Little People in Wild Places – The Care of Children in Extreme Environments

Conference Vault, Humanitarian & Disaster Medicine
To access this video, please log in or sign up as a Member.

In this session, Terez Malka explores the unique challenges of caring for children in extreme and resource-limited environments. Drawing on her experience in both humanitarian and expedition contexts, she highlights how children are not simply “small adults”,  their physiology, psychology, and needs require tailored approaches in planning and delivery of care.

From altitude and heat illness to nutrition, safeguarding, and psychological support, Terez unpacks what clinicians must consider when young people are part of an expedition, emergency response, or displaced population. This talk blends practical field insights with clinical pearls to equip medics with the confidence to support children in the most challenging of settings.

More Information

Length: 59m
Guests: Terez Malka

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognise the key physiological and psychological differences between children and adults in extreme environments.

  • Identify common risks to child health in wilderness, expedition, and humanitarian settings, including altitude, heat, cold, and dehydration.

  • Apply practical strategies for safeguarding, nutrition, and psychological support for children in remote or crisis contexts.

  • Evaluate how to adapt expedition planning and medical provision when children are involved.

  • Reflect on the role of clinicians in balancing safety, wellbeing, and adventure for young people in wild places.

Sign up to WEM

Sign up to our newsletter