World Extreme Medicine Podcast World Extreme Medicine

In this riveting episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we sit down with WEM faculty Lucy Williams, a seasoned paediatric nurse who recently returned from a life-altering deployment to Gaza with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

From the relative normalcy of Egypt to the war-torn streets of Gaza, Lucy takes us on an emotional journey through her experiences working in a hospital mere meters away from the heart of the conflict.

She shares powerful stories of resilience, hope, and heartbreak, including the tale of a family struggling to survive the aftermath of a devastating blast.

Discover the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in one of the world's most volatile regions, as Lucy provides a rare glimpse into the day-to-day realities of delivering critical care in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Whether you're a healthcare professional considering a career in humanitarian aid or simply someone looking to better understand the human cost of conflict, this episode offers a raw, unfiltered look at the courage and compassion of those who risk everything to help others in need.

You can also watch this episode over on our Youtube channel here.

In this conversation with Luca Carenzo, we delve into the complexities and challenges surrounding Exercise Associated Collapse (EAC).

Drawing from a recent publication in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport titled "An Unusual Case of Marathon-related Exercise-associated Collapse: Case Report and Some Considerations for Medical Care at Endurance Mass Participation Events," we unravel a fascinating case that sheds light on the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach and multi-disciplinary collaboration in EAC management.

Luca, an esteemed Anaesthetic and Critical Care consultant from Milan, Italy, shares his insights on empirically proven treatments for EAC and how this unique case has reshaped his perspective on the differential diagnoses in EAC.

We explore the significance of patient-focused research, the power of intra-specialty collaboration, and the potential for EAC collated databases to advance our understanding of this complex condition.

With a rich background working at The Royal London Hospital Adult Critical Care Unit, participating in mission work with Doctors without Borders, and serving as a faculty member at World Extreme Medicine, Luca brings a wealth of expertise to the discussion.

Currently, he works at the Instituto Clinico Humanitas, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine in Milan, and serves as a consultant for iHelp, an Italian critical care company dedicated to mass event medical care.

Join us for an enlightening exploration of EAC that will challenge your assumptions and inspire a more comprehensive approach to patient care in endurance events.



This paper is also mentioned in the episode:

Sudden cardiac arrest in a marathon runner: a case report



Please note: this episode was originally aired on ⁠The Pre-Hospital Care Podcast.⁠ World Extreme Medicine was given permission by the podcast host to share this episode.

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we're taking you on a journey through the rugged, untamed wilderness of Sardinia, Italy, as we explore the legendary Selvaggio Blu expedition.



Join host Eoin Walker as he sits down with Luca Alfatti, an experienced expedition leader, advanced paramedic, and faculty member with World Extreme Medicine, to uncover the secrets of this awe-inspiring trek.



Listen as Luca takes you on an unforgettable journey through the rugged wilderness of Sardinia, Italy, exploring the legendary Selvaggio Blu expedition.



Discover the challenges, triumphs, and life-changing moments that define this awe-inspiring trek, and learn valuable lessons in self-reliance, adaptability, and teamwork.



Whether you're an aspiring expedition medic or an adventurer seeking to push your limits, this episode will inspire you to embrace the unknown and conquer the wild blue of Sardinia.

To watch this episode, click here.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of drowning and cold water immersion with Mike Tipton, a leading UK academic in the field. Mike shares his insights on the current guidelines for pre-hospital management of drowning, the epidemiology of drowning, and the important efforts in public awareness and prevention.

We delve into the drowning process, including the pathophysiology from the point of submersion and the concept of autonomic conflict. Prof. Tipton also discusses the prognostic factors for drowning survivors and the remarkable case reports of prolonged submersion in cold water.

Additionally, we learn about the background of the "Float to Live" campaign and the challenges faced by organisations like the RNLI in effectively dealing with drowning prevention.

Join us for an insightful discussion that takes us from the lab to lifesaving, as we explore the science behind one of the world's most overlooked public health issues.



Please note: this episode was originally aired on The Pre-Hospital Care Podcast. World Extreme Medicine was given permission by the podcast host to share this episode.

Join us welcoming Ryan Atkinson, an award-winning hostile environment trained cameraman, back to the World Extreme Medicine podcast.

In this thrilling episode, Ryan shares his experience filming the 2016 expedition to the heart of Africa, where he and a team of scientists immersed themselves in the active Nyiragongo volcano to study and discover the warning signs of a potential eruption.

Ryan discusses the challenges of filming in one of the most remote and dangerous locations on Earth, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He shares insights on the complex logistics, the ever-present environmental and human risks, and the emotional impact of witnessing the profound hope and resilience of the local communities living in the shadow of the volcano.

From navigating the unpredictable weather conditions and noxious gases to managing team dynamics and conflicting goals, Ryan takes you on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of this life-changing expedition.

He also emphasises the importance of effective teamwork, shared understanding of risk, and the role of experienced leadership in ensuring the success and safety of the mission.

Tune in to this episode for a fascinating look at the world of extreme filmmaking and the power of storytelling to shed light on the complex interplay of nature, conflict, and the human spirit.

You can learn more about Ryan's work here.

In this fascinating episode, we are joined by Jen Pond, a Doctor who has practiced medicine in some of the most remote and challenging environments on all seven continents.

From providing primary care in the Indian Himalayas and managing anthrax outbreaks in rural Zambia, to supporting climbers at Everest Base Camp and treating severe frostbite in Antarctica, Jen has built an incredible breadth of experience in expedition and wilderness medicine.

Currently, Jen works in Nunavut, Canada, delivering healthcare to the indigenous Inuit population in resource-limited settings, often as the sole doctor for hundreds of miles.

She shares captivating stories and hard-earned wisdom from her diverse career journey. Jen discusses the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in different cultures, the importance of being adaptable and finding support networks, and the privilege of a profession that allows one to connect with people in meaningful ways worldwide.

Her inspiring reflections will resonate with anyone curious about the joys and difficulties of providing care in remote, underserved areas.

Tune in for a compelling exploration of the art and science of medicine at the edges of the map, and hear Jen's advice for those aspiring to unconventional and fulfilling careers:

"Take opportunities...We're so lucky, we have this profession that's transferable into every place with every person with every culture...Take advantage of it. Learn from it."



You can contact Jen directly at jpfernie@gmail.com