Author profile image
Author profile image

Tod Schimelpfenig

Curriculum Director

Tod Schimelpfenig has been the curriculum director at NOLS Wilderness Medicine since 2002. He is the author of NOLS Wilderness Medicine and co-author of Risk Management for Outdoor Leaders.

Latest Articles

  • Skills

    Hot-Weather Hiking Tips

    418 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

    Learn how to have an enjoyable hike in hot weather with our advice on planning, clothing and health tips for hot-weather hiking.

  • Skills

    How to Identify and Treat Altitude Sickness

    314 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars

    Learn about altitude sickness, acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

  • Skills

    Wilderness First Aid Basics

    112 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

    Learn the differences between wilderness and urban first aid. Also get care tips and find out how to assess a patient in the backcountry.

  • Skills

    How to Treat Burns

    8 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Everything from the sun to camp stoves can cause burn injuries. Learn how to prevent, assess and treat burns, and when evacuation is needed.

  • Skills

    How to Treat Insect Bites and Stings

    13 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

    Learn first aid—both prevention and treatment—for bites or stings from mosquitos, biting flies, ticks, bees, wasps, spiders and scorpions.

  • Skills

    Blister Prevention and Care

    424 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

    Learn the conditions that cause blisters, how to prevent blisters from happening and how to treat them after they form.

  • Skills

    Cold-Weather Hiking Tips

    422 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars

    Cold-weather hiking doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Learn to have a good time with these clothing, gear, food, hydration and health tips.

  • Skills

    How to Treat a Sprained Ankle

    155 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars

    An unfortunate reality of living and playing outdoors is the ample opportunity to twist an ankle. Learn how to treat a sprained ankle.