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Month: July 2014

Home 2014 July

2 Vacancies: Combined Diving & Hyperbaric Medicine / Emergency Medicine

MCSdiving and marine medicine, Diving Medic, Diving Medicine, expedition, Expedition & Wilderness Medicine, Expedition and Wilderness Medicine Facualty, Expedition Doctor, Expedition Medicine, Extreme medicine, International Extreme Medicine' Conference, Travel, travel doctor, travel medic, underwater medicine, Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, wilderness medic, Wilderness Medicine

Two 6 month junior / middle grade doctor posts available – one commencing Feb 2015, the other Aug 2015.  Includes funded enrolment in Postgraduate Certificate in Remote Healthcare

DDRCDDRC Healthcare is a charity providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), training and research in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine and associated fields.  In conjunction with Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, we are looking to appoint two junior doctors for 6 month posts – one doctor to commence February 2015 and the other August 2015.

The post will be an average of 6 sessions per week at DDRC and 4 sessions per week in the Emergency Department. We are looking for Doctors with a minimum of 2 years experience post qualification.  You must have full registration with the GMC or be eligible to become fully registered.

Derriford Hospital is adjacent to DDRC and is the largest teaching hospital in the southwest with a busy Emergency Department. DDRC provides HBO for elective and emergency patients for conditions including Decompression Illness, tissue damage secondary to radiotherapy and diabetic ulcers.

Training will be provided in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine and successful candidates will be encouraged and funded to enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate in Remote Healthcare run by the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.

There is no on call commitment for the diving aspect of this post however individuals will be encouraged to be involved in the management of diving accidents. The ED sessions may include some night shifts.

 

For application form and further information see Employment section www.ddrc.org

To discuss the job or to arrange a visit – please contact Dr Christine Penny – [email protected] or 01752 209999

Closing date: 18.08.2014 (08.00) interview date: 05.09.2014

 

Courses and Conferences of Interest

Expedition Medicine Courses

Expedition Medicine Conference

Diving & Marine Medicine
Sir Ranulph Fiennes

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2 Vacancies: Combined Diving & Hyperbaric Medicine / Emergency Medicine

MCSdiving and marine medicine, Diving Medic, Diving Medicine, expedition, Expedition & Wilderness Medicine, Expedition and Wilderness Medicine Facualty, Expedition Doctor, Expedition Medicine, Extreme medicine, International Extreme Medicine' Conference, Travel, travel doctor, travel medic, underwater medicine, Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, wilderness medic, Wilderness Medicine

Two 6 month junior / middle grade doctor posts available – one commencing Feb 2015, the other Aug 2015.  Includes funded enrolment in Postgraduate Certificate in Remote Healthcare

DDRCDDRC Healthcare is a charity providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), training and research in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine and associated fields.  In conjunction with Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, we are looking to appoint two junior doctors for 6 month posts – one doctor to commence February 2015 and the other August 2015.

The post will be an average of 6 sessions per week at DDRC and 4 sessions per week in the Emergency Department. We are looking for Doctors with a minimum of 2 years experience post qualification.  You must have full registration with the GMC or be eligible to become fully registered.

Derriford Hospital is adjacent to DDRC and is the largest teaching hospital in the southwest with a busy Emergency Department. DDRC provides HBO for elective and emergency patients for conditions including Decompression Illness, tissue damage secondary to radiotherapy and diabetic ulcers.

Training will be provided in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine and successful candidates will be encouraged and funded to enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate in Remote Healthcare run by the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.

There is no on call commitment for the diving aspect of this post however individuals will be encouraged to be involved in the management of diving accidents. The ED sessions may include some night shifts.

 

For application form and further information see Employment section www.ddrc.org

To discuss the job or to arrange a visit – please contact Dr Christine Penny – [email protected] or 01752 209999

Closing date: 18.08.2014 (08.00) interview date: 05.09.2014

 

Courses and Conferences of Interest

Expedition Medicine Courses

Expedition Medicine Conference

Diving & Marine Medicine
Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Read More

Useful multi language expedition medicine resource from the UIAA

MCSExpedition & Wilderness Medicine, , , , ,

The UIAA has compiled a really useful list of resources, available in a number of European languages, directed at those medics departing on expeditions and most particularly for those heading to the mountains.

Resource List

4 x 4 Health Rules for Mountaineers

These general suggestions are designed to guide those who are unfamiliar or less experienced with mountain terrain and who wish to hike or climb. 16 good advice for what to do when you are in the mountains, before the tour, during the tour and in case something happens.

AMS, HAPE, HACE – Emergency field management

Acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) are the most important and most common altitude related diseases. Primary prevention is considered the gold standard to avoid altitude illness. Learn how to diagnose, treat and most important how to prevent.

Portable Hyperbaric Chambers

A portable hyperbaric chamber is a small inflatable chamber made of fabric, which can fit one person. When it is inflated, pressure is created inside the chamber which simulates a descent of 1500-2500 altitude meters. It is used to stabilise patients with serious altitude illness, so that their condition improves and they can descend to lower altitudes to recover. This paper gives advice on the use of such chambers.

Nutritional Considerations in Mountaineering

There are many additional nutritional issues that must be considered when preparing for any mountaineering pursuit, especially those of longer duration. Therefore the aim of this paper is to briefly outline evidence-based nutritional considerations and strategies that can be adopted to minimise weight loss, and improve health and performance.

Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea is one of the most important medical problems for trekkers and those taking part in expedition mountaineering. Although the details of the data are still being discussed there is no question that the loss of body water and electrolytes impairs the physical and mental capacity significantly and dehydration increases the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)…

Water Disinfection in the Mountains

Infected water is the most common risk for diarrhoea. This UIAA MedCom recommendation summarises advantages and disadvantages of the several procedures of water disinfection with special regard to the situation in the mountains or at high altitude; and will advise mountaineers on how to prepare safe water while minimising the environmental damage.

How to Check the Quality of a Commercially Organization

As the number of mountaineers who are joining organised treks or expeditions continues to increase, so too does incidence of altitude-related diseases. The following recommendations should assist the mountaineering tourists to check as far as is reasonably possible, whether their organisation has taken into account potential health risks when planning the trip itinerary.

Model Contract for Health Care on Trekking and Expedition

Being an Expedition or Trekking Doctor is more than being merely a member which advises others in case of a health problem during the trip and who may get a discount on organized trips! An expedition doctor has specific responsibilities, has to provide special skills, and must always accept responsibility for any diagnosis made, whether right or wrong. This contract document attempts to clarify the rights and obligations of the tour operator, the expedition doctor and the expedition, to avoid trouble and misunderstandings during the trip.

Children at Altitude

Each year many thousands of lowland children travel to high altitude uneventfully. The majority of these ascents involve trips to mountain resorts, especially in North America and Europe. While altitude travel is without incident for most, some of these children develop symptoms that may be attributed to altitude exposure. The following consensus view described here provides the conservative recommendations that should be helpful for mountaineers and physicians who are required to offer advice about ascent to high altitude with children.

The Effect of Extremes of Temperature on Drugs

Harsh environmental factors “especially heat and cold” can significantly affect drugs, the substances as well as stabilisers, solvents etc. Temperatures inside emergency medical bags have been reported to be between -40°C and +80°C. Such temperature extremes may be even harsher in a mountaineering environment. The following recommendations are given on how to handle drugs under such circumstances, side effects and other drug related matters in the mountains.

The Use of Hiking Sticks in the Mountains

Hiking sticks have become popular among many who walk in the mountains. This document explains the right technique for using telescopic sticks and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of hiking with them. It also explains the correct walking techniques which make the use of sticks unnecessary for healthy hikers.

Women Going to Altitude

This document gives advice to women about their risk of altitude illness, the effect of altitude on the menstrual cycle and the use of birth control pills. It also gives advice to pregnant women about the effects high altitudes can have on their health and gives recommendations on how to prevent complications.

People with Pre-Existing Conditions Going to the Mountains

This document gives advice to people with medical conditions who want to go to the mountains. It describes the affects altitude can have on conditions such as asthma, heart problems and migraine. It also takes into consideration other risk factors connected to mountain holidays, such as strenuous exercise, lack of nearby medical facilities and change of culture and lifestyle.

Contraception at altitude

A large proportion of women do not principally use contraception during their travel for contraceptive reasons but for regulating and controlling their periods.This paper focuses specifically on the use of contraception during altitude sojourns and reflects the official standard recommendation of UIAA MedCom, which is based on current literature.

Work in Hypoxic Conditions

Until recently only mountaineers and high altitude residents were exposed for prolonged periods to a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Over the last decade artificial hypoxic rooms have been built as a fire preventative environment for libraries and are now also used for Hypoxic training for athletes and other purposes.

Travel to Altitude with Neurological Disorders

The present review examines several neurological conditions and the problems posed by travelling to high altitude, and in particular whether the underlying disease is likely to worsen. The neurological conditions include migraine and other types of headaches, transient ischemia of the brain, occlusive cerebral artery diseases, intracranial haemorrhage and vascular malformations, intracranial space occupying mass, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies, neuromuscular disorders and epileptic seizures.

Injury Classification for Mountaineering and Climb

In the past 20 years several studies (pro- and retrospectively) were conducted to evaluate the injury and fatality risk of rock, ice and mountain climbing. A simple and common protocol was developed, by the UIAA MedCom to report injuries in mountaineering and climbing studies. This protocol includes the use of a single climbing grade reference that converts UIAA climbing grades into a standardised metric form.

Travel at high altitude

An easy to understand leaflet for people going to high altitudes. It gives advice on how to avoid serious altitude illness and other health problems. The leaflet is prepared by Medex with support from the UIAA. It describes going from sea level to anywhere above 2,000m.   This booklet is available here in many languages.

Blood Borne Infections in Climbing

Climbing often involves travel to foreign and remote destinations, whether for competitions or personal pursuits. Sustaining cuts, abrasions or lacerations, typically on the fingertips in contact with holds, is a common occurrence in climbing.
Therefore what is the risk of blood borne infections being transmitted to the climber following – i.e. whether seconding or in a competition?

Recommendation for prevention and control of Legionella infections

Legionnaires’ Disease or Legionellosis is the term used for infections caused by Legionella pneumophila and other related bacteria. Legionella bacteria are only dangerous in respirable form and generally only in susceptible individuals for whom inhalation of the bacteria in aerosols or water droplets (showers) may cause severe pneumonia and, in extreme cases, death.

Eye problems in Expeditions

Excessive sunlight and white snow can be a very big problem when going in expeditions. Precaution and using of special glasses these kind of problems can be avoid. But what happens if …

Cardiovascular diseases

Mountain activity is one of the most adictive, therefore mountaineers and climbers usually cross the barrier of confort to achive goals and to be on the mountain. Going to high altitude can be a risk for those which suffer from cardiovascular diseases because of the low pressure, oxigen and extreme weather conditions.

Safety and Success on Kilimanjaro

Strange as it may sound, Kilimanjaro is perhaps one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. Despite reliable weather and straightforward access, illness and injury are commonplace. Of the 40,000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit.

The UIAA was founded in 1932 and has a global presence on five continents with 80 member associations in 50 countries representing about 2.5 million people. The organization’s mission is to promote the growth and protection of mountaineering and climbing worldwide, advance safe and ethical mountain practices and promote responsible access, culture and environmental protection.

The organization operates through the work of its commissions which make recommendations, set policy and advocate on behalf of the mountaineering community.

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Polar Bear attach tragedy – inquiry outcomes

MCSExpedition & Wilderness Medicine, , , , , , ,

Following the tragic events in Svalbard in 2011, British Schools Exploring Society (now British Exploring) appointed former High Court Judge Sir David Steel to carry out an independent inquiry into the polar bear attack on a group of young explorers (Chanzin Fire) on 5 August of that year.

Sir David completed the Chanzin Inquiry Report some time ago, and it was our intention to publish his findings as soon as possible. However, at the request of Horatio Chapple’s parents, we agreed to defer publication until the first day of the inquest into Horatio’s death.

With the inquest beginning in Salisbury today (July 7), the report has now been published on our website, and British Exploring Chairman Edward Watson has made the following statement:

“First and foremost, I would like to reiterate our deepest sympathy for Horatio’s family, our sorrow that such a tragedy occurred on one of our expeditions and our sincere regret at the death of a fine young man. Horatio epitomised everything a young explorer should be and will not be forgotten.

I also want to pay tribute to the leaders and young explorers of Chanzin Fire. As highlighted by Sir David Steel in his report, all members of the group demonstrated great courage in the face of an attack that started while the camp was asleep.

Regarding the recommendations in Sir David’s report, we have accepted and implemented them all. There were important lessons to be learned from this tragedy and, following a comprehensive strategic review (a process that began before the tragedy but in which Sir David’s report played an important part), we have made significant changes to the way the Society operates, including some that go beyond what Sir David recommended.

Amongst other things, we have drawn up a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) relating to protection against predatory and wild animals in Polar Regions. The SOP includes a mandatory bear watch in all camps (a stipulation which exceeds what is required by Norwegian law), and the use of a new alarm system, which British Exploring has helped develop.

Sir David has since confirmed that the issues raised in his report have been fully addressed and has commended the Society for putting in place a revised structure and operating manual ‘of the highest quality’.

We hope and believe that Sir David’s report and the steps taken by the Society in response to it will be of considerable benefit to anyone organising or taking part in expeditions to Polar Regions in the future.”

Please find reports below;

Sir David Steel’s Review (Redacted)

Chanzin Inquiry Report

 

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Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine support for Extreme Medicine Conference & Workshop

MCSExpedition & Wilderness Medicine, Extreme Medicine EXPO, Extreme Medicine EXPO Boston, International 'World Extreme Medicine Conference & Expo'

We are very pleased to annouce that our conferences have been accredited by ACRRM.ACCRM accreditations

About the ACRRM.   The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is one of two colleges accredited by the Australian Medical Council for setting professional medical standards for training, assessment, certification and continuing professional development in the specialty of general practice. It also plays an important role in supporting junior doctors and medical students considering a career in rural general practice.

The College is committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality health services to rural and remote communities by providing quality education programs, innovative support, and strong representation for doctors who serve those communities.
https://www.acrrm.org.au/

 

Activity   Title

Code

 Points   + MOPS
Extreme Medicine Conference – Expedition & Wilderness   Medicine (UK) – 2014-2016 E1401EWUK 30 Core

Activity   Title

 Code

Points   + MOPS
Pre-Hospital Care Workshop with London HEM’s Expedition & Wilderness Medicine (UK) –   London – 2014-2016 E1402EWUK 10   PRPD & 7 Core + 10 EM MOPS

Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Extreme Medicine

Read More

Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine support for Extreme Medicine Conference & Workshop

MCSExpedition & Wilderness Medicine, Extreme Medicine EXPO, Extreme Medicine EXPO Boston, International 'World Extreme Medicine Conference & Expo'

We are very pleased to annouce that our conferences have been accredited by ACRRM.ACCRM accreditations

About the ACRRM.   The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is one of two colleges accredited by the Australian Medical Council for setting professional medical standards for training, assessment, certification and continuing professional development in the specialty of general practice. It also plays an important role in supporting junior doctors and medical students considering a career in rural general practice.

The College is committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality health services to rural and remote communities by providing quality education programs, innovative support, and strong representation for doctors who serve those communities.
https://www.acrrm.org.au/

 

Activity   Title

Code

 Points   + MOPS
Extreme Medicine Conference – Expedition & Wilderness   Medicine (UK) – 2014-2016 E1401EWUK 30 Core

Activity   Title

 Code

Points   + MOPS
Pre-Hospital Care Workshop with London HEM’s Expedition & Wilderness Medicine (UK) –   London – 2014-2016 E1402EWUK 10   PRPD & 7 Core + 10 EM MOPS

Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Extreme Medicine

Read More

WEM Faculty creates a media stir in the Space Medicine arena

MCSExtreme Medicine EXPO, Extreme Medicine EXPO Boston, International 'World Extreme Medicine Conference & Expo', International Extreme Medicine' Conference, , , , , , ,

The genetic secrets of a species of frog that hibernates for months could hold the key to safer space voyages, say scientists.

Researchers from the University of Queensland, headed up by Extreme Medicine speaker Professor Craig Franklin, say that ability of the burrowing frog species Cyclorana alboguttata (pictured) to maintain muscle mass while dormant could help overcome the problem of astronaut’s own muscles deteriorating during long trips in zero gravity.

Although floating weightless in space is something many would-be astronauts dream of, this unique environment takes its toll – leaving muscles drastically under-used and causing a number of health problems from tendonitis to fat accumulation.

With a manned mission to Mars taking anywhere between 39 and 289 days depending on how close the planet is, astronauts would certainly benefit from anything that ensured they were in top physical condition upon arrival on the planet’s surface.

Scientists studying the frog say that that one of its genes known as ‘survivin’ could help. When faced with droughts in their native Australia, the frog survives by burrowing underground and covering itself with a cocoon of shed skin.

This keeps them relatively insulated from harm – but the survivin gene is necessary to protect them from their own bodies. Cells have many different ‘suicide mechanisms’ but one in particular kicks in to remove matter that is apparently damaged – something it judges by long periods of inactivity. Survivin stops this from happening.

“If we can understand the cell signalling pathways that confer resistance to muscle wasting, then these could be useful candidates to study in mammalian muscle atrophy,” said PhD student Beau Reilly in a press release.

“These could help to develop therapies to treat bedridden human patients or even astronauts, who frequently lose muscle tone when exposed to reduced-gravity conditions.”

This sort of research could be even more important for journeys into space further afield than Mars. If scientists can’t develop faster propulsion technology in the future then even travelling to nearby stars could take tens of thousands of years.

“I am fascinated in animals that survive in extreme conditions” said Miss Reilly. “I think humans and modern medicine could learn a great deal from organisms such as burrowing frogs”.

Meet Professor Franklin and a whole galaxy of other thought provoking speakers including NASA doc Micheal Barrett at the next Extreme Medicine Conference in London

 

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