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Preparations for the Greenland Expedition: Medical Facilities and Training

Preparations for our upcoming expedition to Greenland are in full swing. Although we’ve accomplished a lot, there’s still much to do. An important part of this preparation is the medical support we receive from Extreme Medicine, the company providing us with medical supplies and advice.

Medical Facilities

Today I received a list of materials and medication I need to arrange for the expedition. For basic necessities like ibuprofen and paracetamol, I cycled to the drugstore. More specialized medication, such as diclofenac and other prescription drugs, are ordered through Extreme Medicine at a pharmacy. These medications can only be issued after consultation with them. At the end of the expedition, I will return all unused medication.

The medical kit we carry is extensive and includes painkillers and gastrointestinal medications, such as those for constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. We also have remedies for ENT issues and eye irritations, as we will be inhaling dry polar air for 30 days. Additionally, there are trauma supplies for direct impact injuries like broken bones. This makes us largely self-sufficient on the Greenland ice cap for 30 days.

Education and Training

In October, I took an Outdoor First Aid course in Wales. I am trained as an Emergency First Responder and as a Wilderness First Responder, which means I can be the first on the scene in wilderness accidents. I took this training with two guides from Arctic Adventure, Onno and Karin. We spent a week delving into scenarios that can occur in the wilderness. This knowledge is crucial for our expedition to Greenland, although I hope I never have to put it into practice.

Support from Extreme Medicine

Extreme Medicine provides us with excellent support. An online meeting is scheduled for early July, where they will further brief us on the procedures for daily contact during the expedition. They will explain when we can get in touch and what freedoms we have. Additionally, they will inform us on how to handle common expedition issues, such as blisters and frostbite on fingers and toes.

All in all, the collaboration with Extreme Medicine is a valuable addition to our preparation for the Greenland expedition. We are well-prepared for any medical emergencies that may arise during our adventurous journey over the ice cap.

So, this was an update on our first aid preparations for the upcoming expedition to Greenland. We continue to prepare to ensure we start this challenge safely and well-equipped.