The Lake Tahoe MedWAR is held every year, it consists of a team of 4 people with an interest in wilderness medicine. Teams often have any combination of health care professionals, emergency personnel, students of all varieties, and outdoor enthusiasts. All team members will participate in all disciplines and medical scenarios. Medical knowledge is recommended but not required.
The WMSIG members competed as a team representing RVUCOM-SU placed third at the Lake Tahoe Medwar competition! The first place team was a group of orthopedic fellows at Barton Medical Center, and second place a team of flight nurses.
Finish times:
1st: Completed in 5hr49m
2nd: Completed in 6hr13m
3rd: Completed in 6hr27m (That’s RVUCOM-SU!)
Course Description:
The course was comprised of 5 miles kayaking, 5 miles hiking and 8 miles mountain biking for a total length of 18 miles. There were 36 checkpoints, with 30 posing various medical questions, 1 orienteering challenge, and 5 patient scenarios.
Scenario 1: A hysterical female with left arm impaled on a tree branch, and a dog with an unfortunate run-in with a porcupine. Arm stabilization, quill removal, and exfiltration required.
Scenario 2: Bike crash victim suffering from anaphylaxis with collapsed right lung, left leg fracture, and cervical spine instability. Epipen injection, lung decompression, leg stabilization, and exfiltration required.
Scenario 3: Intoxicated campers. One aggressive camper held a knife and was speaking nonsensically. We to alert authorities, and uncover the patient’s condition of hypoglycemia from an insulin injector found from searching their campsite. The second camper was trapped under a tree limb for several hours and was conscious and alert. Patient diagnosed with right leg crush injury with cyanosis and dehydration. The first camper required food to stabilize blood sugar, and the second patient required stabilization without tree limb removal while waiting for the exfiltration team.
Scenario 4: Avalanche victim scenario enacted on the beach. Required to use radio transponders to locate and unbury victim. The victim was in cardiac arrest when uncovered, and required clearing of the airway, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and gentle rewarming to treat hypothermia.
Scenario 5: Intoxicated college students at a beach party, with a female diving headfirst into a rock upon our arrival. We rescued the student from the water despite interference from other intoxicated individuals and started performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Once breathing, we had to stabilize c-spine and take measures to prevent hypothermia.
Scenario 6: Cimber found collapsed under a tree with cervical spine instability, left leg compound fracture, and symptoms of hyperthermia. Required transport to the shaded area, rapidly cool, stabilize c-spine and stabilize leg fracture.
Impressions:
We are proud to say that we received no deductions for patient care during any scenario, and we were prepared to treat the scope of all injuries. These scenarios pushed our critical thinking skills and required us to use all we have learned at RVUCOM. This competition was extremely valuable in that we were able to apply our knowledge in a controlled setting, gain experience in what conditions are like when treating in the field. and learn what areas we need to improve upon.
Our overall impression of MEDWAR is that it is a well thought out event with quality teaching and preparation. Though non-medical individuals were able to participate, the lectures and scenarios were made to be both challenging and effective for those with medical backgrounds. The lecture material was given by the wilderness medicine director at the Reno School of Medicine in a similar manner to Dr. Nigh’s coursework in the Rural Track.
We are incredibly happy with our experience and we are enthusiastic for another such opportunity. Thank all of you for your support in our participation and training for the event.
