Podcast: Matt Smith on managing mental health in high stress environments, and life as a MTB event first responder.

Today on the show I got to chat with Matt Smith, a critical care flight paramedic, and a professional first responder educator.

Matt's journey has taken him across Canada and the US, from the Yukon to Wyoming, and he has held an array of exciting jobs, including working as a raft guide, and ski instructor.

These days, Matt spends much of his time running bike and ski-specific wilderness first aid courses through his business Canadian Outdoor Medical Consulting, as well as providing risk management and medic services to races, events, and outdoor guiding companies. But that's not all, Matt also works part-time as a member of the Whistler Bike Park patrol in the summer and Blackcomb Ski Patrol in the winter.


With over 20 years of experience as a paramedic, Matt has been involved in some of the most challenging and high-stress situations imaginable. We touch on how he manages to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations, and how his passion for mountain biking has helped him stay grounded and balanced in his personal life. We also talk about how to manage risk as a mountain biker, and what to carry in your first aid kit.


So, whether you're a seasoned mountain biker or just someone who loves thought-provoking stories, this episode is for you.

You can follow Matt's adventures on Instagram @wildernessflightmedic and find out more about his business, and bike-specific First Aid Courses and Kits @canadianoutdoormed on Instagram or at canadianoutdoormed.com

Listen here or by searching for ‘Grit with Wisdom’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, or over on my website, and you can follow me on Instagram @the_mind_mountain

Happy trails - Jake Johnstone