The Why Behind Wilderness Medicine
- Dave LeGear
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
We're thrilled to announce that our friend Captain (Doctor) Jason Moore, with whom we've had the pleasure of collaborating with on Flats Nation articles, podcasts, and sound bite episodes like this one below...
Has just released his book, "The Why Behind Wilderness Medicine."
This specialized book is crafted especially for wilderness guides (really guides of all types since time is critical) and outdoor medical practitioners, offering them an opportunity to dive deeper into the world of wilderness medicine beyond just the basics.
Jason's central theme is explaining why certain medical actions are taken in the wilderness to empower those how to improvise, intelligently, in varied situations and not just follow routine instructions. This basic knowledge enables guides and responders to adapt effectively to unpredictable environments by understanding the rationale behind their interventions.
Before we dive in, let's chat about what "Wilderness" really means to some folks and figure out what you might want to pack for your trips.
When people think of Wilderness, they often picture remote spots like the Everglades National Park or other big, untouched areas.
Take it from a USCG Veteran: I propose that locations where you cannot secure quick access to medical treatment, whether due to a natural disaster (such as a hurricane) or while on a trip to a remote place in South America hunting big jungle tarpon, qualify as "wilderness." This also applies to situations like being on a skiff running up a mangrove creek here in the USA, where there is no way to quickly place someone into an ambulance. These scenarios qualify as "wilderness" not only in mindset but in reality.
Next time you are on the Skiff fishing, stop and take a moment to look around and as yourself "What If X was to occur?" and I suspect you will rethink what you currently have in your first aid kit (if you even have one onboard?) much less, it is even stored in a waterproof container for sure.
Now that we have (hopefully) got you to think about the possibilities, back to Captain Moore's book!
Though there is no detailed plot as it is a non-fiction instructional work, his narrative approach is grounded in real guiding experience and practical medical training and teaching. Captain Moore also discusses the collaboration between guides and medical education, emphasizing the diverse perspectives in the wilderness medical arena.
Key themes include:
The importance of foundational medical principles in wilderness settings.
Practical explanations for common wilderness medical practices such as bandaging and splinting.
Empowering guides to improvise medical care based on underlying reasons, not just protocols.
How understanding the “why” enhances safety, decision making, and some flexibility in wilderness medicine.
The book is exactly what Captain Moore wished he had at the start of his guiding career, underscoring its practical importance for those in outdoor guide training. It strongly reminds me of my own experience both while learning to fly, and while in the military. We watched films and studied materials on accidents to learn from others' mistakes. The core message was clear:
"Learn from others because you won't live long enough to survive them all yourself!"
What follows in these pages is Jason's expert guidance—lessons gained from experience, including mistakes, and the wisdom of mentors, colleagues, and clients. This book is crafted for guides, hosts, responders, and leaders who are responsible for others in remote environments. It goes beyond medicine, focusing on judgment, preparation, and leadership when conditions are challenging. Jason aims to provide tools and perspectives to lead with competence, intention, clarity, and respect for the places and people encountered along the journey.
In summary:
"The Why Behind Wilderness Medicine" serves as an essential resource for wilderness guides and practitioners who need a deep, reasoned understanding of medical interventions in remote settings, focusing on practical application and flexibility rather than just protocols.
You can snag a copy Captain Moore's for yourself by clicking here, and get ready because it will soon be available as a digital download for all you iPad and Tablet readers!
We are looking forward to having Brother Jason on another Flats Nation show soon, to discuss his new book, as well as the move for his guide operations from New Jersey to North Carolina that he and is Bride (who has also joined us for a show and can outfish most of us!) once they get all the boxes unpacked and the new North Carolina tags for the Skiff are placed on her hull. 😀
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go by clicking Here: and do share with your family and friends!
Also, check out the "Flats Nation" Merch and Swag collection! if you enjoy our content help support the effort and Rep "The Nation" at the same time! We have some newer works, from T-shirts to our newer Technical wear, all which can be found by clicking Here.
Also our Brand New Flats Nation Push Pole Protector
Many Blessings!
Dave and the Team
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