Wilderness medicine in southern Africa

Training and certification in first responder care among mountaineering practitioners in east Africa

“…The African Federation for Emergency Medicine's Out-of-Hospital Emergency Care (OHEC) committee recognized first aid as the first level of care that can be provided, especially in African resource-challenged areas [8] . It is recognized that first responder care cannot replace medical care, but it assists in preventing damage, or complications before health care is provided [ 21 , 28 ].…”

“…The study did not find any practitioner who had trained as a paramedic. In addition to the lay people offering tier-one system in the mountains, there is need for support in the tier-two system, with more professional support and training in courses such as diploma in mountain medicine and many other related courses [21] pursued mainly by paramedics, nurses and medical doctors. Other studies within East Africa recommend the need to have standardized policies in the training and provision of various levels of out-of-hospital care [ 15 , 22 ].…”

“…Kilimanjaro, which is 5895 metres above sea level, than on Mt. Everest, which is 8848 metres above sea level [21] .…”

Growing wilderness and expedition medicine education in southern Africa

“…Local enthusiasts and experts have provided insights into the scope and diversity of wilderness medicine, high-altitude illnesses, cold exposure, and submersion injuries. [2,[20][21][22] In this edition of SAMJ, we address the fundamental concepts of expedition medicine, from participant screening and selection of suitable medical supplies to the epidemiology, roles and psychological aspects encountered on expeditions. Continuing the human thread, human factors in the wilderness are addressed, including every human's capacity to make mistakes -some deliberate, but most inadvertently -and how awareness of that error capacity can help anticipate and prevent accidents.…”

“…Looking deep into nature -be it the true depths of the ocean or the jungle, or the hypoxic heights of mountain peaks -has granted us an understanding of how humans can defeat pathogens, withstand thermal stressors and hypoxia, and endure extreme exertion. [1,2] It has also provided us with countless therapies for our ailments: analgesics, antibiotics, antivirals, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, haemostatics, and novel cancer treatments are all prime examples. [3] Furthermore, time spent immersing ourselves deep into nature -away from the increasing busyness and clamour of modern life -allows the reflective practitioner time for introspection on challenges and the core values of life.…”