Wemcast

On today's episode we have an emergency medicine doctor, Dr. Luke Mueller, sharing his harrowing story of survival following a mountaineering accident on the Isle of Skye. He recalls the day he set out on the Dubh ridge Scramble alone, subsequently leading to a big void in his memory and awakening to a painful reality weeks later in a hospital. Dr. Luke will dive deep into the details of his rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury impacts, and his continuing journey on balancing his love for outdoor activities and his medicinal career. You'll hear his thoughts on patience as a virtue during recovery, the importance of having a strong support system, and how returning to work post-recovery drastically changed his perspective on patient care. See the details of his gripping experience and more, brought to you by his former partner, who experienced a trauma of her own when she had to report him missing. A story of strength, resilience, and gratitude, stay tuned for an inspiring conversation. Luke Mueller

In this conversation, we will examine some of the current reflections on the Ukraine crisis with David and Shawn. We will examine what it is currently like on the ground, some of the emerging needs and how David and Shawn believe they can be met. We dig into David and Shawn’s background in Ukraine and how this has evolved over time. We will look at our guest's anecdotal reflections on the conflict currently and some of the main factors that have changed and some that have remained over time such as the Ukrainian resiliency and mindset. David is a special rescue paramedic who specialises in austere environments and low-resource medicine. Often working solo in international theatres, David doubles as a REMS team leader and team barista. In addition to his operational work, David is a professor of prehospital medicine teaching paramedicine, crisis and crew resource management and human factors. When not working you can usually find him with a book, classic cocktail and cigar. Shawn Brodzik has over nine y

In this episode we will look at the recent changes to the newly revised second edition of ABC of Prehospital Emergency Medicine. We will examine some of the updates to PHEM covered in the book and the recent evidence-based practice and expert opinion that encompasses the PHEM training curriculum. We will examine the three main domains that the updated edition addresses which are operational, clinical and system considerations of PHEM. Other aspects of the conversation will cover updates to monitoring and ultrasound, recent changes to prehospital management of medical, trauma and psychiatric emergencies. We will also examine changes to the considerations in mass casualty and chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear incidents. Clare Bosanko is a PHEM consultant with Devon’s Air Ambulance and trained in the Midlands. Clare also works as an Emergency Medicine consultant at University Hospitals Plymouth. She is also a co-host of the PHEM-Cast podcast and a contributor to the new edition.

Our host Kevin Grange is joined by Mike Lauria. Mike is not just an emergency medicine physician, but also served in the US Air Force as a pararescueman. From ski patrolling to firefighting, to working with various special operations organisations, his career span is as diverse as it gets. Today, Mike will be sharing his insights on dealing with high-stress situations in medicine, rooted in his multi-faceted background. We'll be talking about his Btsf (Beat the Stress Fool) method and how it employs breathing, self-talk, seeing, and focusing to manage stress. Plus, we'll get a closer look at the use of Emergency Reflex Action Drills (erad) in high-pressure medical environments. So, whether you're an emergency medical professional, a firefighter on the front lines, or anyone interested in enhancing your focus and calm in high-stress situations, you're guaranteed to walk away with a handful of useful strategies. Mike Lauria was a Pararescueman (PJ) in the US Air Force and Critical Care/Fli

In today's episode we delve into the critical topic of responder wellbeing. We are joined by Matt Walton who offers insights into the psychological support often lacking in the field and the importance of acknowledging the impact of traumatic events on responders. Among the issues we'll be discussing are the prevalence of PTSD symptoms, the effects of night shifts, and the role of leadership in protecting mental health. Our guests also share personal experiences and provide valuable tips for preserving wellbeing amidst the stress of resuscitation efforts. Additionally, we explore the Resuscitation Council Wellbeing Resource, a comprehensive guide developed to support responders. So, join us as we navigate the complex world of responder wellbeing and delve into meaningful discussions that shed light on this critical aspect of emergency medicine. Matt is a Doctor working in A+E in Newcastle with an interest in pre-hospital care and wilderness medicine. Matt has focussed most of his medical career on pr

Welcome back to the World Extreme Medicine Podcast! In today's episode, this time, we dive into the world of composed sailing medicine with our special guest, Dr. Jamie Jordan. Jamie is an experienced adventurer with vast knowledge in remote and austere settings. He is no stranger to the challenges of providing medical care while sailing in the vast oceans. Join us as we delve into Jamie's remarkable experiences sailing across the Atlantic three times and spending three months in the treacherous Southern Ocean. His most recent adventure took place aboard the Europa, a magnificent tall ship used for tourism, photography, and scientific projects. We'll discover the intricacies of maritime medicine in such a remote and dynamic environment. Dr Jamie Jordan is a General Practitioner with over a decade of experience in expedition, maritime and remote environment medicine. He thrives on the challenge of providing high quality care in austere environments and has enjoyed applying his skills throughout th

Welcome back to the World Extreme Medicine podcast, where we delve into fascinating and sometimes unexpected stories from the world of expedition medicine. In today's episode, we join host Ffyon Davies as she takes us on a journey to the Himalayas, where a team of doctors finds themselves facing unique challenges and making life-saving decisions in a high-altitude, low-resource setting. From treating common colds to unexpected cases like a yak herder's rectal wound, our medical student-turned-expedition doctors Matt and Priya shares their experiences and the moral dilemmas they faced in providing care. Join us as we explore the intricacies of delivering medical help in a remote and unpredictable environment, where practice guidelines may need to be adapted, and where limited resources can shape life or death outcomes.

In this episode, we speak to our new World Extreme Medicine host Marcus Stevens.  Marcus is a GP with a longstanding interest in expedition and remote medicine and years of experience working in a variety of resource poor settings. Whilst at medical school he was President of the Oxford Wilderness Medicine Society and in his final year completed his elective with Simien Mountains Mobile Medical Service in Ethiopia’s remote Simien Mountains, a charity for which he now serves as Vice President. In this episode we delve into the extraordinary world of remote medicine and the opportunities it offers. Marcus takes us on a journey through his own experiences, sharing fascinating tales from his time working in Mali, Scotland and Tibet. Marcus' passion for medical work outside traditional settings takes us to the heights of the Himalayas and the Ethiopian Highlands. We'll hear stories of braving the Sahara to drive to work in a thirty year old Land Cruiser, joining extreme medical expeditions, and being thrus

Welcome to part two of the conversation between Dr. Ffyon Davies, and Dr. Benjamin Alba. Ben has gone on to be the doctor for an Everest Base Camp trek and has just finished a season as one of the Everest Base Camp doctors. Following his experiences at Everest Base Camp, he was inspired to write an open essay entitled 'Everest 2023: The Season of Death,' highlighting some of the misconceptions and challenges on Everest. By the end of the season, there had been 12 confirmed deaths, with 5 missing, assumed dead, bringing the total to 17. Since the 2010 season, 114 people have been killed on Everest. The average number of deaths per season is 8. Besides the avalanche of 2014 that killed 15 and the earthquake of 2015 that killed 20, this makes this season the worst on record for deaths on Everest without a natural disaster.

Welcome to the World Extreme Medicine Podcast. Our host, Dr. Ffyon Davies, an emergency medicine and expedition doctor, speaks with Dr. Benjamin Alba. Ben has gone on to be the doctor for an Everest Base Camp trek and has just finished a season as one of the Everest Base Camp doctors. Following his experiences at Everest Base Camp, he was inspired to write an open essay entitled 'Everest 2023: The Season of Death,' highlighting some of the misconceptions and challenges on Everest. By the end of the season, there had been 12 confirmed deaths, with 5 missing, assumed dead, bringing the total to 17. Since the 2010 season, 114 people have been killed on Everest. The average number of deaths per season is 8. Besides the avalanche of 2014 that killed 15 and the earthquake of 2015 that killed 20, this makes this season the worst on record for deaths on Everest without a natural disaster.

From the jungles of Cambodia during the final days of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 to the chaos of Baghdad in 2016, Combat Civilian is the powerful story of the response to human catastrophe over four decades. Turning his back on the convention of a comfortable career in a family business, Gilbert Greenall has quietly dedicated the last four decades of his life to helping others through forty humanitarian aid missions and the delivery of British emergency assistance in eighteen conflicts. He charts the changes in humanitarian assistance, revealing contradictions and triumphs, from the uncoordinated activities of a few small charities to the multi-billion dollar operations of today. The book guides the reader through wars, famines, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions, yet there is time for humorous observations of misadventure and the absurdity of some decision making. Greenall describes how it feels to race down the Mostar road under fire in Bosnia and the difficulties of changing a wheel on a Boeing 727 in

Welcome to the World Extreme Medicine podcast. In today's conversation, we'll tackle a complex question: How do we define excellence in emergency care? We'll explore the idea that true excellence isn't just avoiding mistakes - it's actively balancing safety and proficiency. We'll look at how individuals and teams evolve in crisis situations, becoming more excellent versions of themselves. And we'll address the unique challenges of cultivating excellence among "swarm" teams that rapidly assemble for emergencies. To guide us, we have a remarkable guest: Dr. Dan Dworkis, founder of The Emergency Mind Project. As Chief Medical Officer at the Mission Critical Team Institute, Dan knows a thing or two about achieving excellence under pressure. He's a board-certified emergency physician, assistant professor of emergency medicine at USC's Keck School of Medicine, and completed his residency at the Harvard-affiliated emergency medicine program at Massachusetts General Hospi

In this episode, we will hear from Mohamed Abu Breeg about the recent flooding in and around the Libyan coastal city of Derna. In the early hours of Sept. 11, residents of Derna woke up to loud explosions before floodwaters swept through the Mediterranean city. This was due to heavy rain fall and the breeching of two dams releasing 3 million cubic litres of water. This wall of water was up to two stories high and swept entire neighbourhoods out to sea. The deluge proved deadly for thousands in just seconds, uprooting apartment buildings and washing away roads and bridges.  Libya’s Red Crescent has said at least 11,300 people have been killed and an additional 10,000 are missing. After earlier reporting that same death toll, U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is now citing about 11000 people killed and 9,000 missing.  Joining us to give insights on the ground is Mohamed Abu Breeg. Mohamed is originally from Sirte in Libya, following the 2011 civil war he actively collaborated with Save

In this episode we will look at the benefit and utility of Methoxyflurane, more commonly known as Penthrox. Penthrox is a volatile, self-administered inhalation analgesic indicated for short-term pain relief. Penthrox is a portable, lightweight, non-invasive inhaler for self-administration of the Methoxyflurane vapor. The Methoxyflurane vapour provides analgesia when inhaled at low concentrations. At analgesic therapeutic doses, pain relief can reduce and mitigate even severe pain yet has a short half-life. In this episode I will be speaking to Will about it’s use and limitations within the expedition environment and how and when it can be optimally used as either a sole adjunctive pain relief agent or as part of a larger pain relief strategy.   Will is our Joint Medical Director and provides clinical oversight for all World Extreme Medicine’s activities. Will is a jobbing Devon based GP, educator and adventure addict who thrives in wild places with newly formed teams and limited resources. He has provided m

We speak to some of the most extreme medics in some of the world's most remote locations, due to this there can sometimes be an issue with sound quality, so there are a few quality dips in this episode, but we felt it was an important conversation to share. Welcome back to the podcast that explores the exhilarating world of extreme medicine. In today's episode, we delve into the impact of PTSD and PTSI on individuals in high-stress professions like the military. Boxxy shares personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of acknowledging emotional trauma and fatigue and the need for early intervention and open communication about mental health. Join us as we uncover the evolving landscape of military medicine, survival training in extreme environments, and the rewarding nature of saving lives. Stay tuned for an adventurous journey into the world of extreme medicine.

On this episode, our guest Klara Weaver talks about Wedel seals farting in her face in Antarctica, peeing in a Nalgene in the middle of the night (and the need to practice in the shower), sexism in expedition medicine, the role of social media in expedition medicine self promotion and keeping it grounded, the importance of ‘mentally’ unpacking after expedition, shout out to our supportive family friends and partners who put up with us! And her love affair with grass post Antarctica.  We also discuss the allure of buying new kit for hobbies and how it has inspired her side hustles. Klara shares her passion for arts and crafts, being outdoors, and her interest in business and small businesses. Klara also talks about her foray into carpentry and making things with power tools when converting a campervan. During her time in Antarctica, Klara learned crochet as a distraction and a way to quiet her mind. She emphasises the importance of having something outside of medicine, whether it's a hobby, sport, or othe

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shawn Rowland, a Hawaiian physician who stepped onto the frontlines of the intense Lahaina fire disaster. Dr. Rowland, a board-certified Family Medicine physician and the founder of Jase Medical, brings a unique perspective to the challenges of disaster response. With a background that spans rural and critical access hospitals, as well as international medical work in Mexico and across the United States, Dr. Rowland's experiences are both diverse and impactful. However, it's his involvement in search and rescue that truly sets him apart. Starting with his EMT days at the University of Utah, where he served for six years with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, he's honed skills that range from Mountain Rescue to Swift Water Rescue. Currently residing on the tranquil north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, alongside his family, Dr. Rowland's insights into the Lahaina fire disaster are both personal and professional. Join us as we explore his journ

On this episode, join host Eoin Walker as he sits down with Jim Bond, an experienced consultant in travel and exhibition medicine, to discuss the critical decline of the African wild dog population across Africa. Jim shares his extensive knowledge and passion for one health, particularly in the context of the rabies risk reduction scheme. Together, they explore the various threats facing the African wild dogs, from persecution and poaching to diseases and habitat loss. They delve into the importance of vaccination and the challenges of reaching remote areas with low population density. Jim also discusses his plans for conducting a real-world prospective study on rabies vaccination in African wild dogs, comparing different methods of vaccination. Throughout the episode, they highlight the need to engage local communities, address vaccine hesitancy, and implement community-led public health approaches. As they wrap up the conversation, they emphasise the urgency of prevention and the goal of eliminating rabies

In this episode we have a fascinating conversation, we have an incredible interview with a true renaissance man, Emil Sante. With an impressive background as a paramedic, ski patroller, search and rescue member, and even a coroner, Emil has truly seen it all. From his adventures on treacherous mountainsides to the solemn duties of unravelling the mysteries of death, Emil's stories will leave you on the edge of your seat. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be captivated by the remarkable tales of Emil Sante, the composed paramedic, ski patroller, search and rescue hero, and coroner. Emil Sante is the Lieutenant Paramedic for the Telluride Fire Protection District. He has amassedan incredibly diverse and dynamic career with 26 years in EMS, 25 years in SkiPatrol, 12 years as a extremely rural County Coroner, and 5 years as a flight medic. He has always been willing to step up and serve the needs of hiscommunity in remote San Miguel County Colorado.

Today we have a topical special on heat stroke, following the record-breaking temperatures across Europe recently peaking at 44 degrees Celsius!   Heat stroke is one of the truly terrifying environmental emergencies, with a mortality rate approaching a staggering 33% (when associated with hypotension). Not only does it have an extremely high mortality rate – but also leaves many patients with significant functional impairment with around 1 in 3 having moderate to severe functional impairment at discharge. In a wilderness environment it can be challenging to treat and is a truly time critical emergency where ‘time is organ function’. Eoin and Ffyon discuss the Wilderness Medicine Society's guidelines and their own experiences of managing heatstroke in wilderness environments.