2024 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

This workshop introduces and utilizes the S.L.O.W De-Escalation model as a tool for frontline staff who may encounter challenging and potentially hostile interactions with another person. Tensions can rise with clients, colleagues, and the general public over many topics- some trivial and some of substance. Minor conflict has the potential to escalate if we do not recognize and respond appropriately. Whether it be program decisions, financial discussions, or something on a more personal level, we usually don't know what another person is carrying with them emotionally. This workshop will focus on responding not reacting, active listening, validating someone's concerns (which does not necessarily mean agreeing with them), and knowing when to walk away from an interaction. The overarching goal of this training is to learn a new tool for your toolbox with a focus on personal safety and wellbeing.

In this workshop, you will learn the steps you can take as an individual or organization to create more inclusive and accessible space for the Deaf community in the outdoors with technology and communication access. Participants will learn about risk management from Deaf lenses in the outdoors along with some data gathered from the community. We also will be covering different technological advantages that can benefit Deaf people in the outdoors.

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes 8 parts: meditation, exercise, diet, cosmology, feng shui, bodywork, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. The more commonly known parts are acupuncture (needles) and plant medicine. As a Chinese Medicine Practitioner as well as a NOLS Wilderness First Responder, PSAR with the NPS, climber and hiker with special training in Trauma Medicine, I created a TCM Field Kit that I want to share during this workshop. Often times while responders wait for assistance we are handling mental trauma, shock, pain, bleeding and things that acupuncture and herbs are very good at treating. Learning how Eastern and Western Medicine compliment each other can enhance the healing process for the injured person during and after the medical response. The objectives of this workshop are to: learn points that are used for resuscitation, shock, bleeding, digestion, pain, blood pressure, bone and soft tissue swelling and more. Learn what herbs can be added to your FA kit to stop bleeding. Learn Battlefield and NADA Protocols using ear seeds to stop pain. And breathing to calm the spirit before, during and after any medical emergency for the patient and the responder by improving health and reducing risk.

As with all gravity sports, it is way too easy to equate an uneventful trip with being ready for the worst case scenario. We are fortunate that rivers are so forgiving but where are the gaps in our crews readiness for call to action when things go sideways. Join us in this interactive session to review trends in PPE, Rescue Gear, and Training Strategies.