In this lecture, Renée Farrar provides an engaging introduction to the fascinating world of polar medicine. As an experienced expedition doctor with a keen interest in cold and altitude, she shares her expertise on the recognition, prevention, and management of hypothermia, cold water immersion, and freezing injuries in the challenging environments of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Throughout the lecture, you’ll learn about the different stages of hypothermia, from mild to profound, and discover how the body responds physiologically to cold stress. She also discusses practical approaches to treating hypothermic patients in the field, including the use of the “Cold Card” assessment tool and the “burrito wrap” technique.
The lecture then delves into the four stages of cold water immersion response, emphasising the importance of rapid rescue and post-immersion care to prevent drowning and afterdrop. You’ll also learn how to differentiate between frostnip and frostbite, understand the grading of frostbite severity, and discover the field treatment of freezing injuries, including rewarming techniques and wound care.
By the end of this video, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the strategies for avoiding medical issues in cold environments, including the integration of cold considerations into the DR ABCDE assessment framework and the importance of providing prompt shelter and warmth to patients.