As we step into the first quarter of 2026, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary momentum we have built together over the past year. NWLI has always been more than an educational organization. We are a community of practitioners, leaders, and problem‑solvers who believe deeply in the value of preparedness, the power of training, and the responsibility we hold to those who depend on us in the most remote, austere, and unpredictable environments. This quarter marks not only the beginning of a new operational cycle, but the continuation of a mission that grows more relevant with every passing year.
The wilderness, as we all know, is not defined solely by geography. It is defined by conditions: remoteness, limited resources, delayed access to definitive care, and the need for individuals who can think clearly, act decisively, and lead effectively when the margin for error is razor thin. Whether we are teaching a Wilderness First Aid class to new outdoor leaders, preparing SAR teams for high‑angle rescue operations, or equipping EMS professionals with the skills to manage prolonged field care, our work is grounded in the same principle: competence saves lives, and leadership sustains teams.
This past fall, I had the privilege of representing NWLI at two major events that reinforced this truth in powerful ways: EMS World Expo in October and the Life Saving Summit in November. Both gatherings brought together some of the most forward‑thinking clinicians, educators, innovators, and operational leaders in emergency medicine today. They were opportunities not only to learn, but to connect, to challenge assumptions, and to envision the future of wilderness and remote medical education.
What I saw, heard, and experienced at these events has shaped the direction of this quarter’s newsletter and the strategic priorities we are carrying into 2026. I want to share those reflections with you, because they speak directly to the work we do and the impact we strive to make.
Reflections from EMS World Expo — October 2025
EMS World Expo has always been a cornerstone event for our profession, but this year’s symposium felt particularly significant. The conversations were sharper, the innovations more disruptive, and the urgency more palpable. Across the sessions I attended, one theme emerged again and again: **the boundaries of EMS are expanding**, and the expectations placed on providers are evolving just as quickly.
We are seeing a shift toward:
– Prolonged field care as a mainstream competency
– Integration of wilderness medicine principles into traditional EMS curricula
– Cross‑disciplinary collaboration between EMS, SAR, tactical medicine, and disaster response
– Technology‑enabled decision‑making in remote environments
– A renewed emphasis on leadership development at every level of care
One of the most impactful sessions I attended focused on the realities of delayed transport in both rural and wilderness settings. The presenters highlighted case studies where crews were forced to manage critical patients for hours—sometimes overnight—before evacuation was possible. These were not military scenarios. They were civilian incidents: backcountry injuries, rural trauma, severe weather delays, and resource‑limited responses.
Listening to these stories, I was struck by how closely they mirrored the challenges our NWLI instructors prepare students to face. The wilderness is no longer a niche environment. It is increasingly the environment. And the skill sets we teach—patient packaging, hypothermia management, improvised splinting, environmental assessment, team leadership, and risk mitigation—are becoming essential competencies for EMS providers across the country.
Another highlight of the Expo was the growing recognition of **interdisciplinary training models**. I had the opportunity to speak with educators who are integrating wilderness medicine into paramedic programs, SAR leaders who are adopting TECC principles, and EMS agencies that are building remote‑care protocols for their rural districts. These conversations reaffirmed what we at NWLI have long believed: the future of emergency medicine lies at the intersection of disciplines, and organizations like ours play a critical role in bridging those worlds.
The Expo also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with equipment manufacturers, technology developers, and training partners. From advanced hypothermia management tools to ruggedized telemedicine platforms, the innovations emerging in our field are remarkable. But technology alone is not enough. Tools are only as effective as the people who wield them. And that is where NWLI continues to lead—with training that is realistic, relevant, and grounded in the realities of field operations.
Insights from the Life Saving Summit — November 2025
Just a few weeks after EMS World, I had the privilege of attending the **Life Saving Summit**, an event that brought together instructors, program directors, and emergency response leaders from across the country. The Summit was a powerful reminder of the human side of our work—the relationships, the mentorship, the shared commitment to excellence that binds our community together.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Summit was the opportunity to meet so many dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of emergency response education. The conversations were rich, the energy was contagious, and the sense of purpose was unmistakable. Whether discussing AED program development, community CPR initiatives, or advanced instructor pathways, the Summit reinforced the importance of **collaboration and continuous improvement**.
It was also a moment of personal reflection for me. As Executive Director, I am constantly evaluating how NWLI can better serve our students, our partners, and our instructors. The Summit provided clarity on several fronts:
– We must continue to expand our instructor development pipeline, ensuring that our educators have the tools, mentorship, and support they need to excel.
– We must strengthen our regional partnerships, particularly in the Mid‑Atlantic, where demand for high‑quality wilderness and remote medical training continues to grow.
– We must remain committed to evidence‑based practice, integrating the latest research and best practices into every course we deliver.
– And we must never lose sight of the fact that our greatest asset is our people—the instructors, volunteers, and leaders who bring our mission to life every day.
The Summit also highlighted the importance of recognizing excellence within our own ranks. Which brings me to one of the proudest moments of this quarter.
Looking Ahead: NWLI’s Mission in 2026
As we move into the new year, the lessons from EMS World, the inspiration from the Life Saving Summit, and the accomplishments of our instructors all point toward a clear direction for NWLI in 2026.
1. Strengthening Our Training Pipeline
We will continue to expand our course offerings, refine our curricula, and invest in instructor development. Our goal is to ensure that every student—whether a first‑time responder or a seasoned professional—receives training that is rigorous, relevant, and rooted in real‑world experience.
2. Advancing Wilderness and Remote Medical Education
We are committed to integrating the latest research, best practices, and field‑tested techniques into our programs. This includes updated hypothermia management protocols, prolonged field care strategies, and interdisciplinary training models.
3. Expanding Partnerships and Outreach
From EMS agencies to SAR teams, outdoor organizations to community groups, we will continue to build relationships that strengthen our impact and broaden our reach.
4. Investing in Leadership Development
Leadership is at the heart of everything we do. In 2026, we will place renewed emphasis on cultivating leaders who can guide teams, manage risk, and make sound decisions under pressure.
5. Celebrating Excellence Within Our Community
We will continue to recognize the achievements of our instructors, students, and partners—because their success is our success.
A Final Reflection
As I reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next, I am filled with gratitude—for our instructors, our students, our partners, and every member of the NWLI community who contributes to our mission. The work we do is not easy. It demands skill, dedication, and a willingness to step into the unknown. But it is work that matters deeply.
The wilderness will always test us. It will challenge our assumptions, push our limits, and remind us of the fragility of life. But it will also reveal our strength, our resilience, and our capacity to lead with courage and compassion.
As we begin this new quarter, I am confident that NWLI is stronger than ever. We are prepared. We are focused. And we are committed to advancing the highest standards of wilderness and remote medical education.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering support. Together, we will continue to build a safer, more resilient, and more prepared community—one class, one student, and one mission at a time.
VOL 2 Nub. 1 EXORDIUM
From the Executive Director
As we step into the first quarter of 2026, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary momentum we have built together over the past year. NWLI has always been more than an educational organization. We are a community of practitioners, leaders, and problem‑solvers who believe deeply in the value of preparedness, the power of training, and the responsibility we hold to those who depend on us in the most remote, austere, and unpredictable environments. This quarter marks not only the beginning of a new operational cycle, but the continuation of a mission that grows more relevant with every passing year.
The wilderness, as we all know, is not defined solely by geography. It is defined by conditions: remoteness, limited resources, delayed access to definitive care, and the need for individuals who can think clearly, act decisively, and lead effectively when the margin for error is razor thin. Whether we are teaching a Wilderness First Aid class to new outdoor leaders, preparing SAR teams for high‑angle rescue operations, or equipping EMS professionals with the skills to manage prolonged field care, our work is grounded in the same principle: competence saves lives, and leadership sustains teams.
This past fall, I had the privilege of representing NWLI at two major events that reinforced this truth in powerful ways: EMS World Expo in October and the Life Saving Summit in November. Both gatherings brought together some of the most forward‑thinking clinicians, educators, innovators, and operational leaders in emergency medicine today. They were opportunities not only to learn, but to connect, to challenge assumptions, and to envision the future of wilderness and remote medical education.
What I saw, heard, and experienced at these events has shaped the direction of this quarter’s newsletter and the strategic priorities we are carrying into 2026. I want to share those reflections with you, because they speak directly to the work we do and the impact we strive to make.
Reflections from EMS World Expo — October 2025
EMS World Expo has always been a cornerstone event for our profession, but this year’s symposium felt particularly significant. The conversations were sharper, the innovations more disruptive, and the urgency more palpable. Across the sessions I attended, one theme emerged again and again: **the boundaries of EMS are expanding**, and the expectations placed on providers are evolving just as quickly.
We are seeing a shift toward:
– Prolonged field care as a mainstream competency
– Integration of wilderness medicine principles into traditional EMS curricula
– Cross‑disciplinary collaboration between EMS, SAR, tactical medicine, and disaster response
– Technology‑enabled decision‑making in remote environments
– A renewed emphasis on leadership development at every level of care
One of the most impactful sessions I attended focused on the realities of delayed transport in both rural and wilderness settings. The presenters highlighted case studies where crews were forced to manage critical patients for hours—sometimes overnight—before evacuation was possible. These were not military scenarios. They were civilian incidents: backcountry injuries, rural trauma, severe weather delays, and resource‑limited responses.
Listening to these stories, I was struck by how closely they mirrored the challenges our NWLI instructors prepare students to face. The wilderness is no longer a niche environment. It is increasingly the environment. And the skill sets we teach—patient packaging, hypothermia management, improvised splinting, environmental assessment, team leadership, and risk mitigation—are becoming essential competencies for EMS providers across the country.
Another highlight of the Expo was the growing recognition of **interdisciplinary training models**. I had the opportunity to speak with educators who are integrating wilderness medicine into paramedic programs, SAR leaders who are adopting TECC principles, and EMS agencies that are building remote‑care protocols for their rural districts. These conversations reaffirmed what we at NWLI have long believed: the future of emergency medicine lies at the intersection of disciplines, and organizations like ours play a critical role in bridging those worlds.
The Expo also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with equipment manufacturers, technology developers, and training partners. From advanced hypothermia management tools to ruggedized telemedicine platforms, the innovations emerging in our field are remarkable. But technology alone is not enough. Tools are only as effective as the people who wield them. And that is where NWLI continues to lead—with training that is realistic, relevant, and grounded in the realities of field operations.
Insights from the Life Saving Summit — November 2025
Just a few weeks after EMS World, I had the privilege of attending the **Life Saving Summit**, an event that brought together instructors, program directors, and emergency response leaders from across the country. The Summit was a powerful reminder of the human side of our work—the relationships, the mentorship, the shared commitment to excellence that binds our community together.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Summit was the opportunity to meet so many dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of emergency response education. The conversations were rich, the energy was contagious, and the sense of purpose was unmistakable. Whether discussing AED program development, community CPR initiatives, or advanced instructor pathways, the Summit reinforced the importance of **collaboration and continuous improvement**.
It was also a moment of personal reflection for me. As Executive Director, I am constantly evaluating how NWLI can better serve our students, our partners, and our instructors. The Summit provided clarity on several fronts:
– We must continue to expand our instructor development pipeline, ensuring that our educators have the tools, mentorship, and support they need to excel.
– We must strengthen our regional partnerships, particularly in the Mid‑Atlantic, where demand for high‑quality wilderness and remote medical training continues to grow.
– We must remain committed to evidence‑based practice, integrating the latest research and best practices into every course we deliver.
– And we must never lose sight of the fact that our greatest asset is our people—the instructors, volunteers, and leaders who bring our mission to life every day.
The Summit also highlighted the importance of recognizing excellence within our own ranks. Which brings me to one of the proudest moments of this quarter.
Looking Ahead: NWLI’s Mission in 2026
As we move into the new year, the lessons from EMS World, the inspiration from the Life Saving Summit, and the accomplishments of our instructors all point toward a clear direction for NWLI in 2026.
1. Strengthening Our Training Pipeline
We will continue to expand our course offerings, refine our curricula, and invest in instructor development. Our goal is to ensure that every student—whether a first‑time responder or a seasoned professional—receives training that is rigorous, relevant, and rooted in real‑world experience.
2. Advancing Wilderness and Remote Medical Education
We are committed to integrating the latest research, best practices, and field‑tested techniques into our programs. This includes updated hypothermia management protocols, prolonged field care strategies, and interdisciplinary training models.
3. Expanding Partnerships and Outreach
From EMS agencies to SAR teams, outdoor organizations to community groups, we will continue to build relationships that strengthen our impact and broaden our reach.
4. Investing in Leadership Development
Leadership is at the heart of everything we do. In 2026, we will place renewed emphasis on cultivating leaders who can guide teams, manage risk, and make sound decisions under pressure.
5. Celebrating Excellence Within Our Community
We will continue to recognize the achievements of our instructors, students, and partners—because their success is our success.
A Final Reflection
As I reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next, I am filled with gratitude—for our instructors, our students, our partners, and every member of the NWLI community who contributes to our mission. The work we do is not easy. It demands skill, dedication, and a willingness to step into the unknown. But it is work that matters deeply.
The wilderness will always test us. It will challenge our assumptions, push our limits, and remind us of the fragility of life. But it will also reveal our strength, our resilience, and our capacity to lead with courage and compassion.
As we begin this new quarter, I am confident that NWLI is stronger than ever. We are prepared. We are focused. And we are committed to advancing the highest standards of wilderness and remote medical education.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering support. Together, we will continue to build a safer, more resilient, and more prepared community—one class, one student, and one mission at a time.
With respect and gratitude,
Christopher P. Noyes, CMP, WEMT, AEMT
Executive Director
National Wilderness Leadership Institute
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