"We made this because we believe everyone should have this," Barcenas said. "The outdoors is changing, and we need to be able to understand what these risks are so we can do better."

Barcenas said that when Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina in September, he flew in to inform residents and aid groups about how they can use the platform. It's become increasingly clear, he said, how useful the app can be when climate disasters strike.

"The LA wildfires highlight an acceleration of what we've been tracking: the democratization of wilderness medicine for urban survival," Barcenas said. "When environmental emergencies strike, traditional emergency services and health-care facilities often become overwhelmed or inaccessible."