Essential Facts about mountain medicine
Very few people may have heard of mountain medicine. Interestingly, mountain medicine is not different from general practice, but it mainly addresses high-altitude travel and mountain sports. In addition, mountain medicine is a sub-specialty in the field.
Furthermore, mountain medicine deals with the prevention and treatment of mountain climbers. Therefore, the best person to call is a mountain medicine practitioner for any injury that may arise on a high mountain. Also, a mountain medic is skilled in treating mountain sicknesses, solar radiation, hypobaric hypoxia, etc. Undoubtedly, mountain medicine is one of the most challenging aspects of medicine.
The importance of mountain medicine
Even though mountain medicine is evolving, it is an important aspect of this profession. Recently, many people have participated in exploring, expeditions, and pushing their limits on their mountain adventures.
Furthermore, the love for extreme sports has evolved from mountain climbing to other forms like icefall climbing. A lot of people are even involved in river rafting and canyoning.
Based on this, the level of accidents has also increased, and the need for more mountain medicine experts too. In addition, mountain medicine is an aspect of extreme medicine.
How to improve your knowledge of mountain medicine ?
Mountain medicine, like all other areas of medicine, is evolving. Ordinarily, it requires training and retraining. To acquire more skills, you need to attend courses. Mountain medicine courses will offer you the following:
- Courses will introduce you to practical elements you need to work and provide medical care for people in mountainous environments. In other words, it improves your knowledge of mountain medicine.
- It focuses on helping you acquire and develop the mountaineering skills you need to rescue and treat injured people. Also, you will learn survival skills.
- Improve your knowledge and the skills you need to treat and evacuate casualties in the mountains. Remember, most mountains are located at high altitudes.
- Helps you understand new approaches to applying mountain medicine skills to other practical aspects of life.
Assuming you don’t know how mountain medicine works, you can also take courses to learn more. Besides, mountain medicine is an evolving aspect of medicine that is very uncommon. Click here to learn more mountain medicine courses.
Real-life skills that will help you become a better mountain medicine practitioner
To become a successful mountain medicine practitioner, you need some real-life skills.
Physical fitness
You must be physically fit to offer medical assistance to survivors in extreme conditions. In most cases, your services are required in high altitudes, and you may have to walk or even run to save a survivor.
Patience
If you aren’t patient, then you can’t practice mountain medicine. Most of the incidents take place in mountains and very rugged areas. Patience will help you administer medical assistance without making mistakes.
Learn to climb and resist the fear of heights.
Climbing mountains is a skill you need to successfully carry out your services. Assuming you go to the scene with a helicopter, some places may be too rugged for the aircraft. You may have to step down and climb to the survivor. Also, you can’t succeed as a mountain medicine practitioner if you fear heights.
Conclusion
The mountain medicine practice is not for the faint-hearted. You must be courageous and willing to go extreme to save lives.