The Polar Explorer's Toolkit: Advice from Kasper Jæger

24 July 2024

The Polar Expert’s Journey

“The real magic in the Arctic, or in winter conditions of any sort, happens when you raise your skill set to such a level where you stop being miserable,” declares Kasper Jæger, a seasoned polar guide with over 15 years of experience in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

From his early days as a full-time guide in 2007 to leading expeditions across Greenland and Antarctica, Kasper’s journey is a testament to the unique challenges and rewards of polar medicine.

Collaboration with World Extreme Medicine

Kasper’s expertise led him to collaborate with World Extreme Medicine, where he now shares his invaluable knowledge on the Polar Medicine course in Norway, and will be accompanying explorers next year alongside the Svalbard 12. His approach emphasises the critical importance of environmental adaptation.

The Importance of Environmental Comfort

“Being able to deal with the environment yourself, and then knowing that this environment is so special and so harsh that we need to think about exposure to the environment – that becomes very, very, very important,” Kasper explains.

Real-World Challenges in Polar Medicine

This intense, hands-on training proves invaluable in real-world scenarios. Kasper recounts a challenging situation from a previous expedition: “I was called into a tent very early in the morning by a participant because the other participant in that tent couldn’t move her legs.” This incident, occurring in -40°C temperatures, highlights the unique challenges of providing medical care in extreme polar conditions.

Teaching Philosophy: Comfort is Key

Kasper’s enthusiasm for working alongside faculty teaching about polar medicine is palpable. “My goal when I guide people and when I try to teach people either on courses or expeditions is always to make people capable of being comfortable,” he explains. “Because when you are comfortable, that also means that you are actually operating within the environment.”

Adapting Medical Skills to Extreme Environments

The courses also provide invaluable opportunities for medical professionals to adapt their skills to extreme environments. “Medical professionals are generally extremely good at doing medicine. But doing medicine in one specific environment, which is very often an environment that I know nothing about – which is a hospital or the inside of an ambulance,” Kasper remarks. “As soon as you take the participants and put them in the arctic environment, it’s a whole different ball game.”

The Future of Polar Education

At 38, Kasper continues to push the boundaries of polar exploration and education. With plans to lead more courses and expeditions, he remains committed to preparing medical professionals for the unique challenges of polar environments.

The Essence of Polar Medicine

“It is one of these things that I find very interesting,” Kasper reflects. “Being able to deal with the environment yourself, and then knowing how to adapt medical practices to these extreme conditions – that’s what polar medicine is all about.”

From managing hypothermia in -40°C to improvising medical care on vast ice sheets, Kasper Jæger’s insights showcase the critical importance of specialised training for polar medicine.

You can meet Kasper and learn from him in the beautiful landscapes of Norway by securing your spot on our Polar Medicine Course. If you are ready for the challenge, why not become part of the Svalbard 12 in 2025!


→ Want to learn more? Check out our Polar Medicine Course in Norway and Svalbard Polar Medicine Expedition!

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