TM5581 - Expedition and Wilderness Medicine

[Offered in odd-numbered years]

Available to postgraduate students enrolled in the Discipline of Public Health and Tropical Medicine only or by permission of Head of School.

Expedition and wilderness medicine involves maintaining the physical and psychological health of those undertaking expeditions or venturing into wilderness areas. The minimisation of disease and trauma by expeditioners is promoted by proper planning, preventive measures (such as health advice, immunisation and prophylaxis), and acquisition of relevant medical and practical skills for dealing with various expedition and wilderness environments. These environments include high altitude, mountain, remote, polar, diving, jungle and desert areas. This includes developing responsible attitudes towards the environment and the welfare and ethics of dealing with indigenous peoples encountered. Medicolegal aspects are also covered.

Learning Outcomes

• Undertake pre-expedition planning and preventive measures;
• Investigate the epidemiology of expedition related health and safety events;
• Manage expedition-related health problems and provide advice on responding to extreme environments;
• Undertake post-expedition planning and debriefing;
• Develop an understanding of expeditionary skills required of a health professional supporting an expedition.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.