title: An introduction to wilderness medicine.
abstract: As individuals increasingly recreate in wilderness settings, the medical community is faced with increasing numbers of injuries and illnesses occurring in remote and austere locations. In response to this, the specialized and dynamic field of wilderness medicine has developed to care for and counsel those participating in wilderness pursuits. This article adds clarity to the definition of wilderness medicine and examines the current state of wilderness medicine, including the scope of practice in the United States.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04012, USA.
authors.forename: J Matthew
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sholl
authors.forename: Edward P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Curcio
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005392:First Aid; D006801:Humans; D009051:Mountaineering; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011998:Recreation; D018635:Rescue Work; D014187:Transportation of Patients; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy