Wilderness Medicine Podcast #40: Burn Care & Women’s Health Outdoors
Dec 18, 2025
Dr. Cindy Bitter, an expert in wilderness burn care, discusses critical updates on managing burns in remote settings. She emphasizes cooling strategies and the importance of evacuating in severe cases. Angela Martz, a physician assistant and mountain explorer, tackles women’s health in expeditions, highlighting challenges like menstrual hygiene and the psychological barriers women face in adventure tourism. Their conversation mixes practical advice with insights into fostering inclusivity in outdoor activities.
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Gasoline Flashback Campfire Warning
- Fred described a campfire gasoline flashback that ignited vapors and singed his face and lashes.
- He survived but used the story to warn listeners never to pour gasoline on campfires.
Be Conservative With Field Debridement
- Avoid routine field debridement of large or joint blisters unless you have sterile conditions and pain control.
- Consider aspirating blisters or leaving intact and using ointment if evacuation to clean care is feasible.
Use Medical Honey — Never Butter
- Use medical-grade honey as a topical dressing for partial-thickness burns when sterile supplies are limited.
- Avoid greasy substances like butter or peanut butter which trap heat and increase infection risk.