HERSHEY, Pa. — First- and second-year medical students at the Penn State College of Medicine stepped out of the box and next to the rocks for a simulated rope rescue. This annual wilderness medicine training exercise, led by Penn State Health Life Lion flight paramedic Saulius Elertas, gives students a unique opportunity to practice medicine outdoors.

The exercise used a mannequin to simulate an injury while rock climbing at Boxcar Rocks in Lebanon County. Students had to think on their feet to simulate a rescue of the injured climber, provide care and ensure the climber could move to the next level of necessary care in a safe way.

“We like to allow students to get out of the classroom and practice a challenging rescue scenario,” Elertas said. “These activities are typically well-received and a valuable part of a complete medical education.”

Providing students with an opportunity to learn more about potential medical scenarios in rural and remote settings aligns with the College of Medicine’s focus on educating the next generation of physicians prepared to provide care in rural communities.