Almost two decades ago we created Katabatic Consulting and Katabatic Mountain School to provide remote medical consulting and training for companies and individuals operating in remote environments. We have provided wilderness medical support, training and consulting for programs and individuals from Everest to Antarctica and from Patagonia to the Bahamas.
As fly fishing guides and avid anglers and sportsmen, we noticed the limited focused training opportunities for guides and outfitters as well as individuals seeking further first aid training that was more appropriate for the environments they worked and played in. We developed our wilderness first aid course ,”Freestone First Aid” to meet the needs of guides operating in the wilderness environment. We basically took our current wilderness first aid curriculum and tailored to it accommodate the “real” scenario’s anglers and hunters may face in their environment.
Let’s be honest, medicine is medicine until it is not, right? Basic standard first aid training is fine, but may not be appropriate when an emergency, illness or injury occurs away from quick 911 or rescue response. Critical thinking and steps to be taken after “that first 10 minutes” is crucial. Our courses address these situations. We rely on evidence-based medicine to ensure the most up-to-date and appropriate medical training.
We took our wilderness medicine consulting a step further by offering training and consulting for lodges and outfitters to ensure their clients, guides and staff had an up-to-date, reasonable and realistic Emergency Action Plan in place as well as the appropriate first aid kits and training to support the environment they operate in.
Again, as fellow guides and sportsmen and sportswomen, we understand the working environment you operate and play in. As medical professionals and educators, we understand what you need to be prepared for an emergency, illness or injury in the field.