Case Study Nights
Case Study Nights is a webinar series designed for paramedics and pre-hospital providers! Each session will feature a real case explored through guided discussion and shared learning.
Learning objectives
1. ANALYZE wilderness case scenarios to identify environmental, logistical, and clinical challenges in the pre-hospital setting.
2. APPLY evidence-informed approaches to trauma, medical, logistical, and environmental emergencies in remote and austere settings.
3. EVALUATE patient assessment and treatment plans when equipment, transport, or personnel are limited.
4. COMMUNICATE effectively with response teams and other professionals (e.g., SAR, in-hospital providers) to support safe, coordinated patient care and evacuation.
Seminars
Episode 2 - Ideal to Real: Decision Making in the Austere Environment for Medical Professionals
When: Thursday May 7, 2026 @ 19:00 MT
Speaker: Matthew Smith, CCP/ITT
Who: CAWM Members
Matthew is a critical care flight paramedic and educator currently working for British Columbia Emergency Health Services with the Infant Transport Team, specializing in pediatric and neonatal care, and lives in Squamish with his family and a rescue puppy. He works for the Blackcomb Ski Patrol in winter and Whistler Mountain Bike park in summer. He has been a paramedic for 20 years, and has worked as a land ACP, Tactical and CBRNE medic. He has a passion for teaching Wilderness Medicine, and is an instructor with Wilderness Medical Associates.
Matt has just finished a term on the CAWM board of directors, and he holds a diploma in both Adult Education and Outdoor Education. In 2024, he was the recipient of the Mount Cauvbik award for excellence in Wilderness Medical Education.
Case: Ideal to Real: Decision Making in the Austere Environment for Medical Professionals
In this case based presentation, we will examine the decision making and mindset that the literature shows us is best practice when dealing with critically injured patients in an austere environment. Through a stepwise process, we will break down a response by the Blackcomb Ski patrol for a skier injured in an avalanche, and take participants though all stages of an event, examining best practices for airway management, hypothermia management, pain control, trauma care, packaging, and extrication. While directed at advanced care providers, there will be conversations about all levels of care.
Episode 1 - Cardiac Arrest: Drowning or Hypothermia, does it really matter?
When: Thursday March 5, 2026 @ 18:00 MT
Speaker: Len James BPE, BEd, ACP
Who: Available for everyone!
Since 1979, Len has contributed to a wide range of pre-hospital professions. He is presently employed part-time as an Advanced Care Paramedic with the Nipissing District Paramedic Service. Throughout his career, Len has undertaken various leadership roles in paramedic education and special operations. He continues to participate in major music festivals and multi-day athletic events.
Len was raised on a hunting and fishing lodge in northern Ontario, fostering a deep connection to the Canadian Shield. He holds bachelor’s degrees in both Physical Education and Teacher Education, with a specialization in outdoor education. His professional experience includes positions at Outward Bound Canada (OBC), working with adjudicated youth, and leading high school outdoor programs.
Since the mid-1980s, Len has been actively involved in teaching wilderness medical programs, delivering courses in ten countries across the globe—from northern regions to central and South America. Notably, he conducted the first wilderness medical program in mainland China. Len currently serves as the Director of Medical Curriculum and Program Development at Raven RSM.
Case: Cardiac Arrest: Drowning or Hypothermia does it really matter?
This is a review of a cardiac arrest by drowning/hypothermia. The case review will focus on the rescue and resuscitation by both park staff and paramedics. It will discuss the current understanding of drowning/hypothermia and care guidelines. The primary goal is to review the first responder care and draw insights on how to better manage these patients in the field.
**Content Advisory: This session contains discussion of a death by suicide. We encourage viewers to use discretion and prioritize their wellbeing when choosing to attend**
