Expedition and Wilderness Medicine

Code

RHEU4013

School

School of Medicine

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module aims to equip students with real world skills in the diagnosis and management of clinical conditions in the wilderness, and the management skills necessary for the design and delivery of such a service. Teaching will encompass the range of environments in which wilderness medical staff operate (hot, cold, temperate and altitude environments), and through practical experience, facilitate students joining teams providing such care. 

Target Students

MSc/PGDip Sports and Exercise Medicine.

Classes

Teaching will be a mix of lectures, tutorials and practical exercises in appropriate environments e.g. outdoors.

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): OSCE exam (2 hours)

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:  


Know, understand and apply the fundamentals of medical screening and handover and communication in wilderness medicine and know the medical skills applicable to any wilderness environment to manage common medical problems.  


Understand and apply a sound knowledge of the basic science of physiology to manage a patient with heat, cold and altitude related illness.  


Know the real world practicalities of the managerial, legal and professional aspects of wilderness medical provision. 

Skills:

Be able to carry out key clinical skills in the wilderness

Have knowledge and be able to construct a shelter and find clean water in a wilderness environment

Be able to plan the evacuation of a casualty from the wilderness to secondary care

Be able to construct a treatment area in the wilderness environment 

Conveners

• Dr Matthew Attwood
• Mr Alan Norrish