Altitude, a history of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), rate of ascent and lack of acclimatization are some well established risk factors for developing AMS. Another risk factor is cigarette smoking, which is particularly interesting because it is modifiable. Previous findings in regard to smoking and AMS have been quite variable. A recent study published in […]

Physical exertion in high temperatures forces the body to adapt to the heat stress. The physiological response can reach a limit at which the advantages do not weigh up to the disadvantages of this response. At this point heat-related illnesses like heat cramp, syncope, exhaustion and stroke can develop. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are thirst, […]

This week we asked you whether you should start with chest compressions or rescue breaths when you are performing CPR on a lightning victim. We will explain you why rescue breaths are the best approach.  When struck by lightning the current can cause a simultaneous cardiac and respiratory arrest. Due to cardiac automaticity the heart […]

Michiel van Veelen, co-founder of Outdoor Medicine, published an article in the Emergency Physicians International Journal on how Outdoor Medicine training gives doctors the tools they need for everyday emergencies outside the hospital. In the article several dilemmas are illustrated which doctors encounter when faced with a medical emergency outside of their comfort zone, such […]

A very cold guideline to keep you warm this holiday season: The WMS has published an update for the guideline “prevention and treatment of frostbite”. We present you a useful summary and some recommendations. A simplified classification system for diagnosing frostbite is often used in the field. After rewarming, frostbite can be classified as superficial […]