes and rivers of Northwest Alabama are the setting for this AWLS® course being held at Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge with immediate access to outdoor teaching in a wilderness setting. This is a weekend course available for 17.5 hours of CME credits and Wilderness Medical Society FAWM credits.

We've got our full summer course schedule up on our website!

The Advanced Wilderness Life Support certification course was originally developed at the University of Utah School of Medicine and has grown significantly since its creation in 1997. The increasing demand for certification resulted in the creation of a new organization, AdventureMed, to promote the responsible growth of the AWLS program. AWLS certification is available to anyone with a medical degree or certification including: MD, DO, RN, DDS, DPM, PA, EMT and Paramedic.

The Wilderness Life Support Institute, a nonprofit organization, was founded by Paul S. Auerbach, MD and Richard Ingebretsen, MD to oversee the content and quality of the AWLS certification program.

The mission of AWLS is to create competence in medical professionals, enabling them to effectively manage emergency medical situations outside traditional medical facilities.