…Backcountry and wilderness expeditions and daytrips can be a blast! One minute you’re  stimulated by the views and having fun, and in some instances, the next minute you’re on the ground after tripping on a rock, asking yourself, “Where did all that blood come from?” Having the right medical supplies can turn a potential disaster…

…The thing that makes Ricardo Flores exceedingly well qualified to serve as a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education field instructor is his love of the outdoors and experience in group dynamics through his corporate  management experience. Specifically, Ricardo formerly worked as a logistics manager and a project manager for Proctor & Gamble, which…

…Zac Adair didn’t need anyone to tell him that Hurricane Bertha delivered something big last month. The roar of the surf could be heard well before he crossed the dune at Carolina Beach. But exactly how good Bertha’s waves were remained a blank for someone else to fill even as he stared at the ocean….

…Kate Javes has been a huge part of NCOAE’s continued success for a number of years, most recently as our EMS program director. Recently, Kate has decided to step back from that leadership role following three years of developing our Hybrid EMT training program.  In addition, Kate oversaw all of our EMT and AEMT courses…

…As we outlined in earlier parts of this series, our instructors are expected to possess a wealth of experiences, as well as areas of knowledge and skills that educate and keep course participants safe, engaged, and active in the backcountry. An example of that is learning about cloud formations and their relationship to weather. Just…

Our co-founder and director of operations, Celine trains NCOAE instructors and helps develop our curriculum….

…It stands to reason that the success or failure of any non-solo outdoor adventure depends to a great degree on the person or people accompanying you. As a result, and long before you head out the door on your next adventure, you’ll want to ensure you don’t select a partner who can quickly turn either…

…Few things on Earth can match the unsurpassed contentment of sleeping outdoors. “If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night,” Bill Watterson once wrote, “I bet they’d live a lot differently.” Amen to that! The stars above, the clouds floating by like sailing vessels, the trees whispering in the breeze. And, of…

Explore some of the most beautiful mountains and rivers in the world on a 25-day Ecuador expedition!…

…Hypothermia is deadly. There, I said it! This potentially dangerous drop in body temperature is commonly defined as a core body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) after dropping from a healthy temperature of about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius. The slightest variance from the “normal” range can disrupt the body’s…

…Having a first aid kit handy is always a good idea, but what should it contain? The answer to this question really depends on what you plan to be doing. There are different considerations for a kit that you carry in your car versus one that you grab up for a mountain bike ride or…

…One of the most important parts of proper wilderness medicine is the assessment process to determine the extent of your patients injuries….