Discussion Topic: Professional Discussion - Emergency Medical Services
Pre-hospital professionals seeking to expand their horizons and make a difference in the world of wilderness care and humanitarian deployment have a wealth of options to consider. These were some of the key topics discussed at the World Extreme Medicine Conference, a platform that brings together experts from various fields to share insights and experiences.
One of the main career pathways for these professionals is working with international NGOs, humanitarian organisations, and disaster relief teams. These roles offer the opportunity to provide medical care in remote, austere environments across the globe [2]. Another avenue is tactical medicine, where professionals can take on roles such as tactical paramedics, operating in high-risk environments that require specialized medical and operational knowledge [2].
For those with a passion for education, opportunities exist in developing curricula and delivering specialized wilderness and humanitarian medical training [3].
When it comes to training, there are several options available. Formal certifications such as the Wilderness EMT (WEMT) build upon standard EMT training, preparing providers for extended care in resource-limited and austere conditions [4]. Courses like UNLV’s Beyond Borders offer hands-on exposure to healthcare in low-resource remote settings and simulate humanitarian missions, providing a solid foundation in wilderness and global health [1]. Tactical-focused certifications including Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and specialized programs for tactical paramedics are recommended for those operating in conflict or safety-critical environments [2].
Key reference materials include Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine and Oxford Handbook of Expedition and Wilderness Medicine, essential resources for clinical knowledge specific to wilderness settings [1].
Self-employment and volunteer opportunities are also plentiful. Many professionals engage in short-term humanitarian volunteer deployments globally, which can sometimes lead to contract or freelance work with NGOs or expedition groups [5]. Some take on freelance roles providing consultancy or training services for organisations preparing individuals for remote or humanitarian work [2]. NGOs and organisations often look for dedicated providers for missions, offering flexible, project-based employment suited to self-employed practitioners [2][5].
However, it's important to consider the demanding nature of deployments on personal life. These roles often require extended periods away from home with unpredictable schedules and challenging conditions, impacting work-life balance [2]. Training and preparation also require a significant time investment outside of regular work hours to maintain certification and clinical skills [1][4].
Individuals considering a future in pre-hospital medicine, wilderness care, or humanitarian deployment will find the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2023 an invaluable resource. The conference features an interactive panel discussing careers in pre-hospital medicine, covering topics such as career pathways, work-life balance, training options, self-employment, governance, indemnity, and the evolving role of medics across global contexts. The panel includes military doctors, special rescue paramedics, and expedition medics, offering a diverse perspective on the field.
- To expand careers in wilderness care and humanitarian deployment, pre-hospital professionals can consider working with international NGOs, providing medical care in remote, austere environments globally.
- For those with a passion for education, opportunities exist in developing curricula and delivering specialized wilderness and humanitarian medical training, such as UNLV’s Beyond Borders course.
- Key reference materials for clinical knowledge specific to wilderness settings include Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine and Oxford Handbook of Expedition and Wilderness Medicine.
- Self-employment and volunteer opportunities are plentiful, with many professionals engaging in short-term humanitarian volunteer deployments globally, sometimes leading to contract or freelance work with NGOs or expedition groups.
- A platform like the World Extreme Medicine Conference is beneficial for individuals considering a future in pre-hospital medicine, wilderness care, or humanitarian deployment, offering insights into career pathways, training options, work-life balance, and more.
