Wemcast

'You're not in traffic, you are traffic'.  In this episode, Piers Carter - WEM Faculty, coach, facilitator, trainer and speaker joins WEM Education Lead Dr Will Duffin to discuss leadership and awareness - and how self-awareness can make relationships better and create a happier, healthier world. Piers considers the centrality of self-awareness in giving us a choice in controlling how we 'show up', which Piers acknowledges as both a terrifying and liberating concept.  The pair also reflect on the impact of the pandemic on our inner 'chimps', removing our ability to connect, our sense of safety and the source of respect in the loss of jobs - and the variety of responses we will see over the lockdown period.  Piers explores the equation - Awareness + Range = Choice - asking people to question how aware they are of their character traits, which once you grasp, you can begin to operate more broadly.  Piers also teaches us about the practice of 'centering', an 'in the moment' self-regulation technique that all

How to become one of the world's most accomplished Extreme Medics

This week, we're joined from Denmark by Doctor Nadja Albertson. Alongside World Extreme Medicine Education Lead Will Duffin, Nadja explores her role as a medic working remotely in Greenland, crossing the ice sheet on skis, microscoping polar bears and over-wintering in the Concordia Antarctic station. The pair also discuss some of her research on whether chronic hypoxia impairs cognitive function.  Nadja also gives her perspectives on working on the Covid frontline in Denmark, detailing the uncertainty around the globe, the increased need to learn on the job and adapting practise to adhere to social distancing measures.  Nadja also reflects on the impact of the disease on different people, including the prevalence of mental health and loneliness as lockdown measures continue. Nadja details her experiences of isolation in Greenland and Antarctica have prepared her for lockdown, and the lessons you can channel to combat living and working in isolated environments.  The pair also consider some of the positive

'It was like somebody had planted a seed, and each adventure was watering it a little bit more'. Expedition Leader, Mountaineer, Outdoor Instructor (and part-time Tesco Delivery Driver) Jo Bradshaw joins us on this episode of WEMcast. Jo talks us through her career and how she grew from a height-hating business advisor to discovering her true passion for the outdoors.  Jo chats with World Extreme Medicine Education Lead Will Duffin about her adaptation to the change of pace caused by COVID. She reflects on how she's settling into her new normal, the positives she's taking from staying at home (including the home decor projects she's finally getting around to), and the importance of showing compassion to herself.  Jo details the terrifying experience of being hit by an earthquake while on Camp 1 of Everest which resulted in the destruction of Base Camp. Jo reflects on the shared sorrow, but the desire to return and the bittersweet feeling of summiting the following year.  The pair consider the power-combo

In this episode, World Extreme Medicine Faculty Member and BASMU medic Bryony Pointon joins us from aboard the James Clark Ross.  Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, Bryony explores the challenge of keeping COVID off the ship as they head to Antarctica. They discuss the preventative steps taken, turning away crew and avoiding fully docking on their journey and the complexities faced if the pandemic did hit. Aside from coronavirus, Bryony and Will explore the nuances of providing medical care while onboard, from using the ship as the evacuation vehicle, the possibility of extended field care and the difficulty of coordinating logistics. Bryony recounts her experience of assisting a medevac - flying to Rothera to Punta Arenas before returning to the UK.  Bryony also details a close call - onboard HMS Endurance, where the crew were faced with a difficult decision of whether or not to abandon ship. Bryony explores how her training prepared her for her response.   

In this episode Emergency Department Physician, mountaineer, wing suit pilot and documentary film maker Glenn Singleman joins us to discuss his career, as both a medic and extreme sportsman.  Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, they discuss access to the 'flow state', exploring how when faced with high risk situations, people find they can tap into a level of enhanced performance to allow us to exceed beyond our limits. Glenn considers how some of the extreme sports he's undertaken have allowed him instant access into this state, meaning he is fully immersed in the challenge ahead and is able to silence his inner critic. Glenn explores how this state can be transferred to the clinical frontline.  The pair also consider the evolution of extreme sports and how base-jumping, sky-diving and canyoning are not just irresponsible risk taking, but in fact grounded in research, a trust in the equipment available and the result of hard-core training - and how these principles can be utilised to give courage to

‘Just because you were brave, doesn’t mean you weren’t afraid’.  Former SAR Paramedic turned Mental Health First Aider Andy Elwood joins us to discuss the importance of recognising your own fragility in preserving and protecting your mental wellbeing. Andy takes us through some of his experiences from his 20 year career on the frontline. He compares the war-like language used against the common enemy that in this battle is COVID, how it's crucial to put yourself first in dangerous situations and the importance of self-care in preserving your health long term.  Andy explores some of the self-care techniques everyone can use to look after their mental health in the face of COVID19, from practising a routine similar to our pets to deploying good sleep hygiene and a post-shift checklist, to ensuring you get your mental '5 a day' - including connecting with others, being active and taking a moment to notice and appreciate things around you.  Alongside WEM Trauma Lead Eoin Walker, Andy deconstructs 'the power o

This week, Advanced Clinical Practitioner and WEM Faculty Member Karen O'Neill joins us to discuss her experience of COVID19. In 2014, Karen worked in Northern Uganda tackling the outbreak of Ebola. Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, Karen considers the lessons we can learn from this outbreak and crucially, the importance of changing the language of preparation from 'if' to 'when'. Karen discusses the impact Ebola had on the communities she worked within, including the alienation of those living within disease-stricken areas. She also explores some of the cultural nuances that caused friction; from the removal of traditional ceremonies to the establishment of burial teams. Karen also describes her own experience of COVID19, from wearing PPE and the importance of wellbeing to the brilliance of her team and the difficulty of attempting to live separately from her husband under one roof.    N.B - This was recorded a few weeks ago - we are delighted that Karen is back at work and building her running

Retired (well, kind of!) Paramedic Nich Woolf joins us to discuss his work in Vanuatu where he’s now based for the foreseeable future following the global shutdown instigated by COVID19.  Alongside WEM Trauma Lead Eoin Walker, they discuss Nich’s transition from working as a Paramedic in the UK to teaching first aid in remote and austere environments, anti-personnel mine campaigning and working at Glastonbury. Nich explores what he's learnt over the years, from operating with limited kit and trusting in your abilities to the value of simulation training in demonstrating both technical and non-technical skills, such as leadership and teamwork.  Nich also considers the issues that COVID could cause if it were to hit Vanuatu in the face of a huge shortage of ventilators and PPE, and how lateral thinking is helping to tackle some of these hurdles. 

In this episode, WEM Founder Mark Hannaford chats to Jason 'Foxy' Fox, WEM conference speaker, former Royal Marine Commando and Special Forces Sergant turned explorer, author and TV star. They discuss how Jason is handling lockdown and how he's channeling lessons from his military days to cope with isolation. Jason also talks about the importance of acknowledging your limit of control and taking each day as it comes. Jason's top tip? Be more like a toddler! Spend time in the present and live in the metre square around you. Don't worry about what hasn't happened yet. Remain flexible and learn to roll with the punches. Jason also considers his hopes for a post COVID world, from a sustained emphasis on hygiene to recognising the importance of self-care, as well as a more efficient and environmentally-friendly society.   Jason's 'Battle360' App is available on Apple and Android stores. Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is on Channel 4 every Monday at 9pm.  

In this episode, Matt Walton joins WEM Trauma Lead Eoin Walker to provide an update on his experience as a Junior Doctor on the frontline in London. Matt details the rising level of fatigue amongst colleagues as they've spent a number of weeks tackling and treating the enormous amount of unwell patients presenting at A&E, including fellow staff members. Matt comments on the bravery and resilience of the staff as they continue to provide care.  Eoin and Matt also consider the need to have 'difficult conversations' much earlier in the patient journey. Matt highlights the importance of being proactive to ensure their priorities, thoughts and last wishes are carried out. Matt describes how his role has morphed in the face of COVID as his role as a clinician is stripped away when supporting patients unable to be with their family in their final moments.   The pair also discuss the incredibly sad news that a number of NHS staff have died due to COVID19. Matt draws on his own experience to share what he hopes

Adventurer, writer, naturalist, explorer and presenter Steve Backshall joins WEM Founder Mark Hannaford in this World Extreme Medicine podcast. Steve talks life-changing moments and living life in limbo, as well as the potential impact of COVID on his career. The pair also consider the functionality of high performing teams and the impact this can have on expeditions. Crucial to this is communication and a shared cause - Steve details an incredible example of how clearly defined and agreed objectives resulted in swimming with Tiger Sharks in the Bahamas (and a successful day of filming!). Steve considers times he's pushed himself to the extreme, providing some edge-of-the-seat stories of swimming with crocodiles to almost drowning in Bhutan.   Listen, watch, share and let us know your thoughts!   Get in touch: Instagram > @backshall.steve Twitter > @SteveBackshall Website > http://www.stevebackshall.com

This week, we're joined by Expedition Leader, Survival and Adventure Consultant Megan Hine.  Alongside WEM Founder Mark Hannaford, Megan discusses her career, from an Erasmus Year in Prague that proved a pivotal moment in sparking her love of the outdoors to entering the industry and working with Bear Grylls for over a decade. Megan also considers how gender has impacted her work and how social media can be an incredible tool in helping to confront traditional adventure stereotypes. Megan explores the psychology of survival, drawing comparisons from her work on expedition to life in lockdown. Acceptance is key, followed by the setting of clear boundaries and the value of routine to provide a sense of purpose and control.  Before wrapping up, Megan gives us a sneak peak into some of her future projects!    The Power of Adventure Podcast is available now. Megan covers 5 very different stories all with a common thread, a recognition of 'The Power of Adventure' in our lives for grounding us and fostering res

‘You’ve got to avoid getting injured in order to be effective tomorrow’.  Expedition Leader, Operations Manager, Polar Guide, Consultant and Lecturer Steve Jones joins us in this episode to discuss his work in Antarctica, and the lessons we can take to the frontline.  Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, Steve considers the keys to isolation success, including the importance of personal admin to allow you to live in the moment. Steve also considers the impact of ego, personality and your emotional wake, and how we can all do more to ensure we are conscious and thoughtful of our impact.  Steve also takes us through some of his extraordinary, edge-of-your-seat rescues - from Snowdon to Antarctica - and the importance of effective leadership in success.  Steve talks transferrable skills, from acknowledging and working within your limits to admitting that even good planning has gaps and the importance for personnel on the frontline to be empowered to make changes and to reform procedures rapidly.   Ant

In this episode, Research Scientist Nathan Smith discusses the psychological challenges of confinement and isolation. Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, Nathan considers the loss of agency that quarantine presents, as well as the key effects of social isolation on individuals, from persistent threat and dread, lingering uncertainty and dips in mood - and the strategies we can use to tackle these emotions, including journalling and passion projects to maintain a sense of purpose (juggling encouraged!).  Nathan also explores 'ICE' - Isolated, Confined and Extreme groups, and the lessons we can learn from these people, from astronauts to expedition goers.    N.B - please excuse the quality of the sound in some parts, we experienced some issues with a faulty microphone which have now been rectified.    Works referenced: The Psychologist, 'Coping with life in isolation and confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic' > https://bit.ly/3asuF0Z The Lancet, 'The psychological impact of quarantine and how t

Mark catches up with Chris Nicholas, founder of the Adopt a Healthcare Worker in Western Australia which has captured the attention of over 55K volunteers via their Facebook group.  Chris talks us through the purpose of the page, from providing meals to hosting medics in empty Air BnBs. Chris gives his advice for those wanting to kick-start initiatives of their own, as well as how to juggle helping out with the need to comply with government restrictions. Chris also discusses his personal experience of isolation as he displays symptoms of COVID and coping with the impact it’s had on family life.  Listen, watch, share and let us know your thoughts!    Adopt a Healthcare Worker Western Australia > https://bit.ly/3bcDuNS Adopt a Healthcare Worker UK and Ireland > https://bit.ly/3b70Ap3

In this episode, Mark Hannaford is joined by Lou Rudd - record-breaking polar adventurer, expedition leader, former Royal Marine Commando and Director of Expeditions at Shackleton London. Lou looks back on how he got into the world of adventure and the journey from a bike-ride to visit his Dad over the summer holidays to traversing Antarctica.  Lou gives some of his top tips for dealing with isolation, from breaking down the big picture, to acknowledging your circle of control and handling team dynamics, as well as the importance of routine and finding success in each day.  Lou and Mark also consider the lessons we can learn from Shakleton, especially when it comes to leadership - leading by example and the virtues of patience and optimism, and how these can be applied to clinicians on the frontline.   Shakleton London > https://shackletonlondon.com Pre-Order Lou’s book here > https://amzn.to/34JMtDJ