For a printable copy use the download PDF. 

September 16

18:00 - 19:00 Introduction to Altitude Medicine – a brief history of high altitude exploration. A brief history of high altitude medicine.

19:00 - 20:00 What is Mountaineering? – an introduction to the world of mountains and its own unique terminology

September 17

08:00 - 09:00 Physiology of High Altitude – definitions. The physics you need to know.  Physiological changes at altitude. The importance of HVR and HCVR. How do we begin to acclimatise?

09:00-10:00 Acclimatisation – Physiological responses. How to make sense of the research. Deterioration. Adaptation.

10:00 - 12:30 ( inc morning tea break ) High Altitude Syndromes – Acute Mountain Sickness. Chronic Mountain Sickness. High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema. High Altitude Cerebral Oedema. Miscellaneous syndromes

12:30 - 13:15 Break

13:15 - 14:00 –  Avalanche Medicine and Lightning Strike  – . Prevention. Avalanche mechanics. Avalanche safety. Avalanche related injury.dPhysics of Lightning. Lightning injury. 

14:00 - 15:00  High Drugs – Drugs for prophylaxis in altitude syndromes. Drugs for treatment. Diamox. Steroids. Sildenafil. Nifedipine. Salmeterol. Recent research into new drugs. Local remedies for altitude syndromes.

15:00 - 16:00  Exercise at Altitude – Effects of altitude on performance. Role of VO2 max. Training for altitude. Training at altitude.

16:00 - 17:00  When Things Go Wrong – What happens when your expedition goes wrong? Why do some expeditions fail? Survival, search and rescue.

17:00 - 18:00   Background Briefing

CAMPSITE SESSIONS

September 19

Expeditions  – Preparing for expeditions. Planning. The role of the expedition doctor. Insurance issues. Medical kits and equipment. Common problems.

September 20

Improvisation of Medical Care in the Expedition Environment – How to do a lot with very little and why sometimes less is best.

September 21

Heat Related Illness – Heat syndromes including sunburn. Hypothermia. Frostbite. Field treatment vs Hospital treatment

September 22

Q & A Session – an opportunity for delegates to ask questions on any aspect of altitude and expedition medicine, to clarify any issues discussed over the preceding days and to review the material presented.

September 23

Closing remarks