When Wilderness Medicine Training Matters Most

Sometimes the lessons we learn outdoors show up when we least expect them. One of our former students recently wrote to share how skills gained in a SOLO Wilderness Medicine course over a decade ago ended up making all the difference on a solo adventure.

“I think it was about 10 years ago that I attended the NOC Wilderness Medical course. My purpose was to be able to take care of my grandchildren while hiking in the mountains. Fortunately, I have not had to help them while hiking, but the training became useful yesterday.”

A Solo Adventure on the Suwannee River

On July 24, 2025, this paddler set out on a 21-mile solo canoe trip down Florida’s Suwannee River. Conditions seemed perfect: a strong downstream current, a clear forecast, and a plan to balance the miles between paddling and using a trolling motor.

After paddling twelve miles, the trolling motor was switched on, only for the battery to give out during the hottest part of the day, with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s. A headwind picked up, forcing him to paddle the final stretch and expend additional energy.

Recognizing the Emergency

At the takeout, faced with hauling a canoe and gear up a 15–20 foot sand bluff, his body gave clear warning signs.

“I started feeling very dizzy and had stopped sweating. I noticed my pulse was around 110 – 120. I didn’t think I could get up the hill. It was then I remembered my wilderness medical training which I received at the NOC.”

Training in Action

Thanks to his course, he recognized the danger immediately: heat stroke. Instead of pushing on, he took the steps he had learned years before:

• Got back into the river to rapidly cool his core temperature.
• Moved into the shade to allow his body to recover out of the direct sun.
• Rested and monitored his condition, waiting until his pulse came down and his strength returned.

After about an hour of deliberate cooling and recovery, he was able to safely haul his gear up the bluff and return to his lodging.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Reflecting on the experience, he shared:

“The lesson learned was that your wilderness medical school is not just for taking care of others. In my case it taught me how to care for myself, and I am very grateful. Thankfully, I have enough memory left to recall what I had learned 10 years ago.”

This powerful story reminds us that:

• Knowledge is lasting — even years later, training can come back exactly when you need it.
• Preparedness matters — recognizing the signs early prevented a serious medical emergency.
• Wilderness medicine is for everyone — whether you’re guiding, adventuring with family, or on a solo trip.

We’re honored to know that the lessons learned at NOC’s Wilderness Medicine courses continue to equip adventurers with the skills to handle the unexpected.

Be prepared when you go outdoors! Explore SOLO’s wilderness medicine courses so you can adventure with confidence.