We are excited to announce the publication of our first print catalog. With over 2,000 products, the first volume of the Equipment & Supply Catalog is designed to be a comprehensive resource to allow you to outfit a remote clinic from the ground up. Addressing all the equipment needs of a remote area medic, the [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical Launches First Equipment Catalog’.
With snow falling in Washington and winter officially begun, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We are all out hitting the slopes and looking forward to time with our families this holiday season. We hope that you have a chance to do the same. Read more – ‘Happy Thanksgiving.’.
Melina Coogan is a freelance writer and photographer, author of the blog The Wilder Coast, and a recent graduate of Remote Medical International’s Wilderness First Responder program. On day eight of the ten-day Wilderness First Responder course, WFR students participate in an evening mass casualty scenario. Over the course of three hours the entire class [...] Read more – ‘The Rescue: A WFR student’s first-hand account’.
Fishermen’s Memorial, Fishermen’s Terminal, Seattle, WA Remote Medical International recently joined Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial list of approved training facilities for their training rebate program. The Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial (SFM) was established in 1985 to promote safety in the local fishing fleets and provide emotional and financial support to surviving family members of fishermen lost [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical International joins Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Training Rebate Program’.
What would you do if you had 30 minutes, Hurst Jaws-of-Life Power Tools, a Volvo sedan and a crowd? …the obvious answer for us was to cut the car in half. On May 18th Remote Medical International teamed up with Hurst Jaws-of-Life, NEK, Remote Diagnostic Technologies, Honeywell and Protect The Force for a charity challenge event at SOFIC [...] Read more – ‘Charity Challenge Event: 30 Minutes to Cut a Car in Half’.
WWU alums, Andrew Cull and Christine Avakian, lead the way for Remote Medical International. The idea for Remote Medical International started in Andrew Cull’s notebook during Organic Chemistry class at Western Washington University. Since it’s founding in 2003, Remote Medical International has maintained close ties with the University; 5 current employees are WWU [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical International: Continuing Ties with Western Washington University’.
Maritime travel requires a unique set of considerations. Not only do you have to be prepared for a medical emergency, but you must also have confidence that every system of your vessel will operate without fail as a logistical issue can lead directly to a safety issue. Once you cast off help is an [...] Read more – ‘Join Remote Medical International for Happy Hour and Great Cause.’.
We’ve scheduled two more Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses for 2011! Our decision to continue hosting courses at the Presidio was made easy by the overwhelmingly positive comments we got from both instructors and students. I asked Phong Duong, the lead instructor for the January WFR about his overall experience: “Great!” he said, “The diversity [...] Read more – ‘Back to San Francisco: RMI to host two more WFR courses at the Presidio!’.
Medical emergencies don’t wait for better weather, so neither do we. All of our courses, from the WFA to the RMAP, include a significant hands-on component and we go outside no matter what. So bring your sun hat, raincoat, or snow boots! Need information about what weather to expect during your training course? Call our [...] Read more – ‘Rain, Shine, Or SNOW!’.
The SWAT (standing for Stretch Wrap And Tuck) Tourniquet is Remote Medical International’s number one recommended tourniquet option. With no spinning parts or pins, and no complicated straps, the SWAT-T can be easily self-applied with only one hand. Visit RMI’s website for SWAT-T product information or to place an order. Below is a video of [...] Read more – ‘Video: SWAT Tourniquet in Action’.
Remote Medical International is teaming up with Planet Granite to offer the Wilderness First Responder Training in San Francisco January 7-16, 2011. The Wilderness First Responder is the outdoor adventure and guiding industry standard for medical training, and RMI emphasizes hands-on experiential learning to ensure that you graduate feeling confident in your [...] Read more – ‘RMI teams up with Planet Granite for our first Bay Area WFR!’.
We’re off to the International WorkBoat Show at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans December 1-3. Come and visit us at Booth #3364 and check out RMI’s newest medical kit, the WHO Ship’s Medicine Chest. This Marine Medical Kit meets the requirements listed in the World Health Organization’s International Medical Guide for Ships, 3rd [...] Read more – ‘Next Stop New Orleans: RMI Exhibiting at the International Work Boat Show’.
For the first time ever, Remote Medical International is exhibiting at the Pacific Marine Expo taking place in Seattle, Washington at the Quest Field Event Center on November 18-20, 2010. The PME is the largest commercial marine tradeshow on the West Coast and is targeted for anyone who makes their living on the water or [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical International Exhibiting at the Pacific Marine Expo’.
In November 2009 Remote Medical International teamed with Sawtooth Mountain Guides (SMG) to put on a public Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training. The student body was composed of world-class professional athletes, mountain guides, and photographers, and was rounded out by recreational climbers, skiers and sportspeople. Added to the mix were the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains and [...] Read more – ‘Sponsor Profile: Sawtooth Mountain Guides hosts WFR in Ketchum, Nov. 12-21’.
Many of you know Melissa Arnot, a wilderness medicine instructor here as well as Himalayan climber and guide. We were saddened yesterday to learn that her climbing partner, Chhewang Nima Sherpa, was killed while climbing with her in Nepal. Please read the quote from Melissa below and consider donating to the fund set up by [...] Read more – ‘Remembering Chhewang Nima Sherpa, Donations Requested.’.
One of the first things Adam Russell tells me when we meet is that he’s fresh off a climb. “I just got back from Mazama where we were climbing Prime Rib, an 11-pitch 5.9 sport climb that is a real jewel of the East side. Since you don’t need any trad gear, just a few [...] Read more – ‘Instructor Profile: Adam Russell, WEMT’.
As a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, jobs focus on remote area medicine are few and far between. Remote Medical International is currently hiring certified WEMTs for projects within the continental United States which provides a unique opportunity to use your unique training and skill-set. Remote Medical International provides Medical Support Services to clients operating around [...] Read more – ‘Wilderness EMT Job Opportunities Open Now!’.
This is the first in a series of profiles designed to highlight the staff here at Remote Medical International. This week, we’re starting off with the man in charge of Field Operations in our Training Group. Tyler Nielsen has been a Remote Medical instructor for the last four years. Before beginning a career in wilderness [...] Read more – ‘Staff Profile: Tyler Nielsen’.
While the course location and facility are definitely not the only factors to consider when choosing a Wilderness EMT course provider, it certainly is still important. Remember that you will be staying on site for nearly a month during an intense learning experience. We believe that the facilities we use provide the ideal setting for this [...] Read more – ‘Wilderness EMT Facility… An Important Consideration’.
Even Police officers need remote medical training and Remote Medical International is there to provide it. Washington state law enforcement officers receive training from Remote Medical about six times a year. This February 18th, tactical medicine was the focus of an episode of Washington’s Most Wanted. Our own Matthew Griffin explained that Remote Medical provides [...] Read more – ‘Tactical Medicine Training for Police Officers featured on Washinton’s Most Wanted’.
Over the past week, every operational group here has been mobilizing to support relief efforts in Haiti. We have received many phone calls and resume submissions and appreciate the willingness of our students and clients to deploy there. If you are interested in assisting/employment opportunities, we deploy our own staff first to these areas and [...] Read more – ‘Update on Haiti Relief Operation’.
We recently completed a video for the WEMT course designed to give students a better understanding of the Wilderness EMT course as well as our instructional staff and training locations. Check in out in the player below. Read more – ‘Wilderness EMT Course Video’.
Remote Medical now offers the MCA ENG 1 examination and certificate at our Seattle location. The ENG 1 is required for many mariners and yacht crew, particularly those operating on UK-flagged vessels. Until September, there were only two MCA approved examination locations in North America- one in Rhode Island and one in Florida. Now there [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical offers MCA ENG 1 Exam and Certificate- Sole ENG 1 Provider on West Coast of USA’.
Remote Medical International Lead Instructor and First Ascent guide Melissa Arnot returns to the Himalayan Mountains after her successful summit of Mount Everest last May. During the next twenty-one days, Melissa and photographer Cory Richards will attempt to summit three mountains in the Khumbu region of Nepal, each rising above 20,000 feet. The expedition requires [...] Read more – ‘RMI Instructor Melissa Arnot Back in the Himalayas’.
“One Person in a Little Boat Against the Ocean” That’s how Seattle-based sailor and yacht rigger Chris Tutmark sums up the Mini TransAt- a single-handed open ocean race starting September 13 that he’s competing in following months of preparation, training, and qualifiers. Spicy The details of the race are a bit more spicy. Racers sail [...] Read more – ‘Open Ocean Sailing Medical Support: 2009 Mini TransAt, Chris Tutmark Interview’.
Remote Medical International was recently ranked #147 on the INC 500. With a growth rate of 1,206.6% between 2005 and 2008, the award is a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of the members of the RMI team. While we continue to grow at a similar pace, being listed among the fastest growing [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical International ranked #147 on INC 500.’.
When one thinks of two-humped Bactrian camels in Central Asia, one might imagine them as docile beasts of burden plodding along golden sand dunes. Well, not on this day. Somehow I found myself evacuating a 17 year-old male with altitude sickness in the shadow of Mt. Muztagh Ata’s (24,758 ft.) glaciers on the back [...] Read more – ‘Camels at Altitude’.
Following a recent Wilderness EMT course in Leavenworth, Washington, Remote Medical International Instructor Steve Guthrie was awarded an honorary ice axe from the Special Operations Training Command, USMC. The ice axe award doesn’t have an official name and it is rarely awarded, although there has been a 40-year tradition of Marine Recon units awarding paddles [...] Read more – ‘RMI Instructor Receives Honorary Award from Marine Students’.
At the end of June I was given the opportunity to go to this years Mountain Rescue Association conference at Mt. Hood, Oregon. I was able to represent both Juneau Mountain rescue, a search and rescue group I have worked with for 3 1/2 years, and Remote Medical International whom I am an Instructor for. [...] Read more – ‘The Scarab™ Rescue Tool, The Next Level in Rope Rescue’.
RMI CEO Andrew Cull recently gave an interesting online radio interview, hosted and moderated by Larry Kaminer, President of the Personal Safety Group, which offers public and private training for a variety of groups including corporations and schools. The Personal Safety Group’s online radio show brings experts in various elements of safety to his audience. [...] Read more – ‘Travel Smart, Travel Safe: Radio Interview with Andrew Cull’.
Flying in a twin jet otter airplane (named after the abominable snowman “yeti”) high above the Himalayas in the 12th poorest country in the world makes you question your mortality. ”WOW! Look at that mountain!” is interrupted by sudden statements of sheer terror, “I think we are going to crash into it!!!” As the plane [...] Read more – ‘Wound Management in the Land of the Yeti’.
The weather at Everest Basecamp can be very unpredictable. Mostly, when it snows or the clouds move in it is just a little less comfortable, but at other times it can be the difference between life and death. The past few days at BC have seen really bad weather, cold with lots of snow and [...] Read more – ‘Dispatch From Everest Basecamp – Part 3’.
May 2, 2009 As I made my way down from Camp three at 24,700 feet the feeling of an increased oxygen supply was energizing. As I moved past camps lower and lower, the angst and the danger lifted. Unfortunately, though, one of the most objectively dangereous parts of the mountain is the closest to base [...] Read more – ‘Dispatch From Everest Basecamp – Part 2’.
17,500 feet Everest Base Camp (April 10, 2009) I have taken the responsibility of Expedition Medical officer for First Ascent’s “Return to Everest” Expedition, and each day I have been checking in with the team. As we have trekked, my work has been little, but prior to the trip the task was large. We have [...] Read more – ‘Dispatch From Everest Basecamp’.
Imagine that you are presented with a patient with a potentially serious medical emergency, far from definitive care. You have to use your medical training and experience, if you have any, with the assistance of whatever diagnostics you have on hand and make what could be a life-or-death call. Is it a cardiac incident, [...] Read more – ‘Tempus IC®: The Next Step in Telemedicine’.
“They were supposed to drop us at 700 feet and 95 knots. Instead, they dropped us at 300 feet and 160 knots. When I hit the ground, everything was ripped off me. I had three cracked vertebrae and a concussion. I don’t remember half of the invasion.” I was fortunate enough to spend the last [...] Read more – ‘Three Days with a True Remote Area Medic’.
Dry, winter and/or high altitude environments increase the risk for dehydration.Many people who venture into the backcountry turn to their old friend ibuprofen when their muscles get sore or in the case of injury. Wilderness medicine training courses such as Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness EMT along with other wilderness medicine practitioners [...] Read more – ‘Ibuprofen: Hydrate Before You Medicate’.
For some reason, that question sometimes becomes complicated to explain. I have seen several staff struggle with trying to plug our entire suite of products and services into a single sentence or two. In the course of a day in our office, you might see military personal, guide service owners, people getting ready to sail [...] Read more – ‘“What does Remote Medical International do?”’.
Congress recently began a pilot program called the Army Vocational/Technical (AVOTEC) Soldier Program to provide training in high-demand career fields to help Soldiers find employment after they transition out of the Army. Army Education is working with technical and community colleges throughout the United States to build upon existing programs and develop new pilot re-training programs [...] Read more – ‘Army offers RMI Wilderness Medicine and Rescue Training to Soldiers for Free’.
RMI is proud to partner again with the Colorado Mountain School and Boulder Rock Club in offering the Wilderness First Responder. This year’s dates are May 11-21. Last year’s training was a success, and it was great to be in Boulder. I was fortunate to assist with the training, which brought me back to the [...] Read more – ‘Boulder Wilderness First Responder: May 11-21’.
I know what you’re thinking–How much can one guy blog about tourniquets? Not even multiple tourniquets, one tourniquet–the SWAT-T. As a gear junkie, I love items that are lightweight, durable, and multi-functional. With the SWAT-T meeting all of those criteria, it’s a no-brainer in my medical kit. I even equate it to the medical [...] Read more – ‘“SHOT Show 2009 Best in Show” SWAT-T Tactical Tourniquet’.
While out on my regular deployment on board a seismic ship with another RMI medic Michael Dann we found a need for a mannequin to use during medical training. Ordering a commercially designed rescue mannequin was out of the question due to the cost and sheer amount of time it would take to get [...] Read more – ‘Improvised Confined Space Rescue Dummy’.
While the rest of my co-workers were doing laps in fresh powder up at Cascade Powder Cats a couple of weeks ago, my skis were in storage. I missed out on some good turns with the crew, but I wasn’t totally deprived. I was down on the Pacific coast of Mexico in a small [...] Read more – ‘From Snow to Surf- a bit about Travel Medicine’.
As a Remote Area Medic employed with Remote Medical International’s Medical/Rescue Support Group, I have had the opportunity to travel and provide medical coverage on many continents. Most recently, whilst finishing a deployment in North Eastern Brazil, I was given the opportunity through RMI headquarters to partake in and provide Non-Profit medical support on [...] Read more – ‘Medical Support in the Brazilian Rainforest’.
Yesterday, the staff at RMI took a little break from the office to get some backcountry turns in with our friends at Cascade Powder Cats. As the company exists to serve those people who venture to far away places, it is only right that we, as a staff, ensure that we never loose the connect [...] Read more – ‘A Day with Our Friends at Cascade Powder Cats.’.
Seeing that Remote Medical International has its roots in the outdoor industry and Wilderness Medicine education, we like to stay in the mix. Where better to mix with the industry and the public than the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show? Next week we will be manning a booth, meeting with clients and industry peers and friends, [...] Read more – ‘RMI at Winter Outdoor Retailer Show January 21-25’.
Over the past several months, I have taught several courses where we integrated a new product, the SWAT Tourniquet, into our courses. Admittedly it is hard for me to adopt new products, especially new ones, since I primarily practice in a remote area. A lot of times, the trusted and time proven device is the [...] Read more – ‘Introducing The SWAT Tourniquet’.
Ever wanted to go on an Everest or similar extreme mountain expedition, but you’ve never climbed with oxygen, crossed ladders with crampons, or known how to assess avalanche hazards on a macro scale. Ever wanted to give yourself and your team the greatest margin for safety on the medical front. Knowing that altitude and cold [...] Read more – ‘Critical Skills Training- Expedition’.
As a student traveling abroad years ago, I didn’t dwell on safety issues. My focus was on enjoying new experiences, and I trusted that if any challenges came up, they would simply be worked out. Good stuff, eh? Fast forward to the present. I’m now a father of two, a certified W-EMT, and [...] Read more – ‘Helping Student Groups Abroad Travel Safely’.
Remote Medical International Account Manager, Tom Milne, has been receiving some face time on various news channels and websites, both locally here in Seattle and through some national media in recent weeks. In response to the price of gas, Tom began riding his bike to work daily earlier this year, from his house in West [...] Read more – ‘RMI Staff Member Receives National Recognition for Creative Commuting’.
Remote Medical International lead instructor, Melissa Arnot, is part of a team that has embarked on an expedition to summit Mount Everest this Spring, in support of the (RED) campaign. EVEREST TEAM INSPI(RED), as they are called, are hoping to inspire individuals to support (RED), as they attempt to reach the summit of the highest [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical Instructor Guides Everest Climb, for a Cause’.
Remote Medical International is pleased to be teaming up with the Colorado Mountain School & Boulder Rock Club to offer a Wilderness First Responder course in Boulder, Colorado on May 12-22, 2008. Although we’ve held several private wilderness medicine courses in Colorado, this course represents our first course open to the public in this area. [...] Read more – ‘Spring 08 WFR Course Announced in Boulder, Colorado’.
Remote Medical International recently partnered with Carbonfund.org, the country’s leading carbon solutions organization, to offset our carbon emmissions. This commitment places us as an environmental leader in the Northwest and demonstrates proactive steps being taken in the fight against global climate change. At Remote Medical International, we’re very concerned with global warming. Considering the implications [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical International Takes an Environmental Leadership Position by Joining Carbonfund.org’s CarbonFree Program’.
Remote Medical International recently wrapped up another great Wilderness EMT course this past August with terrific results. 100% of our students passed the National Registry EMT-B exam on their first try. This brings our cumulative average on the exam from all of our past WEMT courses up to almost 99%. Compare this to the National [...] Read more – ‘Summer Wilderness EMT Course Ends with Great Results’.
For a long time I have made it a project to get our product ratings and reviews up on our site. In my mind, the most rewarding part of my job is learning from our clients. As a Tactical/Remote Area Paramedic I am still very active as a remote medical care provider, and I sincerely [...] Read more – ‘Ratings and Reviews for Wilderness Medicine Courses’.
In an ongoing effort to make our courses accessible to as many students as possible, we have partnered with City University to offer both undergraduate and graduate credit for our courses. This partnership also allows our students to use many forms of financial aid including VA benefits, scholarships, and educational awards. Additionally, Remote Medical International [...] Read more – ‘Earn University Credit & Use Financial Aid for RMI Courses’.
I talked with WA State EMS today and was pleased to find out that 100% of our students passed the EMT-B exam on their first attempt this March. In keeping with our tradition, we maintain one of the highest pass rates in the county, averaging 100% on WA State Exam, and over 98% on the [...] Read more – ‘100% Pass Rate on the EMT-B Exam’.
During the last six months, I have attended a number of training courses and conferences; several of our remote area paramedics are recertifying this year and we tend to all get interested in the same courses, which means that we end up with a lot of extra CME credit each period. At any rate, most [...] Read more – ‘The RMAP™ Promise’.
Can you believe that it is already day twenty-three of the Wilderness EMT course in the North Cascades? We have spent the past month surrounded by people who surround themselves with remote settings, where medical care is anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks away. It has been an amazing course and the [...] Read more – ‘Dispatch from the Wilderness EMT’.
Remote Medical International has been awarded an open and continuous contract from the VA National Acquisition Center for Medical Equipment and Supplies. With over 200 items and more being added monthly, this contract allows RMI to better serve our federal customers as well as customers purchasing using federal grants. Our contract includes items from leading [...] Read more – ‘Remote Medical Awarded Federal Supply Schedule Contract’.
Remote Medical International is currently seeking qualified instructors for part-time and full-time positions teaching wilderness medicine around the world. The position is open until 15 July 2006. It is important to note that Remote Medical International is committed to hiring only instructors who have real-life experience in remote care and who have actually performed the [...] Read more – ‘Teach for Remote Medical International – Now Hiring Instructors’.
Remote Medical International uses Remote Site Paramedics for offshore and remote site operations. In our experience, the street sense for rescue, independence, and hands-on skills provide a solid foundation, we also require extended expedition experience and an ability to get along with all types of people under conditions of isolation and intense stress. My point [...] Read more – ‘Advanced Practice & Remote Site Paramedics’.
Remote Medical International staff members Andrew Cull, Melina Moran, Rich Chatman, Steve Costello, and Debi Solberg recently returned from New Orleans as members of the WA-1 and OR-2 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT)performing a variety of tasks including triage, setting up the New Orleans Airport as a casualty collection point, providing critical care and emergency [...] Read more – ‘Staff Members Return from New Orleans, LA – Disaster Medicine’.
