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Have you ever dreamed of exploring the mountains and learning about high-altitude medicine? If so, then Endeavour Medical’s Altitude Medicine in Practice course is for you!This 5-day course is designed for both beginner and intermediate skiers, and will teach you everything you need to know about skiing in the mountains, as well as the medical...
OverviewThis is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and challenge of a polar expedition in Norway. Led by Dr. Paddy Mitton, a seasoned polar expedition medic and mountain guide, you will learn the skills and knowledge necessary to lead your own expedition.Highlights Who Should AttendThis expedition is open to anyone who is physically fit...
Join us for a captivating conference that delves into the complexities of oxygen physiology, bridging the gap between extreme environmental adaptations and advancements in clinical research.Why Attend?This multidisciplinary event brings together leading experts in science, physiology, and clinical medicine to examine how the body adapts to oxygen challenges in extreme environments and how these insights...
The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course from Endeavour Medical is an intensive, hands-on training programme delivered over six days. Two of these days consist of remote pre-course learning, which can be completed at your own pace.Designed for outdoor professionals—including guides, instructors, mountain and expedition leaders—it is also highly relevant for medical practitioners looking to develop...
Join Endeavour Medical on an exhilarating journey beyond your comfort zone. Embark on a unique 10-day mountaineering expedition through the heart of Central Asia, guided by our expert team.During this adventure, you will engage in both team and personal development, working together in a demanding expedition environment. Traverse glaciers, trek through remote valleys, and cross...
Expedition and wilderness medicine is a branch of medicine that involves providing healthcare in remote and challenging environments where there is minimal access to conventional medical facilities.
It involves managing medical emergencies, illnesses, and injuries during outdoor expeditions, remote adventures, and journeys in wilderness settings. This can be challenging, not just because of the lack of facilities, but because these types of injuries and emergencies can be difficult to manage. Much of the time, you will be the only medical officer on an expedition, and you will have to attend to them alone.
Certainly not everyone is made for expedition and wilderness medicine. To see whether it is a good choice for you, just go through the following list and see whether you can relate.
If you can agree to most of these questions, then you may consider the option of doing expedition and wilderness medicine. If not, then it is best that you stay back in the wards.
Even if you can tick all these boxes, prior training is a must. Expedition and wilderness medicine is so different from conventional medicine that following a training program is always recommended.
Expedition medicine is specifically related to providing medical care during planned expeditions, excursions, or journeys.
There is a preset itinerary or goal and the team will be working accordingly. The doctor’s job would be to take care of any injuries, illnesses, or complications that arise during the course of the journey.
Expedition medicine courses and training programs may cover the following competencies.
Wilderness medicine as opposed to expedition medicine covers a broader area. Again, it involves working in remote settings, but not during planned journeys. Instead, there is more emphasis on the general skills and knowledge required to manage medical emergencies and illnesses in any wilderness setting.
The best wilderness medicine courses from several course providers can be found at MedCourse. Some of the course content may be similar, but you may notice some subtle differences.
Injuries are extremely common in wilderness and expedition medicine. With no hospitals in the vicinity, first aid should be given until the injured can be safely transported to a medical institution.
Unlike other courses, even non-medical personnel may be accepted for first aid courses. Especially hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts will find first aid courses invaluable to safely engage in recreational activities.
Emergency first aid is needed in conditions such as:
A wilderness/expedition first aid course may teach you how to manage such conditions in outdoor settings.
How are expedition medicine and leadership interrelated?
Just think about it. Imagine you are the doctor of a team going on an expedition. One member is severely injured and he needs your help. But can you help him/ her alone?
Obviously not! You will have to recruit other non-medical team members to join your cause and get their help in saving their injured friend, and you will need good leadership skills to do it.
In an expedition leadership course, you may be exposed to principles of,