Editors’ Comment

The WMS Practice Guidelines have been a tremendous source of education and discussion since the publication of the High Altitude Illness Practice Guidelines in June 2010. When developing these Guidelines, the WMS assembles expert author groups from amongst our membership known to best represent the topic. These author lists are by no means comprehensive, and the Society recognizes that other experts have both clinical and research experience in these fields. In addition, the dearth of randomized controlled trials in wilderness medicine research makes some level of expert opinion a necessary part of grading the evidence. We welcome spirited discussion of the Guidelines, and encourage readers to research each topic and its supporting literature thoroughly, and arrive at their own conclusions so that we may all practice based on an evidence-based evaluation of available information. The ability of individuals to interpret the literature differently is an important part of both the peer-reviewed and comment-based response to the Exercise Associated Hyponatremia Practice Guidelines, and it is just this sort of discourse that we hope will stimulate further discussion, research and ultimately changes in wilderness medicine practice. SM, TC, LK.