Among the advantages of living in the Mountain West are opportunities to experience the good life in nature's wonderland. The forested mountainsides and the desert's red cliffs offer rewards far different than those of our cities and towns. Going into the outdoors forms memories lasting a lifetime that can be shared with others.
But with all of nature's beauties in our "back yard," things can happen that mar the experience, including injuries or sudden illness. Moreover, a physician is not always nearby. Anyone venturing into the great outdoors for a few hours, a day or even longer should be especially sensitive to safety, proper rescue techniques and correct first-aid procedures.One of the most effective ways of getting ready for the unexpected is to learn, in person, from the experts. To help meet the public's need for state-of-the-art emergency care information, the Wilderness Medical Society is offering a public seminar in Utah on Saturday, Feb. 12.
The Wilderness Medical Society presents several conferences each year for its members, which include physicians, nurses and others. However, this seminar presents many of the same experts at a lower cost and is specifically aimed at the general public.
Seminar topics to be covered include high-altitude illness, heat-related illness, common back-country medical problems, frostbite and hypothermia, bites and stings and medical kits.
Featured speakers will be:
- Dr. Ken Zafren, staff physician for the Himalayan Rescue Association, who has traveled to Antarctica and is a hospital emergency room physician in Anchorage, Ala.
- Dr. Howard Donner, staff physician with the Himalayan Rescue Association, the Denali Medical Research Project and Operation Everest II, and an emergency room physician in Colorado.
- And Dr. Mel Otten, professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati, who has extensive military medicine experience.
The seminar will be held at Highline Junior High School, 123 E. 5300 South, Salt Lake City, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is a registration fee. Space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Preregistration is recommended.
For information and cost, contact the Wilderness Medical Society at 468-4921.