The Clipperton Project is a facinating expedition bringing together science and the arts. the require an expedition medic between February and March 2012.

As with every good expedition – they need a medic!

For more information please click on the link below:

The Clipperton Project – Medic Details

Early next month I will be giving an evening talk on my work as an expedition medic. The event will be held at the Treasury Café-Bar-Restaurant, Catherine Street, Royal Parade, Plymouth and promises to be a great evening. I aim to walk you through some of the issues currently faced by expedition medics, highlighting examples  from my own trips and inspire you to seek adventure.

The event is being organised by Explorers Connect, who describe themselves as:

“…a growing community of adventurers and independent travellers. Anyone with a desire for adventure, challenge or exploration is welcome to join. As part of the community you can find out about the latest adventure industry news, jobs, opportunities and events, advertise your projects and services, find help and browse resources. You can also join a group near you to meet like-minded people, share advice and get inspired. Explorers Connect is all about making adventurous plans happen.”

Come along and be inspired.

James
Travel Health Consultancy

For more details click here and visit the Explorers Connect website

Plymouth College, an independent southwest school, had just re-introduced their sixth form expedition and as such were planning on taking 10 students on a trek through the Annapurna Range to Annapurna Base Camp, situated at 4130 metres.

The expedition started with a trip to Chitwan National Park where we were fortunate enough to get up close to a rhino and her calf. Then we headed into the Annapurna Range where a 10 day trek took us through magnificent mountain scenery to our objective – Annapurna Base Camp.

The trek is fairly arduous, with many of the days requiring several demoralising 1000 metre descents from altitudes gained the day before, followed by the 1000 metre climb back up. However the mountains, sunrises and sunsets ensured our minds were rarely thinking about the eight hour slogs and occasional downpour, but more on the stunning environment all around us.

During the trek the group got chance to take part in some research being carried out by Exeter University on the effects of altitude on the body’s ability to use oxygen. This required some pre-expedition V0₂ Max tests, data collection whilst away and a final V0₂ Max test on return. Although the group was quite small staff, at Exeter University hope to see some changes which will give a better indication of how altitude affects this age group.

The expedition was a great success. From a medical point of view there were no great dramas, which is always encouraging. The whole expedition party wished the trip could go on for longer and will have many, many memories which will stay with them for life.

James