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.

Séminaires

Episode 3 - More Than Meets the Monitor

When: Mardi, Juillet 7 @ 18:00 MT 
Speakers: Mackenzie Wardle and Stuart Grant
Who: CAWM Members

Stuart Grant is a dual-licensed Registered Nurse and Advanced Care Paramedic who serves as an air medical crew member with STARS Air Ambulance. His clinical background includes emergency nursing at the Foothills Medical Centre, ground EMS, critical care transport, and search and rescue. Stuart has spent his career caring for critically ill and injured patients in high-acuity environments across both hospital and prehospital settings.

Paramédic du SMU de Banff, membre de l'équipe aéromédicale de l'Ambulance aérienne STARS, patrouilleur à ski et adepte de la médecine en milieu sauvage. Mackenzie est passionné par le lien entre le sauvetage et la médecine préhospitalière. En tant que paramédical au sein des services médicaux d'urgence de Banff, il a développé une forte intégration avec le service de sécurité des visiteurs de Parcs Canada, en aidant au traitement médical dans le cadre d'opérations de sauvetage. Mackenzie travaille comme ambulancier paramédical en soins intensifs dans les Prairies, où il continue d'apprendre beaucoup sur les soins préhospitaliers et les soins aux patients en milieu austère. En tant que membre fondateur de l'ACGM, Mackenzie est passionné par la médecine en milieu sauvage. Il est passionné de ski, de vélo de montagne, de randonnée et de ski de fond excessivement médiocre.

Case: This session uses a real-world case to highlight three key principles in prehospital care:

  1. Maintaining a broad differential diagnosis
  2. Actively ruling out less likely but high-risk conditions
  3. Integrating clinical assessment with monitor findings

Attendees will be challenged to think beyond common pathways and reflect on how cognitive bias and overreliance on technology can impact decision-making especially in the wilderness context where technology may not always be present.

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Episode 2 - Ideal to Real: Decision Making in the Austere Environment for Medical Professionals

When: Jeudi Mai 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.

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Episode 1 - Cardiac Arrest: Drowning or Hypothermia, does it really matter?

When: Jeudi Mars 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**