Wilderness Medicine Podcast September 2018 - Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Live
Sep 17, 2018
Andrew Nyberg is an emergency physician from Park City, Utah, known for his work on the 2015 Everest Base Camp avalanche response. Matt Wilkes, a doctor at the International Port of Protection Group, explores the use of methoxyflurane for pain management at high altitudes. Together, they discuss the harrowing experiences during the Nepal earthquake, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and communication in crisis response. They also delve into the innovative use of methoxyflurane in austere medicine and its safety for patient self-management, especially in remote environments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Everest Avalanche Rescue Story
- Andrew Nyberg recounted treating two critically injured avalanche victims evacuated by mule from Everest Base Camp after the 2015 earthquake.
- One patient had rib fractures and pneumothorax managed with oxygen concentrators due to austere conditions.
Innovative Triage in Everest Aftershock
- The rescue team improvised triaging patients by marking tape on chests with injury details and priority numbers during the mass casualty incident.
- Community members with medical training helped manage patient care in a nearby lodge as the clinic overflowed.
Ensure Robust Communication Systems
- Always have multiple communication backups such as satellite phones in remote disaster-prone areas.
- Effective communication between rescue teams and evacuation helicopters is critical for coordinating patient transfers.