General

Who goes on these courses?

The Expedition Medicine Courses attract a wide range of ages and experience from medical professionals who have a vast experience of expedition medicine to medical students, paramedics, nurses and advanced first-aiders who have an interest in wilderness and travel medicine. The courses are pitched at a high level but due to the practical nature of the subject, most content can be understood by non-medical professionals.

How fit do I need to be?

We expect you to have an average level of fitness.

Who are Expedition Medicine?

The Expedition Medicine courses are headed up by Drs Sean Hudson and Caroline Knox, expedition leaders Mark & Karen Hannaford from Across the Divide Expeditions, and trainer Piers Carter from CarterWade, all veterans of innumerable overseas expeditions and supported by an eclectic panel of experts for whom expeditions and the wilderness are a way of life. Meet the staff

Who have been your previous clients?

Our clients have included the BBC, the Brazilian Government, Capital Radio, Across the Divide Expeditions and Raleigh International to name but a few. The expedition experience of the directors stretches across over 200 expeditions and to every single continent.

Can I stay on after the courses?

All of the courses are designed with this in mind. We are more than happy to help you make any additional arrangements for the EML UK, Polar, Jungle, Desert or Diving courses.

How many people will be on the course?

There will be 60 people on the EML UK course.  There will be 25 on the Polar and 30 on the Jungle, Desert and Diving courses.

Where will we be staying?

In Norway you'll be staying at Ongajok Mountain Farm which is a fantastic venue in the Norwegian wilderness. Ongajok comprises nine buildings surrounding a small yard. All the buildings are built in the traditional Norwegian mountain farm style.
The reception and cosy dining room with adjoining relaxation area are located in the main building.
In Costa Rica you will be based at the El Nido del Tigre Camp on the Rio Pacuare about three hours from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose.
In the Lake District we are staying at Barrow House Youth Hotel, Keswick, Cumbria.
In Namibia we will be based in Damaraland, several hours from Namibia's capital Windhoek.
In Oman we will be staying in the Musandam Peninsula.

What is included in the price?

 

EML UK | Accommodation, meals, course manual.

POLAR | Accommodation, meals, course manual and rental of all equipment including an arctic outer layer of clothing and outer boots. The only additional cost is for your flights, items of a personal nature and travel insurance. Travel insurance can be purchased through Across the Divide Expeditions (ATOL 6475), and their terms and conditions apply.

JUNGLE | Accommodation, meals, course manual, rental of all equipment and all course activities. The only additional cost is for your flights, items of a personal nature and travel insurance. Travel insurance can be purchased through Across the Divide Expeditions (ATOL 6475), and their terms and conditions apply.

 

DESERT | Accommodation, meals, course manual, rental of all equipment and all course activities. The only additional cost is for your flights, items of a personal nature and travel insurance. Travel insurance can be purchased through Across the Divide Expeditions (ATOL 6475), and their terms and conditions apply.

 

DIVING | Accommodation, meals, course manual, rental of all equipment and all course activities. The only additional cost is for your flights, items of a personal nature and travel insurance. Travel insurance can be purchased through Across the Divide Expeditions (ATOL 6475), and their terms and conditions apply.

• Return to the general FAQ's list.
• Return to the top

Specific Polar Course Questions

Do I need to be able to ski?

No experience is required. The instructors will guide you through the week whatever your level of expertise

What sort of skiing will I be doing?

There are a variety skis used for backcountry skiing. The course will be using touring skis, with leather boots and pin bindings. They are the most versatile skis for the polar environment.

Do I need to buy any specialist equipment?

All specialist equipment will be provided, including arctic boots and survival suits. For the night out Anjungilak sleeping bags will be provided. A more detailed list can be found here.

How do I get to the COURSE LOCATION?

We will meet you at a pre-arranged hotel in central Alta, from where we will travel as a group to Ongajok Mountain Farm.  You need to make your own way to Alta.

Will I see the Northern Lights?

Given the right weather conditions there is a very good chance that they will light up the night sky.

Will we get to go dog sledding?

You most certainly will, the dogs are great fun and it is a superb experience. Read more.

What sort of kit do I need to bring with me?

Rental of all specialist equipment including an arctic outer layer of clothing and outer boots is included. Click here to view full kit list, and here for an extensive list of Polar web links.

What will the weather be like?

The daylight will last between 12 and 16 hours and the temperature will generally range from -5 to -20. Being in the arctic you can expect some very low temperatures ranging from freezing to -35'c. Varying degrees of snowfall maybe experienced along with the possibility of wind that will cause the temperature to sharply fall.

Can I stay on after the courses?

All of the Expedition Medicine courses are designed with this in mind, please let us know if you would like us to put you in touch with our agent in Norway.

• Return to the polar FAQ's list.
• Return to the top

Specific Jungle Course Questions

Is our jungle camp a survival experience in itself or reasonably comfortable?

In Costa Rica the camp is located on the banks of the Pacuare River and is very comfortable. There is a Robinson Crusoe style bar and dining area - fantastic jungle showers and accommodation is in twin share tents on raised wooden platforms.

How do I get to the campsite?

We will meet you at a pre-arranged hotel in central San Jose, from where we will travel as a group to the camp.  You need to arrange travel to and from San Jose.

How practical is the course?

The course is primarily practical, teaching skills, which are invaluable for a medic working in the jungle.

Will we get to explore the rainforest canopy?

Yes, you most certainly will, we have set up a roped access into the canopy that you will use, with qualified instructors during the course.

What sort of kit do I need to bring with me?

The course is designed to give you an insight into jungle expeditions. The kit list will reflect this, keeping things simple and hard wearing. A full kit list and ideas on where to buy it, can be found here.

What will the weather be like?

Warm during the day and night.

How many people will be on the course?

The course is limited to 30 participants, dividing into groups of 10 for all outdoor activities.

• Return to the jungle FAQ's list.
• Return to the top

Specific Diving Course Questions

How do i get to the course location?

We will meet you at a pre-arranged hotel in central Muscat, from where we will travel as a group to the camp.  You need to make your own arrangements to get to and from Muscat.

 

Which diving qualification do I need?

You need to hold a PADI Open Water qualification or equivalent (BSAC Ocean Diver | NAUI SCUBA Diver etc.) and must have dived at least once in the 12 months prior to the course in order to participate.

 

• Return to the diving FAQ's list.
• Return to the top

Specific Desert Course Questions

How do i get to the course location ?

We will meet you at a pre-arranged hotel in central Windhoek, from where we will travel as a group to the camp.  You’ll need to make your own way to and from Windhoek.

• Return to the desert FAQ's list.
• Return to the top