Coca leaf products are an integral part of the lives of the Andean peoples from both a cultural and traditional medicine perspective. Coca is also the whole plant from which cocaine is derived. Coca products are thought to be a panacea for health troubles in regions of South America. This review will examine the toxicology of whole coca and will also look at medicinal applications of this plant, past, present, and future.

Exposure to leeches in the wilderness setting is common. Leeches may attach themselves to exposed skin or pass through one of the body's orifices and attach internally. The condition of leech attachment is known as hirudiniasis, which can result in serious morbidity and, rarely, mortality. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to detail the prevention of leech attachment, as well as both anecdotal and studied methods of removal. Complications from leech attachments include ongoing bleeding, wound infection, and poor wound healing. Although medicinal leeches are the most well-studied variety, this review examines all aspects of leech attachment, prevention, and management.

Increasing participation in ultramarathons and other ultra-endurance events amplifies the potential for serious medical issues during and immediately following these competitions. Since these events are often located in remote settings where access may be extremely limited; the diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and expectations of medical care may differ from those of urban events. This work outlines a process for assessment and treatment of athletes presenting for medical attention in remote environments, with a focus on potentially serious conditions such as major trauma, acute coronary syndrome, exertional heat stroke, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, exercise-associated hyponatremic encephalopathy, severe dehydration, altitude illness, envenomation, anaphylaxis, and bronchospasm. A list of suggested medical supplies is provided and discussed. But, given that diagnostic and treatment options may be extremely limited in remote settings, it is important for medical providers to understand how to assess and manage the most common serious medical issues with limited resources, and to be prepared to make presumptive diagnoses when necessary.

Robert Dachs and colleagues describe the process for researchers to acquire and decipher the dataset from the original NINDS rt-PA trial.

The use of coca leaf for medicinal purposes is a centuries-old tradition of the native peoples of South America. Coca products are thought by many laypersons to provide risk-free benefits to users participating in strenuous activities at high altitude. Physiologic studies of coca have increased understanding of its possible mechanism of action as well as its potential impact on high altitude activities. This present work explores the role of coca throughout the history of the Andean peoples and explores whether this ancient remedy has a place in modern medicine. A focused summary of research articles with particular relevance to the field of wilderness medicine is also included to better provide the reader with lessons not only from history but also from another culture.