What is an Expedition Medic | World Extreme Medicine

An Expedition Medic is quickly becoming one of the hottest career choices for medical professionals.

Whether you want to travel to the ends of the earth with scientific research teams or join mountain rescue operations, we will detail various routes to pursue this unique job and help launch your career on an exciting new journey.

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What is an Expedition Medic?

Expedition Medics are responsible for the physical and psychological wellbeing of people during expeditions, often in austere environments where access to medical services is limited, or in some cases, non-existent.

Expedition Medics need to evaluate, prioritise, and conduct preliminary treatment of acute injuries or illnesses until emergency evacuation can occur. Their role encompasses skills from doctors, paramedics, nurses, and physiotherapists.

But how did we arrive at the term ‘Expedition Medic’? Let’s take a look back through history…

Before the Romans, the Ancient Greeks chartered new territories and fought in wars to expand their empire. Their armies would have almost certainly ventured into remote environments during these expeditions and had medical assistance alongside.

Greek poet Homer refers to a medical incident during the Trojan War. When Menelaus was wounded by a Trojan bowman, the fleet surgeon, Machaon (son of Aesculapius, god of medicine), was called to treat the wound. Although the term ‘Expedition Medic’ may not have been used back then – the role has existed for thousands of years.

Expedition Medics today
Today’s Expedition Medic has come a long way from empire expansion. Of course, there are still educational trips, expeditions for scientific discovery, and military needs, but adventure travel is increasing in popularity, as is charity fundraising events, extreme challenges, and enjoy personal travel.

Regardless of the goal or reason for the expedition, the aims and responsibilities of the Expedition Medic remain the same. They need to minimise the risk of trauma and diseases and need to anticipate medical problems.

So, what does an Expedition Medic do?

The primary role of an Expedition Medic is to look after the physical and psychological wellbeing of people before, during, and after an expedition. No two adventures are the same, and each will bring a variety of challenges, physically and mentally, which is why thorough planning is essential.

Expedition Medics play a key role in supporting an expedition. They draw on three areas of expertise to ensure the success of the trip.

Clinical
First and foremost, an Expedition Medic will use their knowledge of first aid and emergency and primary healthcare skills to treat injuries and illnesses that may occur.
Expedition
Secondary to their medical expertise, Expedition Medics play a full role in the expedition, taking on general, non-medical roles such as assisting with research, bushcraft, climbing, navigating, or photography.
Interpersonal
An Expedition Medic will also be able to use their excellent communication skills to maintain the physical and psychological health of the team members. The presence of a medic can provide a psychological benefit to the group, and if an accident does occur, they can provide emotional backup for the expedition team.

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How do you become an Expedition Medic?

You will be able to gain valuable experience by joining expedition courses, such as our internationally-renowned Expedition & Wilderness Medicine course.

We offer unique learning opportunities by blending engaging lecture content with hands-on practical workshops out in the wilderness, culminating in a real-time search and rescue simulation. By the end of the course, you will have gained skills in planning an expedition, understanding climate, wound care, and how to look after mental health.

This course is perfect for healthcare professionals and students interested in applying their clinical knowledge and skills to expedition and adventure settings.

We also welcome those with an expedition background who have existing wilderness or advanced first aid training and are eager to develop their skillset further.

What career opportunities are available after the course?

Many of our course alumni join expeditions across the globe. They’ve supported scientific teams in the Arctic, kept film crews safe shooting in rugged locations, and lead rescue missions in remote peaks. They also secure placements with organisations such as UK-Med, Team Rubicon and Médecins Sans Frontières.

One of our recent students, Thomas, said: “This course was a comprehensive introduction to the world of wilderness medicine … [and] a great opportunity to network and learn amongst similarly-minded individuals.

“Across the board, the faculty have experience working in hostile and austere environments and bring a diverse skill set to the table, presenting their own minds on what has worked for them in the field.

“I could not recommend this course highly enough to anyone considering taking their medical or nursing career in a more exciting direction.”

As the expedition world evolves and groups with more complex needs are commonly taking part in expeditions, the range of healthcare providers required can be incredibly varied. This could include joining research trips with universities or charitable aid missions to remote parts of Africa.

These are exciting paths. Paths less trodden. As Bear Grylls once said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”