Petzl has issued a warning regarding counterfeit climbing gear. These products may fail under far lower loads than authentic Petzl products. Please inform climbers and outdoor programs of these important concerns. Also consider where you buy gear.

Climbing equipment inspection & retirement resources. We review extensive free resources provided by Petzl that are useful for institutional climbing programs.

What is the primary emergency communication device for your program?  See what the Outdoor Safety Institute recommend. One of your participants is in a "life or limb" emergency situation, you or your field staff stabilize the situation as best as possible but know that this person needs to get to the hospital.  Do you have an emergency communication device?  What is it?

The ongoing discussion about requiring climbers in various locations to carry specific communication devices and climbers paying for rescue is discussed in a great article put out by the NorthWest Mountaineering Journal.  Details after the link.

Of interest to those traveling in tropical areas (or managing outdoor programs that go there), this video educates about the botfly while depicting the emergence of a maggot from the skin of a well know insect expert. Details & video after the link.

Written by Outdoor Safety Institute Director, Alex Kosseff, the revised AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership has over 50% new content. This edition bring a new focus on risk management and outdoor safety, teaching, facilitation and leading youth. Follow the link for more info or go here for complete details.

iTriage is a moblie medical diagnostic application (for Android devices, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad). Can it be a resource in the backcountry? Possibly. Can it replace good medical & first aid training? No. Does ever increasing mobile technology present a challenge for traditional outdoor programs and activities? We're looking for your input.

Two years ago I purchased the DMM Belay Master Carabiners for a climbing program I manage. This unique carabiner prevents potentially dangerous cross-loading and allows you to confirm the carabiner is locked from a distance away. Is it useful for programs or personal use?

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Three separate climbing parties reported injuries after a storm hit around midday. The groups were all above 12,000 feet on the 13,770-foot Grand Teton Mountain