Desert Medical Training | Wilderness Medical Training

Desert Medicine

DESERT MEDICINE TRAINING COURSE, NAMIBIA
11- 17 April 2010

£1325 Doros Crater, Namib Desert, Namibia
COURSE LIMITED TO 40 PLACES

Developed for medical professionals or advanced medics working in hot or arid climates. Namibia is one of the few places on earth where the natural environment rules supreme and is the perfect location for teaching the principles of desert medicine and survival in arid environments.

Expedition Medicine are very excited at being able to offer a comprehensive course for all those medical professionals responsible for clients, patients or team members in a desert environment. The course aims to introduce participants to the skills required to be a valuable member of a desert expeditionary team, and to care for and treat injuries and illnesses likely to occur in this fascinating environment.

Our Desert Medicine Course is based in Damaraland, an area bounded to the south by the spectacular Namib Desert, to the east by the Kalahari, Ovamboland to the North and the world famous Skeleton Coast to the west. Located near the famous Doros Crater, a massive volcanic crater formed over 140 million years ago. Our training area is a stunning region. remote from civilisation, inhabited by an array of desert adapted flora and fauna and with some of the most remarkable night skies in the world. As a result of the recent changes in wildlife management in Namibia, the Doros Crater has been chosen as the region in which the endangered white Rhinos are being released. Its a very exciting location inhabited by elephants, hyena, giraffe, rhinos, cheetahs and occasionally lions. It is almost unique in Namibia and for this reason we have endeavoured and been allowed to gain access to this virtually uninhabited area. Its the perfect location for our desert course.

The tutors will develop the skills of the participants through a combination of practical sessions and evening lectures. The days will be spent in the field, learning both the essential medical skills and survival skills which will allow you to be a valuable member of a desert expedition team. Topics covered include, managing animal bites, identifying tropical diseases, heat related illnesses and managing the health of an expedition in the field, traveling in the desert by vehicle and on foot, setting up camp, cooking and lighting fires, managing casualties and evacuating them when needed. And much more. Skills without which a successful medical response is extremely difficult.

Email us for an application form or download a form

EWM Application form (.PDF) ...(requires Adobe Acrobat)

Useful information for the course
Course Outline (Desert Medicine course)
Kit List (Desert Medicine course)

The Desert Medicine Team has been caring for and instructing desert skills in the Namibia for 20 years or more. They have a wealth of experience working as medical professionals in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Central America and the Sahara. The Outdoor Instructors draw on the skills developed over years of teaching and being taught by both South African specialist forces, along with working as guides and expedition leaders in desert environments. Despite being an eclectic mixture they are approachable, friendly and inspirational. They aim to guide you through the course ensuring that the course is both informative and enjoyable.

If you have ever considered working on a desert expedition, or environment, or simply having the experience of your life time, this is the course for you.

The price includes, accommodation, meals (unless otherwise stated), course manual and rental of all equipment, all course activities. The only additional cost is for your flights, hotel on arrival night, drinks and, items of a personal nature and travel insurance. You can buy your travel insurance from Across the Divide Expeditions. Once you have purchased your flights please let us know so we can put you in touch with our local training team who can arrange your transfers.

Desert Course - What to expect
This is a highly practical course that will introduce you to the Desert environment and prepare you for working as an expedition medic in a hot climate. You will experience first hand the challenges and some of the solutions to trekking, living and providing medical support in the Desert. We teach through a combination of small group work and practical activity, with a significant emphasis on experiential learning. Whilst you do not need to be an elite athlete, an adequate level of physical fitness will ensure you get as much out of the course as possible. As a guide, you should be able to walk at least 15km carrying a 15kg pack without assistance, and repeat this on more than two successive days in one week. The terrain we will encounter is predominantly flat and hard packed, though we will cross some dunes and there will be some steep ground. There is very little shade on some days and the temperatures average 35 degrees during the day and 8 degrees at night.
We are unable to influence the weather. It is possible that there will be rain, though anticipate the days will be hot and the night times cool. Familiarising you with a hot climate is one of the principle objectives of this course; students who are able to tolerate a degree of physical discomfort whilst maintaining a sense of humour and enthusiasm will get the most from the week.

Register now for £150 and reserve your place