Expeditions & treks

I joined climbing expeditions as a climber but also as expedition doctor. Several times I have tested my practical knowledge of high altitude medicine in extreme conditions.

After my first expedition to the Himalayas I have realised the need and at the same time the impossibility to have everything in the expedition medical kit, that not only the expedition members, but also the people who support it and whom the expedition meets along the way may need. In remote areas, where the expedition is far from civilization for several weeks and the only connection is the satellite telephone, which can be used to call the rescue hellicopter, it is necessary to be aware of all possible complications and make the best out of the limited amount of medical supplies, which can be taken to the mountains.

I have experienced a situation, where only the sufficiently equipped expedition medical kit saved a life, when the rescue hellicopter arrived more then 24 hours after it was called. Waiting for help and rescue can be very unpleasant, but it should never be helpless. To save a life it is always necessary to do the maximum under given situation, conditions, equippment and knowledge of those present.

That is why I have during several years prepared recommendations for expedition members, focusing not just on the personal medical kit, but on prevention before leaving for the expedition. I have also tried to find ballance between the desired medical equipment and the amount and form, which can realistically be taken to the mountains.

An overview of medical information for mountain expeditions, focusing on those in extreme conditions, can be downloaded here High Altitude Medicine.pdf