Expedition Medic 12 CDP credits
What WMT says
Expedition Medic is a UK based stand-alone 2-day weekend course and is also included as the final module of 3 on the seven day Expedition Skills course (+ Land Rover driving, bush mechanic training and bushcraft training). This practical, hands on course is lead by experts who are seasoned expedition professionals. We take students through the most important medical skills and knowledge required for managing high, hot and cold environmental medical problems. Add to this a dose of practical skills like improvised rescue, basic rope work and radio communications and this is a fun, inspiring course that should be the minimum formal specialised medical training that experienced and aspiring expedition medics should undertake. POM authorisation is granted to nurses/med students, OHPs who attend. See below for a note about 2012 dates and developments.
What students say
Great – all of it. Lot’s of humour, real examples.
An excellent, informative and useful course. Thank you v. much!
Relaxed and informative – never boring!
Excellent in presenting a lot of content in an interesting way.
Was glad of lots of [teaching] styles.
Superb – good humour & clear instructions.
Handled questions well – good demos.
Not enough biblical preaching and snake handling!
Who’s invited?
Doctors of all grades, nurses, medical students, paramedics and OHPs are welcome to attend. No prior camping or expedition experience is required. Whether you are flirting with the idea of accompanying a team up Kilimanjaro, pimping your expedition CV or simply want a fun, inspiring educational weekend, Expedition Medic will satisfy your aims and open your eyes to expedition medicine and the possibilities for travel using your medical skills.
What’s covered on Expedition Medic?
This is a busy two days with loads of practical sessions, group work, lectures and discussions. Depending on the venue, the course is either camping based or outdoor centre based.
Outline Programme
Day 1
Introduction, aims & legal considerations
What is expedition medicine?
Expedition medical planning – imms/antimalarials
Pre-existing medical cases
Medical kits – discussion
LUNCH
Tropical fevers
Moving lifting & straightening patients
Soft tissue injuries & burns
Expedition emergency scenario discussion
Day 2
Altitude illness
Fractures & dislocations
Radio communication
Belays, ropes stretchers, improvised rescue
LUNCH
Heat illness & malaria
Bites & Stings
Hypothermia & frost bite
Expedition training opportunities
CPD
We estimate that this programme is valid for approximately 12 CPD credits.
NEW – 2012 at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland + 3 days outdoor training
We’re running Expedition Medic at Glenmore Lodge in Scotland 28-29 April and offering an option to attend a further 3 days of Lodge led training in mountain travel, navigation and canoe based skills. Choose either the 2 day or 5 day option on the booking buttons.
RGS Expedition Health Research
A Royal Geographical Society study of 1263 medical complaints on expedition found that more than half (51%) were classified either as gastrointestinal upsets (30%) or medical problems (21% – infections, headache, malaria etc.). 8% of complaints were fauna related. Not surprisingly, 4% of problems were feet related. Orthopaedic problems accounted for 19% of complaints, closely followed by environmental problems at 14%. Even minor illnesses left untreated, such as diarrhoea, blisters or sunburn, can slow a whole team down, reduce productivity and enjoyment and threaten the success of an expedition. More serious illness or injury can derail the expedition’s plans and result in evacuation that can be difficult and protracted. There is much for the expedition medic to consider and prepare for.
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