Revolutionising Rural Healthcare: Inside Australia’s First Virtual Emergency Centre
In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, host Eoin Walker speaks with Mardi Steere, Executive General Manager of Medical and Retrieval Services at the Royal Flying Doctor Service, about a groundbreaking innovation in rural healthcare delivery, the Virtual Emergency Centre (VEC).Operating in one of the most remote regions of Australia, the VEC integrates telehealth, remote diagnostics, and trained layperson intervention to deliver hospital-grade care in areas where no medical staff are physically present. Mardi shares the origins of the project, the role of technology like Starlink and wearables, and how the model is saving lives and reducing retrieval costs.We discuss the governance and logistics behind delivering high-risk medications remotely, the scalability of the model, and how learnings from Africa, India, and Rwanda are being adapted to suit Australia’s unique geographical challenges. Mardi also reflects on the future of healthcare innovation, from drone-delivered AEDs to virtual ultrasonography and beyond.Learn more about the VEC and the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au
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Summit & Survival on Kilimanjaro: A Medical Student’s First Taste of Altitude Medicine
What happens when your first major expedition is one of the world’s Seven Summits?In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, emergency medicine doctor Ffyon Smith is joined by Kacylia Roy Proulx, a medical student at McGill University and President of her university’s Wilderness Medicine Society. Together, they explore Kacylia’s experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, from early trail excitement to summit-day exhaustion, team dynamics, and the real-time challenge of acute mountain sickness.This is an honest, insightful conversation about why we climb, how we build mental resilience, and what expedition medicine means to someone just starting out.You’ll hear about:The reality of altitude acclimatisation and AMS symptomsNavigating ethical dilemmas on the trailHow expedition teamwork makes or breaks the journeyFinding identity, purpose, and introspection at high altitudeAdvice for medical students looking to break into expedition medicine📝 Please note: Due to internet connection issues during recording, there’s a slight delay or glitch in Kacylia’s audio and video at times. Thanks for bearing with us, the conversation is well worth it.Please note that this session was recorded in January 2025.
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What’s In Your Med Kit? Expedition Pharmacology with Daniel Grace
In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, host Eoin Walker is joined by expedition doctor, GP, and WEM faculty member Daniel Grace to explore the essential medications needed for remote and high-risk environments.From his recent work in Zambia, Daniel unpacks real-world pharmacology strategies: what drugs matter most, how to balance ideal vs. realistic care, and how to make limited supplies go further in the field.Together, they discuss:The non-negotiables in your expedition med kitAdapting to extreme heat, altitude, and remote terrainPain management without controlled substancesAntibiotics, wound care, and infection controlStorage challenges in hot, cold, and humid conditionsRisk assessment, planning, and reach-back strategies🎧 Listen now and gear up with practical insights from the front lines of expedition medicine.📚 Find out more about WEM’s training
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CRM, Cockpits & Compassion: Jan Becker on Non-Technical Skills That Save Lives
What do helicopters, humanitarian crises, and high-pressure hospital wards have in common? In this episode, we sit down with Jan Becker, CEO, helicopter pilot, midwife, and international educator, to explore the vital role of non-technical skills in high-stakes environments.From aviation to midwifery to emergency medicine, Jan unpacks Crew Resource Management (CRM), situational awareness, closed-loop communication, and how to lead without overpowering. We dive into decision-making under pressure, how to manage amygdala hijack, and why simulation training (and humility) might just save lives.Highlights include:The link between cockpit discipline and clinical calmWhy humanitarian medicine demands quiet confidenceHow to build collective efficacy and empower teamsTeaching others to lead without egoLearn more from Jan by joining us at our annual conference.⚠️ Please note: This episode contains occasional strong language.
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Shoulder Dislocations in the Wild: Kayaking, Kit, and Critical Decisions
In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, WEM's Sarah Spelsberg is joined by emergency physician and seasoned kayaker Robert Knopp to explore what happens when outdoor adventure meets unexpected injury.Together, they dive into shoulder dislocations in the wilderness; from real-life field reductions to improvised rescue gear, and what every paddler or outdoor leader should know before they head out.Whether you're a medical professional, adventure athlete, or just someone who likes to play in wild places, this episode brings practical insight and powerful storytelling that could one day make all the difference.Topics include:Self-reduction techniques like the Davos methodKit hacks using rock climbing gear and Flex SealRisk assessment and when not to relocateKayaker culture, shoulder-saving technique, and field stories from the riverListen, learn, and maybe rethink what’s in your first aid kit.👉 For more resources or to explore wilderness medical training, visit our website.
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