In this session, Alexander Kumar examines what it really takes to select, adapt, and deploy medical equipment in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
Drawing on his experiences across polar, jungle, desert, and expedition contexts, he explores the practical challenges of keeping equipment functional where cold, heat, humidity, or remoteness can all compromise performance.
Alexander highlights the importance of preparation, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, from improvising with limited resources to planning kit for scenarios where resupply or evacuation is uncertain. This talk offers a realistic, field-tested view on equipment logistics and decision-making that every clinician heading into extreme settings needs to consider.