In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of drowning and cold water immersion with Mike Tipton, a leading UK academic in the field. Mike shares his insights on the current guidelines for pre-hospital management of drowning, the epidemiology of drowning, and the important efforts in public awareness and prevention. We delve into the drowning process, including the pathophysiology from the point of submersion and the concept of autonomic conflict. Prof. Tipton also discusses the prognostic factors for drowning survivors and the remarkable case reports of prolonged submersion in cold wat ..read more

Join us welcoming Ryan Atkinson, an award-winning hostile environment trained cameraman, back to the World Extreme Medicine podcast. In this thrilling episode, Ryan shares his experience filming the 2016 expedition to the heart of Africa, where he and a team of scientists immersed themselves in the active Nyiragongo volcano to study and discover the warning signs of a potential eruption. Ryan discusses the challenges of filming in one of the most remote and dangerous locations on Earth, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He shares insights on the complex logistics ..read more

In this fascinating episode, we are joined by Jen Pond, a Doctor who has practiced medicine in some of the most remote and challenging environments on all seven continents. From providing primary care in the Indian Himalayas and managing anthrax outbreaks in rural Zambia, to supporting climbers at Everest Base Camp and treating severe frostbite in Antarctica, Jen has built an incredible breadth of experience in expedition and wilderness medicine. Currently, Jen works in Nunavut, Canada, delivering healthcare to the indigenous Inuit population in resource-limited settings, often as the sole doc ..read more

Join us as we explore the groundbreaking work of the Norwegian Air Ambulance (NOLAS), one of the world's most advanced HEMS services, with special guest Marius Rehn, a luminary in pre-hospital critical care. Marius, a consultant anaesthesiologist, senior researcher, and professor, brings unparalleled insights into NOLAS's unique service model, which employs flight crews of nurses and doctors to deliver life-saving care across Norway. We'll delve into NOLAS's three key domains of service improvement—research, skill training, and innovation—and discover how they synergistically elevate patient o ..read more

In this episode Jamie Pattison, a winch paramedic, recounts his deployment to Morocco with UKISAR (U.K. International Search and Rescue) following the devastating earthquake. He shares the emotions of arriving onsite to mass destruction and loss of life, the resilience required for working 16 hour shifts, and the camaraderie that develops between rescue teams. Jamie compares the rigorous training that prepares UKISAR volunteers to the harsh realities witnessed, and discusses the mental health support available for aid workers. From aftershock tremors to minor injuries that disguise the true im ..read more

Joining us in this episode is the remarkably resourceful Kate Dawson, a rural general practitioner who has cared for the rugged Scottish islands of Uist for over 30 years. From managing trauma cases with scarce resources to coordinating care across isolated communities, Kate brings us her invaluable perspective from the remote frontlines. She reveals the personal touches in building longtime doctor-patient relationships, the intricacies of rural healthcare logistics, and the nuanced understanding needed while operating in an austere setting. We'll also uncover how Kate's medical career blossom ..read more

Joining us in this episode is the remarkably knowledgeable Amy Boalch, a GP trainee with an inexhaustible passion for sports, exercise medicine, and the gruelling world of long-distance running. From tackling the contentious issue of race clearance forms to the disparities in health screenings across borders, Amy brings us her invaluable perspective. She reveals the personal touches in her coaching life, the intricacies of medical advice versus coach guidance, and the nuanced understanding of both roles. We'll also uncover why France might seem like an overachiever when it comes to racing heal ..read more

In this episode, expedition medic Ben Cooper shares cautionary tales revealing why you should never skip basic wound care in the wilderness. You’ll hear the story of how a minor cut led to a man’s frostbitten thumb being partially amputated during an Antarctica summit attempt - costing him £70K! It powerfully spotlights why immediate bandaging matters. Discover essential strategies for backcountry wound management: Address patients’ full situation first before treating ("bodies before bandages”) Use Sharpies to monitor infections and antibiotic need Take daily wound photos to track healing pr ..read more

Whether you're preparing for a high-altitude climb, running an ultramarathon, or embarking on a demanding expedition, today's episode is packed with wisdom that could be pivotal for your success. Joining us is Ben Turner, the Avenger coach, a former soldier turned extreme endurance challenger, ready to share his incredible insights into the fuel that drives exceptional physical feats. Ben's expertise stems from his profound personal journey through the challenges of nutrition and fitness. After serving in the British military, he faced the harsh realities of inadequate nutrition and bounced ba ..read more

In this episode we dive deep into the extraordinary experiences of Marc-David Munk, an emergency doctor who served as a flight surgeon in 11 East African countries. We explore his newly published book, Urgent Calls from Distant Places, which documents his time in Africa and the challenges he faced in providing healthcare amidst severe trauma, disease, and diverse pathology. Marc shares his journey from an uncertain university student to becoming a doctor, and ultimately finding his purpose in serving the medical needs of African communities. We unpack the themes of empathy, self-discovery, and ..read more