Canadian Association of Wilderness Medicine

Swift Water Rescue
2025-05-10 - 2025-05-11 | University of Calgary
This event is hosted by a CAWM Professional Member – Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine. This 2 day Swift Water Rescue course includes Swift Water Rescue Levels 1 and 2.
Swift Water Rescue training is based on and taught to current NFPA Standards 1670 & 1006.
Swift Water Rescue 1 focuses on self-rescue skills for open, moving water activities. Basic personal safety equipment, open water swimming skills, and rescue principles are introduced.
Swift Water Rescue 2 builds on the foundational self-rescue skills from Swift Water Rescue 1. Swimming skills and techniques for a variety of open, moving water environments will be introduced. Focus is placed on technique and equipment usage in the rescue of others.

40hr WFA with Intermediate First Aid
2025-05-10 - 2025-05-18
This event is hosted by a CAWM Professional Member – Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine. This 40-hour course is designed for those who take on a leadership role in the outdoors. This is the industry standard for those who lead custodial groups in the backcountry, teachers, raft guides and trip leaders. This level of certification is required by many companies, school boards, camps and youth organizations. The course is delivered over 4 days (32 hours) and supplemented with online learning.

Mountain Med Consulting - WFR (80hr Hybrid)
2025-05-09 - 2025-05-13 | Nelson, BC
*Please note that this is NOT a CAWM course. This event is posted of behalf of a CAWM professional member – Mountain Med Consulting*
Wilderness First Responder, 80hr Hybrid course hosted by MMC. Register here: https://www.mountainmedconsulting.com/courses/p/wilderness-first-responder-80hr-hybrid-may-9-13-2025-nelson

CASEM Annual Sport Medicine Symposium
2025-05-07 - 2025-05-10 | Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Guiding the Future: Lighting the Way for Sport Medicine
Join us in 2025 at the Delta Prince Edward by Marriott and PEI Convention Centre in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island!
CASEM is excited to offer a series of pre- and post-conference workshops, along with a premier scientific program designed to educate and update physicians and health professionals on a broad range of sport and exercise medicine topics.
More information and registration: https://www.casem-acmse.org/annual_symposium/2025/

Raven RSM - WAFA
2025-05-07 - 2025-05-11 | Smithers, BC, Smithers, British Columbia, Canada
*Please note this is NOT a CAWM event and is published on behalf of a CAWM professional member – Raven RSM*
Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course hosted by Raven RSM. Registration is via the Raven RSM website:https://www.ravenrsm.com/
Contact info@ravenrsm.com with any questions.

Raven RSM - WFR Bridge/Recert
2025-05-05 - 2025-05-08 | Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry's Bay, Ontario, Canada
*Please note this is NOT a CAWM event and is published on behalf of a CAWM professional member – Raven RSM*
Wilderness First Responder Bridge Course hosted by Raven RSM. Registration is via the Raven RSM website:https://www.ravenrsm.com/
Contact info@ravenrsm.com with any questions.

Raven RSM - WAFA
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-04 | Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry's Bay, Ontario, Canada

80hr WFR with Intermediate First Aid
2025-04-28 - 2025-05-08 | University of Calgary
This event is hosted by a CAWM Professional Member – Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine. The 80 hr Wilderness First Responder Program is a comprehensive, professional level program. It is the “industry standard” for professional responders such as guides, leaders and specialized search and rescue teams. The program focuses on the long-term implications for initial care, stabilization and evacuation of patients in remote wilderness locations. The primary focus of the program is dealing with backcountry emergencies, where specialized equipment is largely unavailable. Scenarios provide participants with opportunities to manage different situations, where conventional techniques may not work and where the rescuer must use the “principles of treatment” for effective outcomes.

Mountain Med Consulting - River Med Recert
2025-04-27 - 2025-05-01 | Clearwater, BC
*Please note that this is NOT a CAWM course. This event is posted of behalf of a CAWM professional member – Mountain Med Consulting*
Swift water rescue + 80hr WFR Recert hosted by MMC. Register here: https://www.mountainmedconsulting.com/courses/p/river-med-80hr-recert-april-27-may-1-clearwater-bc

40hr WFA with Intermediate First Aid
2025-04-26 - 2025-05-04 | University of Calgary
This event is hosted by a CAWM Professional Member – Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine. The 40-hour Wilderness First Aid and Intermediate First Aid Blended program is delivered over 4 days (32 hours) and supplemented with online learning. In-person sessions take place both in a classroom and outdoors.
This course is suitable for those who work in a `non-standard` environment and for those who take on a leadership role in the backcountry. It is the “industry standard” for those who lead youth and adult groups in the outdoors. The course is not suitable for those who will be venturing into truly remote regions for an extended period of time with no additional help available to them.

80hr WFR with Advanced First Aid
2025-04-08 - 2025-04-16 | University of Calgary

80hr WFR with Advanced First Aid
2025-04-06 - 2025-04-11

40hr WFA with Intermediate First Aid
2025-04-05 - 2025-04-13 | University of Calgary
This event is hosted by a CAWM professional member – Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine
The 40-hour Wilderness First Aid and Intermediate First Aid Blended program is delivered over 4 days (32 hours) and supplemented with online learning. In-person sessions take place both in a classroom and outdoors.
This course is suitable for those who work in a `non-standard` environment and for those who take on a leadership role in the backcountry. It is the “industry standard” for those who lead youth and adult groups in the outdoors. The course is not suitable for those who will be venturing into truly remote regions for an extended period of time with no additional help available to them.

CAWM Wilderness Advanced First Aid Course
2025-04-04 - 2025-04-07 | Okanagan College Revelstoke Centre, 1401 1st Street West, Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada
The Wilderness Advanced First Aid is the perfect entry-level course for outdoor adventurers and outdoor professionals who may need to provide patient care when help is delayed for hours to days. The course focuses on basic lifesaving skills, patient assessment, field care for common injuries and illnesses, environmental illnesses, and proper reporting for rescue assistance.
Dates: April 4-7, 2025
Location: Revelstoke BC at the Okanagan College Revelstoke Centre (1401 1st Street West, Revelstoke BC). Room #105. Please note that this event is NOT affiliated with Okanagan College.
Non-Member Price: $650
Member Price: $600
Maximum Registrants: 16
This course is certified by Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) and the curriculum follows the WMEC standards.
For more information and details related to course content, curriculum, recertification, and CME credits, please visit the WMA website: https://www.wildmed.com/courses/standard/wilderness-advanced-first-aid/
For more information on our course provider – Mountain Med Consulting, please visit their website: https://www.mountainmedconsulting.com/

UBC Wilderness Medicine Club - Webinar
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Online
Join the UBC Wilderness Medicine Club and celebrity guest Dr. Teimojin Tan on Wed, March 26 @ 6 pm on Zoom!

About: Dr. Teimojin Tan (@survival.doctors) is a Canadian family and emergency physician, veteran, and survivalist known for his appearance on season 9 of the survival TV series “Alone.” His diverse experiences led him to establish “Survival Doctors,” an initiative dedicated to providing education on managing medical emergencies in austere and resource-limited environments.

Zoom Details:
Wed, March 26 @ 6 pm PT
https://ubc.zoom.us/j/66610092154…
Passcode: [REDACTED]

WildernessMD: Certificate/Diploma in Wilderness & Expedition Medicine - Spring Module
2025-03-02 - 2025-03-14 | Parc Monts-Valin, QC, Quebec, Canada
*Please note that this is NOT a CAWM event and is published on behalf of a CAWM professional member – WildernessMD*
WildernessMD offer’s North America’s only subspecialty Diploma in Mountain Medicine. This program is accredited by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), the International Commission of Alpine Rescue (ICAR), and the International Society for Mountain Medicine (ISMM). The unique program gives participants a chance to learn from distinguished faculty, master their skills with daily simulations, and enjoy the backcountry in different nature reserves and provincial parks.
This course covers everything from review of the essentials to numerous advanced topics including polar medicine, wilderness management of obstetric emergiences, altitude illness in pediatrics, consideration planning for special populations, wilderness ultrasound and point-of-care testing, and more.

CASEM: Choosing Wisely Webinar – Seven Sports Medicine Strategies You Should Reevaluate for Improved Care
2025-02-26 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Toronto) | Online
*Please note that this is NOT a CAWM event and his published on behalf of a CAWM professional member – CASEM*
Launched in 2014, Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) quickly established itself as an essential contributor to health care quality in Canada by making patients and clinicians aware of unnecessary tests, treatments, and procedures that often do more harm than good. Join us for a webinar presented by sport medicine physicians Drs. Anne-Marie LeBlanc (previous CAWM board member) and Ryan Shields on CWC’s newly updated Seven Tests and Treatments to question in Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Explore practical evidence-based approaches to improve patient care and avoid unnecessary interventions. Visit the CASEM website to learn more and register!
https://www.casem-acmse.org/events/choosing-wisely-webinar-seven-sports-medicine-strategies-you-should-reevaluate-for-improved-care/

UBC - High Altitude Medicine, Expedition Medicine, and the DiMM Webinar
2025-02-24 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Edmonton) | Online
This talk will feature Dr. Jared Baylis and Dr. Neil Long, both full-time emergency physicians at Kelowna General Hospital with interests in wilderness medicine. Dr. Baylis has completed his Diploma in Mountain Medicine, and is an avid climber, trail runner, and mountain biker. Dr. Long has practiced expedition medicine, completed his Diploma in Mountain Medicine (among many others) and is an accomplished mountaineer who has summited Mount Everest. Their presentation will focus on high-altitude medicine, expedition medicine, and their experiences pursuing the DiMM.
Who:
Dr. Jared Baylis FRCPC, DiMM
Dr. Neil Long BMBS, FACEM, FRCEM, FRCPC, PGCE, Cert Toxicology, Dip Community ED, Paeds, Tropical Med and Mountain Medicine, Ultrasound Fellowship.
When: February 24th @ 6:00-7:30pm PT (7:00-8:30pm MT) on Zoom

Raven RSM - WFR Bridge/Recert
2025-02-06 - 2025-02-09 | Courtenay, BC

CAWM Special Seminar Series - Episode #4
2025-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Edmonton) | Online
Speakers: Dr. Alec Ritchie and Scott Campbell
Title: Fallen Climber on the East Lion: Rescuer Safety and Patient Care
Alec Ritchie is an emergency physician, clinical professor of emergency medicine, and prehospital medical consultant. Scott Campbell is a rope rescue technician and a helicopter hoist operator. Both Alec and Scott are members of NSR, and are very experienced in medical rescue. North Shore Rescue, Canada’s busiest Search and Rescue Team, deploys members of its novel Advanced Medical Provider program for serious medical rescue calls. After a brief description of NSR and its AMP Program, a recent challenging technical call on the ‘East Lion’ will be discussed, focussing on the interplay between rescuer safety and patient care.

CAWM2024
2024-11-01 - 2024-11-03
When: November 1-3 2024
Where: Halifax NS
More information coming soon!

CAWM Wilderness Medicine Race
2024-06-01 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
The CAWM Wilderness Medicine Race is a team trail race totaling 10 km traveled on foot. Teams of three will begin at the trailhead and encounter various wilderness medicine scenarios, challenges, and questions along the course of the race.
Learn More Here

PRH Emerg Social
2024-04-10 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Cannery Brewing, 198 Ellis Street, Penticton, BC, V2A4L5, Canada
Canadian Association of Wilderness Medicine is hosting a social for the Penticton Regional Hospital Emergency Department! Come socialize and enjoy a selection of short films from the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. Tickets include popcorn and one beverage. Partners, kids, and friends welcome!
Learn More

SYWBA Wilderness Paramedic
2023-11-07
Questions About How to Start Your Career in Wilderness Medicine? Tune in to our new series!
Each episode of SYWBA will feature a speaker from a different career in wilderness medicine. Paramedics, SARtechs, physicians, nurses, mountain guides, and more!
The first two episodes (November and January) will be free for all to attend, future episodes will be free for CAWM members and a small fee (or purchase of a membership) for non-members.
Submit Your Questions to Speakers Here!
Stay tuned for the full schedule!

A discussion of Education and Careers in Wilderness Medicine - Mountainside Meetup
2023-10-25 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton)
Join this special edition Mountainside Meetup which is free for both CAWM members and non-members. Dr. Alana Hawley will briefly review her personal journey in wilderness medicine. We will then review wilderness medicine education opportunities and careers in Canada. This will be relatively informal and attendees are encouraged to ask questions and join the discussion.
October 25 8:00PM MST – Free for Members and Non-Members
Join On Zoom

CAWM 2023
2023-10-13 - 2023-10-15 | Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power St, Penticton, BC, V2A7K9, Canada
The deadline for presentation and workshop applications has officially passed, and our planning committee is currently evaluating all submissions. We’ll be in touch with those who applied in the next couple of weeks!
The CAWM2023 conference will be hosted October 13-15, 2023 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre in Penticton, BC.
Our 4th annual hybrid conference will include courses, lectures, social activities, a keynote speaker, workshops, and more!
All wilderness medical professionals and learners are welcome including paramedics, nurses, SAR personnel, guides, ski patrollers, first responders, academics, and physicians.
See the full conference page here.

CAWM2023 is Proud to Introduce Our Keynote Speaker, Dr Melissa Lem!

CAWM 2022
2022-11-11 - 2022-11-13 | Virtual and In Person
The CAWM2022 conference will be Hosted November 11-13, 2022.
Our hybrid format (in-person and virtual) with pre-conference courses, lectures, social activities, a keynote speaker, workshops, and more!
All wilderness medical professionals and learners are welcome including paramedics, nurses, SAR personnel, guides, ski patrollers, first responders, academics, and physicians.
Learn more here: https://cawm.ca/cawm-2022-preview/
Already registered? Access the conference here: https://cawm.ca/cawm-2022/
Save the date!

Special General Meeting
2022-09-29 18:00 (America/Edmonton) | Online
Information for the Special General Meeting
All CAWM members are automatically registered to attend this event, and all attendees will be entered in a draw to win a free CAWM t-shirt!
Time and Date: Thursday September 29th, 1800MST
Members can access the meeting here: https://cawm.ca/members/general-meetings/
Program Director Introduction
This meeting will also be your opportunity to meet our new employee, Dave de Lugt who is fulfilling the position of Program Director! Now’s your chance to get to know Dave and let him know how he can help maximize the benefits of your membership with CAWM.
By-Law Review
All CAWM members are invited to attend a virtual Special General Meeting on Thursday September 29th, 2022 at 1800 MST to review changes being proposed to the CAWM By-Laws. The CAWM Board of Directors is recommending that the Membership adopt a new version of the By-Laws which will include a number of changes including; increasing the size of the Board of Directors, extending the term length of positions on the Board of Directors, and introducing term limits for both Board members and Officers.
All the changes being recommended are presented in the attached copies of the By-Laws (both “tracked changes” and “clean” versions of the By-Laws are attached). See also the attached Summary which describes all the significant changes, and the rationale for making them. The current version of the By-Laws is available on the CAWM website here.
If you have any questions about these recommended changes to the By-Laws, please contact the CAWM President Dave Jerome at djerome@cawm.ca
Honours & Awards
Do you know someone who ought to be recognized for their contributions to wilderness medicine? Check out our Honours & Awards page for more information on how to nominate a deserving person for one of our five awards! All submissions are due prior to October 1, 2022.
PDFs
Summary of Proposed Bylaw Changes
CAWM Bylaws v2 DRAFT wTC
CAWM Bylaws v2 wTC

Special General Meeting to Review the CAWM By-Laws
2022-06-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Edmonton) | Online
All CAWM members are invited to attend this Special General Meeting to review proposed changes to the CAWM By-Laws. The CAWM Board has recommended changes including; increasing the size of the Board of Directors, extending the term length of positions on the Board of Directors, introducing a term limit for Board of Directors, and a few other things. For more information, please read the summary of proposed changes below!

Members can access the meeting here when it begins: https://cawm.ca/members/special-general-meeting-for-the-review-of-cawm-by-laws/

Summary of Proposed By-Law Changes

Mountainside Meetup - A Roundtable - "What to Pack in my First Aid Kit?"
2022-02-07 18:00 (America/Edmonton) | Online
Whether you’re headed out for an afternoon trail run or a month long ski expedition, the question of “What should I pack in my first aid kit?” can be a tricky one to answer.
Exposure, time, weather, group dynamics, and potential extrication are just a few of the issues that come into play when we have to practice medicine in the great outdoors. Join Peter Friesen and John Bestfather – avid outdoorsman and paramedic extraordinaire – for a round table discussion about what to pack in your medical kit and when to leave it at home. We want to hear your input on what you consider essential medical gear, and also about all of your crazy and wild wilderness medical stories and techniques. Tell us your experience about what worked and what didn’t, when should we pack that sager splint or have you improvised with a frozen squirrel tail and some cordalette? Listen, learn, and chat with us on our next Mountainside Meetup!
Presenters: John Bestfather and Peter Friesen
John Bestfather has been working in the EMS industry for the past 9 years in Canada in Ontario, the Yukon, and Alberta. He has worked as a primary care, advanced care and critical care paramedic both in flight and in ground transport. John took part in a specialized medical extrication team in the Yukon and is a wilderness medical instructor. He is an avid outdoorsman as a climber, cyclist, skier, paddler and mountaineer. He has a passion for the outdoors, medicine, film and photography. John was part of a successful Mount Logan expedition in May of 2021. He currently lives in Canmore and works in the Bow Valley.
Register: https://cawm.ca/product/mountainside-meetup-a-roundtable-what-to-pack-in-my-first-aid-kit/
View Event: https://cawm.ca/mountainside-meetups/feb-7-2022-a-roundtable-what-to-pack-in-my-first-aid-kit/
