A brief, intensive EPT course can improve the disaster knowledge and comfort level of a diverse group of clinical providers as well as foster disaster-performance skills. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:121-126).

Introduction.-As rock-climbing increases in popularity, the number of rock-climbing-related injuries also increases. Despite the available literature, there remains a paucity of information about upper extremity injuries sustained by climbers and no studies to date focus on sex-specific injuries in climbers. Objective.-To investigate demographics and patterns of upper-extremity injuries among rock climbers, specifically examining differences in climbing practices, experience levels, and postinjury treatment between male and female rock climbers. Methods.-A 24-question online survey was designed and distributed to rock climbers about upper-extremity injuries sustained during rock climbing. Statistical analysis was used to study associations between participants' demographics and the nature of injuries. Results.-A total of 397 participants responded to the survey with men comprising the majority of respondents. No significant differences in demographics or climbing behaviors were found between men and women. Three hundred fifty-seven participants reported sustaining an upper-extremity injury. Fingers were the most commonly injured area, followed by the shoulder/arm and the elbow/forearm. Of those reporting tendon injuries, the majority were reported as a flexor tendon/pulley injury. Our study found women to be significantly more likely to report shoulder/ upper arm injuries compared with men, with the odds of sustaining a shoulder/upper arm injury for women being twice that for men after adjusting for climbing frequency and years of climbing. Among respondents who reported a shoulder/upper arm injury, women were more likely to undergo surgery. Conclusion.-Female rock climbers were significantly more likely to report a shoulder/upper arm injury and also were more likely to report undergoing surgery compared with male rock climbers. These differences were not due to age or climbing behaviors. Further investigation is warranted into the association between shoulder injuries and female athletes to determine how sex differences relate to extent of injury as well as health service utilization behaviors.

implicit hazards associated with the boat maneuvering and exposure to the elements. Nonetheless, there have been significant tragedies. Recent improvements in safety gear and advances in technology have allowed for more acute medical management of sailors. Objective.-This study investigates the relative frequency of injuries and illnesses sustained during offshore sailboat racing in the Great Lakes, which has never been reported. These results will be compared with those published in a study that investigated the same occurrences during the Newport Bermuda ocean race to determine whether there is a difference in frequency or type found on the open ocean versus the Great Lakes. Methods.-The study design was prospective, descriptive, and observational. Surveys were self-reported and collected after the race from the boat representative. De-identified data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analyzed by a professional statistician. Results.-In 2013, representatives of 164 boats responded to the survey in one offshore race, which represented 1260 sailors; 146 illnesses were reported, and 9 boats reported at least 1 injury. In 2014, representatives of 435 boats responded to the survey in two offshore races, which represented 3525 sailors. The 2014 data are still being analyzed. Conclusions.-The 2013 rate of injury and illnesses in the Great Lakes was significant at 125 per 1000 races per sailor when compared with the Newport Bermuda race at only 12. Injuries in the form of contusions were most common in the Great Lakes races as opposed to lacerations in the ocean races, and seasickness was the most common illness in both environments.