Mary Davis brings two decades of specialized mountain rescue and austere medical experience from the challenging, high-alpine terrain of the Mt. Baker Ski Area. Holding both a Remote Emergency Medical Technician (REMT) credential and a Senior Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification, they possess advanced, hands-on expertise in avalanche and rope rescue, chairlift evacuation, and complex patient transport in extreme winter environments. As a recognized leader in wilderness medicine education, Mary serves as an OEC Instructor and Evaluator for the Northwest Region, regularly training ski patrol candidates and Mountain Hosts while continuing to serve in the Mt. Baker Aid Room. Furthermore, Mary is deeply committed to the holistic well-being of medical providers; they are currently completing advanced training with the Responder Alliance, focusing on stress injury awareness and mental health support for first responders. This unique blend of elite technical rescue, clinical longevity, and focus on provider resilience ensures students receive comprehensive, compassionate, and highly practical instruction.
The Journey to Remote Medicine
I grew up thinking I was on ski patrol at a very early age. Bridger Bowl was my home mountain and I got on my first pair of skis at the age of five. When the Ski patrol trained, I volunteered to be the person in the toboggan or on the T-seat during the chair evacuation. I loved it!
I first became a Mountain Host at Mt Baker because I loved the mountain environment and liked to help people (and I wanted a free ski pass). I would arrive first on scene with a radio but had no medical experience. I signed up for Outdoor Emergency Care so I would be better prepared. I liked learning the skills and was encouraged to apply to be on ski patrol. Our son is an adventure seeker and I practiced many of my skills on him and his friends when they were teeenagers. The rest is history.
I am on-hill patrol which involves patient assessment, packaging and transport in a snowy environment. I like working on a team and the semi- remoteness of the ski area. I also like working with the aid room staff, mountain management and the public. I got my REMT through RMT six years ago to continue my education and then started teaching for them during the pandemic. I like the diversity of the students who take the courses.
Professional Certifications & Licensures
REMT
BLS and OEC Instructor
Senior OEC Evaluator
WA State Secondary Ed Teaching Certification
Level 2 Rowing Coach
US Sailing Coach. I. D.(Instructor Development)
Ski Patrol Instructor
I am an artist and create murals and history walls for public spaces. Art is another form of healing. I also love to row and travel on a bike.
Why I Choose to Teach
Teaching is a way to give back. The skills in the RMT classes are life skills that everyone should know. They empower students. I think of them as super powers that can be assessible to everyone.
Teaching Philosopy
No two classes are the same. Not everyone learns the same way. As an instructor it is my job to figure out different ways of presenting information so that students are engaged and learning. It is fairly basic to teach something that students can memorize but it is the "why" behind it that really matters. if the student understands the "why" behind a decision or a skill, it becomes relevant.
We come from varied backgrounds and it is imporant to meet students where they are. I find that success comes when students are up and participating and the course is filled with hands-on skills and scenarios that they can relate to. Creating an environment that is safe for students to ask questions, to practice skills without judgement and to be treated with respect is also key.
I have high expectations for myself and for my students. It is my job to support them and help them achieve the goals of the class. I see teaching as an opportunity to broaden the circle of good humans that I know.
Specialized Industries
Ski Patrol
Marine Water Medicine and Safety
Wilderness Camp Program Manager
Most Memorable Field Experience
When my son was 8 he did odd jobs so he could buy a BMX bike. To save money he had it shipped in pieces and I offered to help him put it together. We took it to the skate park for his first ride. I was reading a book and looked up to see him dragging the bike with blood pouring down his leg and a trail of blood across the park. I didn't know that there were covers for the screws that went on the pegs on the back of the bike. He had jumped and sliced open his calf exposing all layers of skin down to the bone. I knew nothing about bleeding control and had no cell phone so I called 911. Medics arrived and transported him, along with his bike, to the ED. I realized that I needed first aid skills and that many of the places where we recreated were remote and it could take awhile for help to come. I needed to learn how to help myself and others. I couldn't just call 911. Now I am 911!
