Campus organization teaches students how to survive in the wild

For adventure seekers who plan on exploring the outdoors, the Wilderness Medicine Interest Group seeks to educate students about basic medical care in situations where a doctor is not immediately available.

The organization began last fall through medical school residents. Around 60 students are involved.

Most meetings occur outdoors and include physical activities, not just lectures.

Past meetings have included making a litter while barbequing, hiking in Sugar Creek Park while learning about hypothermia and discussing neck injuries while rock climbing.

“At our meetings, everyone starts getting creative in how to solve the problem, and no prior medical training is needed,” medical student and President Nick Antoon said.

Although this is a group that is focused on medicine, Antoon says non-medical students are encouraged to attend.

“We want to get as many people involved as possible, because ‘wilderness’ doesn’t mean you have to be in the backcountry,” Antoon said. “It’s when you are hiking, biking or on an airplane - something happens and the ambulance isn’t just 15 minutes away.”

Information about the group is located at wright.orgsync.com/org/wildernessmedicine/home.  Meetings occur once per month, and upcoming events may be found on the website’s calendar page.