2026 Wildland Emergency Medical Symposium
Schedule
Colorado Mesa State University
Grand Junction, Colorado
Registration is now open!
For the first 25 registrants, use discount code: EARLYWEMS for a 25% discount. Pre-Conference classes (3/20/2026) can be added to your registration during checkout. Space is limited to first 15-20 people, available while supplies last.
WEMS Schedule and Topics
2026 Pre-Conference
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Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Technician ProQual:
Location:
Time: 0900-1700
Instructor: John Meyer, Matt Adams, Marcel Rodriguez
Cost: $275
Description: We all know that completing a class is not enough to maintain professional mastery of a skill. So how do we measure competency in rescue professionals? The ProQual! The RRT Professional Qualification Assessment evaluates the individual’s mastery at the Rope Rescue Technician level. It is a test of your problem-solving and discipline specific skills. Many companies are moving towards requiring proof of a ProQual prior to hire. You will be tested for mastery, proficiency, and inadequacy in the skills required of a Rope Rescue Technician. If you are successful, you will leave with an internationally recognized Rescue 3 ProQual RRT certification.Requirements: Current Rope Rescue Technician certification taken at least three weeks prior to the ProQual. PPE minimums include helmet, harness, and gloves. Candidates may bring their own, but they will be inspected by instructors prior to leaving the ground.
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Advanced Airway Management
Location:
Time: 0900-1200
Instructor: Dr. Brian Clothier, Kelly Williams
Cost: $145
Description: Join us for a 3hr Advanced Airway Management course! We will cover principles of RSI and DSI, video and direct laryngoscopy, and surgical cricothyrotomies. Wet lab will be provided with animal tissue. Practice and perfect techniques and discuss the pathophysiology and pharmacology involved with airway management with Dr. Brian Clothier and Paramedic Kelly Williams. -
Ventilator Management
Location:
Time: 1300-1600
Instructor: Matt Spicer
Cost: $145
Description: Perfect your ventilator management techniques with Flight Medic, Matt Spicer! Matt will give you hands on practice with ventilators and review essential topics of respiratory pathophysiology. Topics include:Basic ventilator parameters and settings
Review of oxygenation and ventilation, ETCO2 and why it matters
Ideal body weight calculation.
Oxygen consumption chart/ calculation (i.e. how long with 1500 psi of oxygen last me at 60% FiO2?)
The vent won’t stop alarming! What do I do?
I elected to RSI; now how do I keep the patient safe and comfortable?
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Item description
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RT-130 & Pack Test
Location:
Time:
Instructor: Rick Gobel
Cost: $65
Description: Join us 1 day before the symposium to refresh your “Red Card” for the 2026 season. The RT130 will include required classroom education PLUS the Arduous pack test and Shelter Deployment! Head to the Registration page to sign up for the RT130 independent of the full symposium registration. -
ACLS/BLS
Location:
Time:
Instructor:
Cost: BLS: $75; ACLS: $200; ACLS + BLS $235
Description: Need a recert for your ACLS or BLS? Join us for a quick and painless hybrid style refresher. Online course materials must be completed prior to arrival and proof of completion must be presented to the instructor. -
Need a refresher and a new card for your BLS/CPR? Head to the Registration page to sign up.
2026 Symposium Day 1
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Event attendees gather for a morning debriefing on the days activities.
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Dr. Michelle Curry
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: An overview of EMS in fire history, current state and future dreams
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Brent Ruby, Director, Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism
Comprehensive Physiology of the Wildland Firefighter: A 30 Year Assignment
Dr. Brent Ruby
CEs: 1.5h Medical (TBD)
Description: [The unique pathophysiology behind wildland firefighters and how to care for them before, during, and after the season.]
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Critical Care without Boundaries: The Convergence of Flight and Fireline Medicine
Matt Spicer, FPC
CEs: 1h Medical?
Description: Critical care medicine is the application of critical thinking to medicine – this can happen in a helicopter with the highest end equipment, or on the side of the fireline with a trauma pack and your two hands. Matt Spicer breaks down hot topics such as:
Patient assessment without a cardiac monitor
Burn care and crush injury management made simple
Managing battery consumption, limited communications, and other challenges in the wild
Vehicle Anchors: Myths and Facts
Andy Bebeau
CEs: 0.5h Operations
Description: [Explore load cell testing on a variety of common vehicle anchors. Does chocking matter? How does road surface effect anchor integrity? Can I safely use a UTV as an anchor??]
Training Beyond the Classroom: Managing Risk and Reward in Decision Making
Matt Adams
CEs: 0.5h Operations
Description: [You’ve taken your class…now what? How to continue to train to progress as a rope rescuer on and off the line.]
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Bryan Fleischman, PA-C
CEs: 1h Medical
Description: Heat-related emergencies in remote environments escalate fast—and without rapid recognition and aggressive intervention, they can be fatal. This session delivers a practical, field-ready approach to managing heat illness when distance, terrain, weather, and limited equipment challenge standard EMS care. Participants will learn to differentiate early heat exhaustion from life-threatening exertional heat stroke, implement effective cooling strategies using both conventional and improvised methods, and manage patients when evacuation is delayed or resources are minimal.
The session also highlights two critical complications frequently missed in the field: heat-associated rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous result of muscle breakdown during exertion and dehydration, and heat-related sodium abnormalities, including exertional hyponatremia and hypernatremia—conditions that can mimic heat illness but require completely different treatment strategies. Practical decision tools will guide learners in identifying red flags, initiating on-scene treatment, and determining when evacuation is essential for patient survival.
Designed for EMTs, paramedics, SAR personnel, wilderness responders, and anyone operating in extreme environments, this session equips participants with the knowledge and real-world strategies needed to manage heat emergencies confidently and safely—even when help is hours away.
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Vendor Walk
SKEDCO Demo
MED-L Panel
UTV Maintenance
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Adam Thomas, NRP
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: [Adam Thomas, paramedic and former Hotshot, discusses the best ways to navigate the relationship between medical personnel and wildland firefighters. He focuses on the best ways to integrate and communicate with crews, highlighting way to be proactive and bridge operational gaps.]
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Case Reviews with Dr. Peeples:
Dr. Woody Peeples, MD
CEs: 2h TBD
Description: Dr. Woody Peeples is back for another night of case reviews! He’ll explore challenging and interesting real-life cases from the last wildland season and offer his feedback, interpretation, and key teaching moments to elevate your care. Learn what happens after the patient arrives at the hospital and how you can set them up for their best outcome in the field.
2026 Symposium Day 2
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John Meyer
CEs: 0.75h Operations
Description: John Meyer and his REMS team were involved in a…controversial rope rescue during the 2023 season. This call made its way through several lessons learned and was even featured on the Hotshot Wakeup Podcast. Listen to John explain what really happened on scene and share his risk management decision making.
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Spinal Injuries & Updates:
Dr. Brian Clothier, MD
CEs: 0.75h Trauma
Description: [Spinal cord injuries and management are always a hot topic in prehospital medicine. Review the pathophysiology and assessment pearls behind common presentation and discus best ways to manage these injuries in the field. Listen to the newest updates on long backboards, short backboards, and other ways to protect the spine and prevent further injury.]
Heat, Hazmat, and Other Rope Rescue Complications for the Fireline
Marcel Rodriguez
CEs: 0.75h Ops
Description: [The fireline presents a host of challenges for the rope rescuer – hot spots, ash, and all sorts of hazardous risks exist. Learn about the best textiles to choose to make your systems safe. Discuss hazards associated with tree anchors in a potentially compromised environment.]
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Point of Care Ultrasound Basics:
Matt Spicer, FPC
CEs: 1h Trauma
Description: Learn about POCUS basics with Flight Medic, Matt Spicer. Matt will demonstrate how to use a portable ultrasound to perform eFAST and RUSH exams, ocular nerve sheath measurements for complications with TBI and HACE, and how to identify and manage foreign objects. Attend this breakout session and then convince your manager you NEED one!
MEDL Panel:
Joel Simonson, Mandi Childers, Jeff Childers, Rick Gobel
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: For new wildland providers and old…come listen to a panel of MEDLs for their best advice to have a safe and successful season. Learn about their expectations and experiences. This is a lively and interactive session to engage with your fireline leadership!
REMS Panel:
Matt Adams, Marcel Rodriguez, Mark Rickbeil, Bryan Howell. Moderator: John Meyer
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: Calling all rope nerds… The REMS panel places rope rescue and industry experts at the center of the conversation. Listen to their opinions and experiences around popular debates. Does single rope technique have a place in rescue? What does “redundant” truly mean? How safe is too safe and what is safe “enough”? And so much more! The conversation will be moderated by REMS Lead and Rope Instructor, John Meyer. Please bring your questions and curiosity!
UTV Maintenance:
TBD?
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: [Practice basic UTV maintenance with an experienced instructor. Learn how to change a belt, change a tire, and keep your machine running all season long!]
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Point of Care Ultrasound Basics:
Matt Spicer, FPC
CEs: 1h Trauma
Description: Learn about POCUS basics with Flight Medic, Matt Spicer. Matt will demonstrate how to use a portable ultrasound to perform eFAST and RUSH exams, ocular nerve sheath measurements for complications with TBI and HACE, and how to identify and manage foreign objects. Attend this breakout session and then convince your manager you NEED one!
MEDL Panel:
Joel Simonson, Mandi Childers, Jeff Childers, Rick Gobel
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: For new wildland providers and old…come listen to a panel of MEDLs for their best advice to have a safe and successful season. Learn about their expectations and experiences. This is a lively and interactive session to engage with your fireline leadership!
REMS Panel:
Matt Adams, Marcel Rodriguez, Mark Rickbeil, Bryan Howell. Moderator: John Meyer
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: Calling all rope nerds… The REMS panel places rope rescue and industry experts at the center of the conversation. Listen to their opinions and experiences around popular debates. Does single rope technique have a place in rescue? What does “redundant” truly mean? How safe is too safe and what is safe “enough”? And so much more! The conversation will be moderated by REMS Lead and Rope Instructor, John Meyer. Please bring your questions and curiosity!
UTV Maintenance:
TBD?
CEs: 1h Operations
Description: [Practice basic UTV maintenance with an experienced instructor. Learn how to change a belt, change a tire, and keep your machine running all season long!]
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Symposium Day 2
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The Smokehouse Creek Wildfire was a defining event in wildland emergency response, presenting unique challenges in medical support for firefighters and displaced communities. This case study examines the multidisciplinary response to the wildfire, which consumed over 1 million acres in under five days. The incident’s rapid escalation due to extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and resource constraints tested the capabilities of local emergency medical services (EMS) and highlighted critical areas for improvement.
This presentation will explore the deployment and integration of medical resources during the incident, focusing on the collaboration between Austin-Travis County EMS and local, regional, and state agencies. Key points include the establishment of medical staging areas in remote zones, managing injuries, and addressing the logistical hurdles of prolonged field operations with an incident that crossed state lines. A significant component of this case study is the innovative use of Wildland Paramedic Units and portable internet technology for situational awareness and medical supply delivery.
Lessons learned from Smokehouse Creek emphasize the importance of pre-incident training tailored to wildland scenarios, including triage under austere conditions and the ability of responders to treat patients for a prolonged time. Additionally, this case study underscores the necessity of adaptive planning in the face of rapidly changing fire behavior and environmental hazards.
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Resilience and Psychological First Aid: Practical ways to avoid burnout while also supporting co-workers and the public. This course is based on the instructor's 20 years of experience with the Bay Area Crisis Response Team, the USFS CISM program, Cal Fire's Employee Support Services, and more than 1,000 crisis intervention responses. It will describe the physical, social, and spiritual sources of stress and renewal, along with basic principles of using Psychological First Aid for individuals and small groups.
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2a - Vendor Walk
2b - MedL Round Table, various Med L
2c - REMS Standards, John Meyer
2d - UTV Use and Maintenance
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Symposium Day 1
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Event attendees gather for a morning debriefing on the days activities.
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Brain Injury - From the Sidelines to the Fire line
In this exciting learning session, dual board certified emergency and sports medicine physician Tim Durkin will help you apply the latest concepts in concussion care from division 1 and professional sports and apply them on the fire line. You will learn field appropriate strategies to recognize, risk stratify and manage brain injury at all levels of severity. You will gain understanding of the physiology of concussion, how to help concussed patients recover, review key aspects of care for the critically brain injured patient, and get to apply these concepts in a variety of real world case studies.
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Oregon WA Certified Rescue Training Courses Technical Rope Swiftwater
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The Firefighter Knee
A strong, stable and functional knee is essential for fire fighter effectiveness, health, safety, mobility and career longevity. In this session, Dr Durkin will draw on his 30+ years of unique clinical experiences in prehospital response, ER work, Power 5 collegiate sports medicine, occupational medicine for fire departments, and outpatient orthopedics to help you optimize care for the injured knee and minimize injury risk for you and your teammates. You’ll learn about appropriate strategies for knee dislocation reduction, how to recognize limb threatening catastrophic injuries, and how initial care in the field can lay the groundwork for rapid recovery or prolonged disability. Additionally, we will apply evidence from high level sports and the limited data on fire fighter injuries to infer how we can program training and conditioning to prevent both acute and overuse knee injuries, and give you resources you can take home to help promote injury prevention in your response community.
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1a - Vendor Walk
1b - Blister & Foot Care, Heather Buben
1c - Eye Emergencies, Dr. Woody Peeples
Pre-Conference
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Join us 1 day before the symposium to refresh your “Red Card” for the 2025. The RT130 will include required classroom education PLUS the Arduous pack test and Shelter Deployment! Head to the Registration page to sign up for the RT130 independent of the full symposium registration.
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Need a refresher and a new card for your ACLS? Head to the Registration page to sign up for ACLS.
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Need a refresher and a new card for your BLS/CPR? Head to the Registration page to sign up.
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The purpose of this course is to optimize the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced Pierce County paramedics in managing the airways, oxygenation and ventilation of EMS patients. Course participants, working in small groups, will practice technical skills and utilize critical decision-making skills in airway management scenarios. Written and practical evaluations will measure performance.
2026 Faculty Speakers
Bryan Howell- Prevail Rescue Solutions
Bryan is an active-duty firefighter / paramedic and tactical SWAT medic. He has been in the fire service for over 25 years and is the CEO of Prevail Rescue Solutions. Specializing in light weight rope rescue, Bryan has carved the path for REMS training at a national level. As a member of both the FIRESCOPE and NWCG REMS committees he has solidified his place in austere rescue and continues to drive the narrative that is shaping this rescue mechanism.
Joel Simonson, EMTP, MEDL
Started in wildland fire in 2012, worked in EMS for 26 years
Michelle Curry, MD, FACEP, FAWM
Dr. Michelle Curry serves as the Forest Service National Medical Director. She attended medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, completed her Emergency Residency after entering active-duty status with the U.S. Army, eventually attaining fellowship status in the American College of Emergency Medicine. Her military service included several duty tours, as well as a deployment to Africa teaching mass-casualty medicine/austere medicine and first responder classes to troops of a combined three African nations. Since leaving the service, her disaster experiences translated to many deployments with the National Disaster Medical Systems (NDMS) under the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. During the 2017 Hurricane Maria disaster in Puerto Rico she served as one of the Chief Medical Officers. Dr. Curry has been heavily involved with EMS agencies across the country throughout her career. She has served as Medical Director for fire-based, private, county-based, as well as volunteer agencies from large to small. She also serves as the local emergency medical advisor for Blue Ridge National Park. She is a Wilderness Medical Society Fellow (FAWM) and in 2024 received the prestigious Mountain Laurel Award from the Appalachian Center for Wilderness Medicine. Dr. Curry now resides in the DC area and is the daughter of a former Forest Ranger.
Bryan Fleischman, PA-C, EM-CAQ, MBA, NRP
Bryan Fleischman is a Physician Associate (PA) who completed an emergency medicine residency, currently practicing rural critical access emergency medicine while serving as a firefighter-paramedic. His background includes high-volume 911 and critical care transport work in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also has extensive experience in outpatient and mobile anesthesiology with a strong emphasis on advanced airway management, primarily with pediatric patients. Bryan serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, mentors MD and PA students through the Emory Farmworker Project and remains an active EMS educator and ALS preceptor.
Rick Gobel NR-P, WEMT
I bring a lifetime of service and field experience shaped by 31 years in wildland firefighting and 30 years in emergency medical services. As a licensed paramedic, I have built my career on providing calm leadership and practical decision-making in high-risk, rapidly changing environments.
Brian Clothier MD FAEMS
Dr. Clothier is trained in EM, Pediatrics, EMS and Wilderness medicine. He now works full time teaching out-of-hospital emergency care in a variety of settings. He is the owner and Chief Medical Officer of R51 Medical.
Matt Adams - Lead Tech / Instructor Crux Rescue
Matt grew up in the Great Northwest and enjoys a rich heritage as a 6th generation Oregonian. The grandson of one of the original members of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA / MORESCO), Matt grew up learning rope and knot craft. He joined the local Search And Rescue team as a Boy Scout and has continued as an active SAR member for the last 30 years.
Matthew Spicer, APP, NRP, FP-C
Matthew began his EMS career in 2012 working as a camp medic for the Boy Scouts of America, in 2016 he obtained his paramedic spending his career on the ground in rural EMS. Currently, he is the East Region Clinical Education Coordinator and previously flew full-time while also serving as the outreach/ base educator and sitting on multiple committees/ workgroups. His clinical interests include airway management, resuscitation, and ultrasound.
John Meyer
CEO, Backcountry Medics. Rescue 3 Rope Rescue Instructor
Adam Thomas/NRP
Adam Thomas is a Paramedic with over 12 years of experience working in a wide variety of environments including structure fire, EMS, defense contracting and wildland fire. His experience working two seasons as a Paramedic on a Hotshot crew gave him the chance to see wildland medical resources through the eyes of a firefighter and helped shape his practice as a Wildland Paramedic. Adam is passionate about integrating medical providers with crews “Up the hill” and is an advocate for better communication between firefighters and line medical personnel.
Mandi Childers USFS MEDL/EMPF
Mandi has been working in EMS since 2017 and in wildland fire since 2018, bringing a strong background in emergency medicine and wildfire operations. She is qualified as a MEDL and EMPF for the GMUG National Forest in Colorado. During the off-season, Mandi serves as a Paramedic with Ouray County EMS and as a Base Medic for Powderhorn Ski Patrol. Outside of work, Mandi enjoys travel, skiing, rock climbing, backpacking, camping, and spending quality time with family. Whether on the fire line or in the medical unit, she is passionate about supporting crews, delivering high-quality patient care, and staying mission-ready in austere environments.
Jeff Childers USFS MEDL/EMPF
Jeff began his career in emergency medical services in 2001, working for a high-volume private EMS agency. He earned his Paramedic certification in 2004 and quickly embraced a professional philosophy he describes as “good medicine in bad places.” That philosophy was put into action during his deployment to Hurricane Katrina, where he spent just over a month providing medical care on the ground.
Brent Ruby, Ph.D., FACSM
Andy Bebeau, Linn County Sheriff's Office, Assistant SAR Coordinator.
Andy Bebeau, Linn County Sheriff's Office, Assistant SAR Coordinator.
Deputy w/ Linn Co Sheriff's office 16 years, SAR for 12 years, Asst SAR Coordinator, Technical Rescue Team Lead, Rescue 3 instructor
Jeff Simons BS, FP-C
Flight Paramedic by trade with a passion for emergency services education and creating dynamic training simulations. As a Clinical Educator Jeff works to develop online educational content as well as innovative in person training programs for Air Methods Ascend. Jeff is always looking for ways to create dynamic and interactive educational content. Outside of the world of EMS Jeff enjoys photography, biking, snowboarding and is an amateur handyman who can still count to ten with his fingers.
Cornelius Peeples MD Board-Certified Emergency Medicine
Attending Physician St Charles Medical Center, Bend OR
Central Oregon SWAT Team Physician
Medical Director Adventure Medics
Medical Director Deschutes County 911 Dispatch