Mountain Medicine and Technical Rescue

Mountain Medicine and Technical Rescue is the definitive guide for anyone operating in high-risk, high-altitude environments. This all-in-one reference combines cutting-edge medical knowledge with essential technical rescue skills, making it an indispensable resource for mountain professionals and emergency responders alike.

Expertly curated by leaders in the field and contributors to the international Diploma in Mountain Medicine, the book is divided into two sections. The first covers the full spectrum of medical challenges in the mountains-from altitude illness and trauma to hypothermia, heat illness, and expedition planning. It also addresses legal considerations and how to build effective mountain medical kits.

The second section dives into the practical skills needed for mountain search and rescue. Readers will find detailed guidance on technical mountain travel, search strategies, evacuation procedures, and specialized rescue techniques including rope, cave, river, avalanche, alpine, and water rescues. This updated volume reflects the latest advances in mountain medicine and rescue. It is essential reading for physicians, paramedics, nurses, and all search and rescue personnel working in extreme environments.

Dr. Scott McIntosh has focused in the area of Mountain Medicine in the form of international teaching, publications, and leadership for the past 20 years. He is Past-President of the Wilderness Medical Society and Editor-in-Chief of the Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Journal from 2010-2015. He was a co-founder of the Wilderness Medical Society's Diploma in Mountain Medicine. Research and academic focuses on high altitude medicine, avalanche safety and rescue, frostbite, and mountain injuries.

Dr. George Rodway currently serves as: President of the International Society for Mountain Medicine; USA representative of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Medical Commission; and Associate Editor, Wilderness and Environmental Medicine Journal. He was a co-founder of the Wilderness Medical Society's Diploma in Mountain Medicine. His scholarly work has focused on sleep breathing disorders and high altitude-related problems. He also works as a clinician in sleep disorders medicine with patients living at high altitude.

Andy Rich, Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, is a mountain guide, rescue specialist, and educator with 30+ years of experience in technical rescue and wilderness medicine. A founding faculty member of the Wilderness Medical Society's Diploma in Mountain Medicine, he directs its Mountain Rescue Commission. His leadership and teaching have earned the WMS Dian Simpkins Service Award, WMS Education Award, and the University of Utah College of Health Distinguished Teaching Award.

David Weber has worked as a rescue technician, remote site medic, rescue helicopter manager and skills instructor for over two decades. He is currently employed as a climbing ranger in Grand Teton National Park and as a flight paramedic and hoist rescuer for Intermountain Life Flight. He is also the founder of the Mountain Rescue Collective, LLC, a technical training and rescue program assessment firm.