World Extreme Medicine

24/06/2026

☀️ It's hot out there... but would you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

As the UK experiences another heatwave, conversations around staying cool, drinking water, and avoiding the midday sun are everywhere. But heat illness is often misunderstood, and the signs aren't always as obvious as people think.

Heat illness isn't something that only happens in deserts or tropical climates. It can affect anyone spending time outdoors, exercising, working in the heat, attending festivals, or even relaxing in their own garden.

In our latest article, we explore:

💧 The different stages of heat illness

🧠 Why confusion and changes in behaviour can be a major warning sign

🚑 What to do if someone develops heat exhaustion

🏕️ Practical cooling techniques used in expedition medicine, including the T.A.C.O. (Tarp-Assisted Cooling with Oscillation) method

🌡️ How to reduce your risk during hot weather

Read the full article here ⤵️

https://worldextrememedicine.com/blog/extreme-medicine-posts/the-uk-heatwave-heat-illness/

23/06/2026

There's still plenty of time to make 2026 a year of learning, adventure, and professional development!

Whether you're looking to develop new skills, gain experience in challenging environments, or connect with like-minded professionals, there are opportunities throughout the year to support your next step.

Take a look through the schedule and see where extreme medicine could take you in 2026.

Find out more at: https://worldextrememedicine.com/product-category/extreme-medicine-courses/all-courses/

21/06/2026

What happens when an athlete collapses at a remote checkpoint?

When deteriorating weather delays evacuation?

When clinical decisions need to be made quickly with limited resources?

Our new Endurance Medicine Course is designed to prepare healthcare professionals, first responders, and event medical team members for the realities of supporting endurance events in challenging environments.

Over five days in Chamonix, you'll explore athlete assessment, environmental medicine, injury management, women's health in endurance sport, medical evacuation planning, and communication under pressure through a combination of practical workshops, case discussions, and realistic simulations.

Whether you're new to event medicine or looking to strengthen your operational decision-making, this course is designed to help you work safely, confidently, and effectively as part of an endurance event medical team.

Find out more: https://worldextrememedicine.com/extreme-medicine-courses/endurance-medicine-course/

20/06/2026

How much do you really know about frostbite?

For many people working, travelling, or adventuring in cold environments, frostbite is something they hope they'll never experience.

But when it does occur, recognising it early and accessing the right advice can make a significant difference.

We're proud to support and share with our community the International Frostbite Resource Group UK (IFRG-UK), a resource created by WEM faculty member Chris Imray alongside an incredible team of clinicians, researchers, and cold environment specialists, including WEM faculty Hannah Lock and Sean Hudson.

The website brings together evidence-based information on frostbite prevention, recognition, treatment, research, and specialist support, making trusted guidance available to healthcare professionals and the public alike.

Whether you're heading into the mountains, working in polar environments, planning an expedition, or simply want to learn more, it's a fantastic resource to have bookmarked.

Explore the resource here: https://www.ifrg-uk.co.uk

19/06/2026

We never expected a WEM Fund charity patch to end up displayed by the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine.

Yet... here it is.

Behind that patch are years of work from an incredible community of volunteers, faculty, donors, partners, military medics, humanitarian teams, and supporters who believe that access to medical education, training, and support can save lives.

From delivering aid and equipment to supporting training programmes and building partnerships around the world, every achievement belongs to the people who have helped make it possible.

We're incredibly proud to see the World Extreme Medicine Fund represented alongside organisations from across NATO nations.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far.

Learn more about WEMFund: https://www.wemfund.com

OP: NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine

19/06/2026

Many of you will know Lt Col Roman Kusiv through his work alongside World Extreme Medicine and the WEM Fund in Ukraine. For years, Roman has served on the front line, supporting others in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable.

While serving his country, Roman experienced a devastating personal loss. His wife, Irina, passed away suddenly, leaving Roman and their two daughters facing an unimaginable future without her.

A fundraiser has been established to help cover the costs of bringing Irina home, laying her to rest with dignity, and providing immediate support for the family as they navigate the difficult weeks and months ahead.

At the time of writing, over £5,000 has already been raised towards the £17,000 target. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference.

Roman has dedicated his life to helping others. Today, we're asking our community to stand beside him.

If you are able to contribute, please donate here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/irina-kusiv

If you can't donate, sharing the fundraiser could help it reach someone who can.

Thank you for your support.

Help Bring Irina Home, and Stand by Roman’s Family I am P… Prof. Mark Hannaford needs your support for Bring Irina Home: Standing by Lt Col Roman Kusiv and His Dau

18/06/2026

Leadership doesn't happen in perfect conditions...

Whether you're working in healthcare, humanitarian response, disaster management, expedition medicine, or operational environments, some of the most important decisions you'll ever make happen when resources are limited and the answers aren't always clear.

That's why we're excited to announce our new partnership with Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE).

Together, we're creating new opportunities for professionals who want to expand their impact through doctoral-level education that combines academic development with real-world relevance.

The partnership provides access to:

✔ Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc): for clinicians looking to develop leadership and influence across healthcare systems

✔ Doctor of Executive Leadership (DEL): for professionals leading organisations, teams, and strategic initiatives across healthcare, emergency management, global health, and public service

These programmes are fully online, designed for working professionals, and aligned with the realities of operating in complex environments where leadership matters most.

As part of the partnership, active WEM members receive 15% off tuition fees.

Find out more and explore both pathways: https://worldextrememedicine.com/doctoral-pathways-in-medical-and-executive-leadership-with-ache/

13/06/2026

When you’re treating trauma in the wild, textbook sequences don’t always apply.

This is a refined, field-adapted version of the primary survey, combining elements from existing frameworks like ABCDE, ABCDE, and XABCDE, and tailored specifically for use in expedition, remote, and hostile environments.

🛠️ It’s not new, but it is practical, tested, and improved by those using it in the field.

Built with input from our expert WEM faculty (including expedition medics, trauma doctors, military clinicians and remote responders) this version reflects how real decisions are made when the pressure’s on and help is far away.

📌 Save this post to reference whenever you need it.

📥 Want the full breakdown as a downloadable PDF?

You’ll find it on our blog: https://worldextrememedicine.com/blog/extreme-medicine-posts/s-cabcdeg-a-real-world-primary-survey-framework-for-wilderness-trauma/

12/06/2026

One mountain + One broken wrist x No oxygen - No communications = Severe HACE.

Adrian Hayes' session at tells the story of one of the most extraordinary high-altitude survival experiences you'll ever hear.

Following an accident just below the summit of Kanchenjunga in May 2025, Adrian developed severe High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) and eventually collapsed at 8,400m.

Alone on the mountain, with a broken oxygen regulator, worsening cerebral oedema, hallucinations, frostbite, and only one working hand, he somehow managed to descend for more than 30 hours before being rescued by a Sherpa at 7,600m.

More than an adventure story, this session explores recognising and managing HACE, maintaining decision-making under extreme stress, compartmentalisation, ownership, responsibility, and survival when everything appears stacked against you.

Session name: HACE - An Extreme Survival
When: 14th November 2026, 11:30 - 12:30
Where: Biosphere

Tickets to attend WEM26 can be purchased here: https://worldextrememedicine.com/world-extreme-medicine-conference