Illness and Injuries

NOLS instructor Jake Blackwelder tells the story of a rescue on a rock climbing route in Moab, Utah.

See if you know how to aid an injured skier with this wilderness medicine case study.

One NOLS graduate uses her Wilderness First Responder skills to help a surfer in need.

The patient is a 30-year-old complaining of fatigue, dizziness, and a headache—how will you respond? Test your knowledge with this case study.

Sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries you'll encounter in the outdoors. Are you prepared to recognize and treat them?

You find a hiker who you think might be suffering from altitude illness - after introducing yourselves, and with the patient's permission, you and the SAR team members begin an assessment. Test your knowledge with this case study

Take this wilderness medicine quiz to find out what you really know about the symptoms and treatment for altitude illness.

Read our tested strategies for handling the first aid hazards you’re most likely to see when you go fishing in lakes, rivers, streams, or the ocean.

Test your wilderness medicine skills to see how you would respond to this first-aid scenario.

Getting caught by a fishhook isn't fun, but it doesn't necessarily mean the end of your fishing trip—if you have the appropriate first-aid skills.

Here's some key advice from NOLSies to help ward off small illnesses and injuries that could lead to a more serious medical situation.