In the final part of our 3-part series marking the anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, we hear from paramedic Sam Sinclair, who was deployed to Tavistock Square, the site of the fourth and final explosion. Sam shares his experience of arriving on scene, witnessing the scale of the devastation, and making impossible decisions under pressure. In this conversation with WEM’s Eoin Walker, he reflects on the lessons 7/7 taught him about teamwork, instinct, and how to carry the emotional weight of...
Jul 09, 2025•44 min
In Part 2 of our 20 year anniversary series on the 7/7 London bombings, paramedic Adam Desmond shares his deeply personal and unflinchingly honest account of responding to the attacks at King's Cross. Speaking with WEM’s Eoin Walker, Adam reflects on the chaos, the human cost, and the enduring psychological impact of working at the heart of one of the UK’s worst terrorist attacks. From navigating trauma in the underground tunnels to confronting system breakdowns and personal grief, this conversa...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this special 3-part podcast series marking 20 years since the 7/7 London bombings, we begin with a personal testimony from paramedic & WEM podcast host Eoin Walker, who was just one year out of training when he found himself responding to the worst terrorist attack in UK history. In Part 1 hosted by Will Duffin, Eoin shares what it was like to arrive at the scene, navigate confusion and risk, and deliver care in an environment few are ever truly prepared for. From descending into the dark...
Jul 07, 2025•49 min
In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine podcast, Eoin Walker speaks with humanitarian health leader Hareen De Silva about his recent deployments in Gaza, Syria, and beyond. From mass casualty incidents and waterborne disease outbreaks to the psychological toll on healthcare workers, Hareen shares vital insights into what it takes to deliver medical care in conflict zones. We explore: The worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza Lessons from Syria and Ukraine Mental health challenges for aid w...
Jul 01, 2025•40 min
What do helicopters, humanitarian crises, and high-pressure hospital wards have in common? In this episode, we sit down with Jan Becker, CEO, helicopter pilot, midwife, and international educator, to explore the vital role of non-technical skills in high-stakes environments. From aviation to midwifery to emergency medicine, Jan unpacks Crew Resource Management (CRM), situational awareness, closed-loop communication, and how to lead without overpowering. We dive into decision-making under pressur...
Jun 17, 2025•41 min
In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, WEM's Sarah Spelsberg is joined by emergency physician and seasoned kayaker Robert Knopp to explore what happens when outdoor adventure meets unexpected injury. Together, they dive into shoulder dislocations in the wilderness; from real-life field reductions to improvised rescue gear, and what every paddler or outdoor leader should know before they head out. Whether you're a medical professional, adventure athlete, or just someone who likes ...
Jun 03, 2025•59 min
Cara Sheppard is the Senior Medical Officer at Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) , an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in Western Australia's East Pilbara. In this episode, Marcus chats with Cara about what it really means to deliver healthcare in remote desert communities, where cultural safety, chronic disease, and deep-rooted systemic challenges intersect. From the realities of diabetes in young people to the complexities of rheumatic heart disease, spiritual beliefs,...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 38 min
In this powerful episode, Eoin sits down with Ryan Ahlgren — a wilderness and humanitarian medicine practitioner whose career spans some of the most challenging environments on the planet. From frontline trauma care during the ISIL occupation in Iraq, to medevac operations in Ukraine, to six-week stints deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, Ryan shares what it's really like to provide medical care in the face of heat, hardship, and uncertainty. He also discusses his recent role in Antarctica ...
May 06, 2025•40 min
Meet Shawna Pandya, Physician, Neuroscientist, and now Canada’s First Female Commercial Astronaut. In this inspiring episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we sit down with Shawna to unpack her journey from childhood dreams of space to preparing for her Virgin Galactic mission. We explore: Her selection as part of the Virgin Galactic research crew The science behind her mission, including microgravity, diabetes research & emergency medicine in space How she balances medicine, researc...
Apr 22, 2025•42 min
In this episode, we explore the deeply rooted and culturally rich world of First Nations healthcare in Australia with Dr Sarah Chalmers; Rural Generalist, former President of the Australian College of Remote and Rural Medicine (ACRRM ), and President-Elect of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia. With over 15 years of experience working in East Arnhem Land and North Queensland, Sarah shares a powerful and personal insight into what it truly means to deliver care in remote First Nations com...
Apr 08, 2025•49 min
🎧 A quick note on audio quality: Due to remote recording, some parts of this episode may not be as clear as usual. We appreciate your patience and promise the insights are well worth the listen! What happens when critical care leaves the hospital and takes to the skies? In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast , we sit down with Mina Arsanious , an expedition doctor and anaesthetic registrar working in aeromedical retrieval with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Australia. ...
Mar 25, 2025•46 min
In this episode, we dive into the fast-paced world of event medicine in remote Australia with Prashan Kuruppu, a rural generalist anaesthetist and Member of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Assessment Committee, with extensive experience in Outback and retrieval medicine. From high-speed trauma and medical crises in extreme weather conditions to the unique challenges of remote evacuations and resource-limited environments , Prash shares firsthand insights into the unpr...
Mar 11, 2025•43 min
53 Days. 700 Miles. Alone in Antarctica. What does it take to survive completely alone in one of the most extreme environments on Earth? In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast , we sit down with Cat Burford , also known as The Molar Explorer . A dentist by profession and an adventurer at heart, Cat took on a solo, unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole , covering over 700 miles in -40°C temperatures while pulling a 100kg sled . She shares: The moment that almost ended her ex...
Feb 25, 2025•45 min
In this episode we explore the evolution of remote and rural healthcare in Australia with Claire Arundell , a Rural Generalist Anaesthetist from country Victoria and Chair of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Council. Claire shares her journey from completing her medical degree at Monash University to becoming an ACRRM medical educator, course facilitator, and passionate advocate for the next generation of rural generalists. Working across primary care and hospital sett...
Feb 11, 2025•48 min
Note: We apologise for any varying audio quality in this episode. As Faye joined us from Tonga with breaching whales in the background (how cool is that?!), there are some moments where the sound fluctuates. We believe the incredible content and unique perspective from (literally) the other side of the world was worth preserving, even if the audio isn't perfect. Thanks for understanding - sometimes catching our guests between adventures means working with what we've got! Join Sarah Spelsberg as ...
Jan 28, 2025•54 min
In this inaugural episode of our partnership with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) , we journey into the heart of Australia's remote healthcare system with Marian Dover , ACRRM's 2024 Rural Registrar of the Year. From performing emergency caesarean sections to building deep community bonds, discover how rural generalists are revolutionising healthcare in some of the most isolated parts of the world. Marian shares intimate stories of trust, resilience, and the unique re...
Jan 14, 2025•32 min
Join primatologist Elodie Freymann as she reveals fascinating discoveries about how wild chimpanzees self-medicate using forest plant Alstonia boonei. Through nine months of field research, Elodie observed chimps selecting specific barks, leaves, and other plant materials to treat wounds and infections - practices that often overlap with traditional human medicine. She discusses groundbreaking findings in zoopharmacognosy (animal self-medication), the importance of preserving these forest "medic...
Dec 31, 2024•33 min
Join Sarah Spelsberg as she speaks with NASA experts John Haynes and Helena Chapman about how NASA's unique vantage point from space helps monitor and address global health challenges. Discover how satellite data is being used to track everything from air pollution and urban heat islands to disease outbreaks and extreme weather events. Learn about NASA's free resources for healthcare professionals and scientists, and hear about opportunities for involvement through internships and collaborations...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Join Sarah Spelsberg as she interviews pioneering wildlife veterinary surgeon Romain Pizzi, who has performed groundbreaking surgeries in nearly 50 countries across six continents. From conducting the world's first keyhole appendectomy on a wild orangutan to performing brain surgery on a bear in the jungles of Laos, Romain shares incredible stories of improvising surgical equipment and pushing the boundaries of veterinary medicine in the most challenging environments. In this episode, discover h...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Explorer and BBC presenter Will Millard takes us deep into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, sharing his extraordinary experiences living with the Korowai tribe. From debunking myths about 50-meter-high tree houses to nearly starving during the rainy season, Will reveals the raw reality of jungle survival and indigenous life. He discusses how a near-death experience in 2012 transformed his approach to exploration, and shares intimate insights into the Korowai's spiritual beliefs and their complex...
Nov 19, 2024•45 min
Join Sarah Spelsberg as she interviews emergency physician Faye Lee, who has created an extraordinary medical career spanning from Antarctic research stations to expedition ships. From performing emergency surgeries in remote locations to providing care on Indian reservations, Faye shares how embracing unconventional opportunities led her to practice medicine in some of the world's most extreme environments. Learn how her "work hard, play hard" philosophy and willingness to say "yes" to unexpect...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode host Eoin Walker delves into the remarkable humanitarian aeromedical retrieval mission carried out during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in April 2022. Guests Federico Ghio and Andrea Tomaselli share their firsthand experiences of using a long-range commercial Airbus A320 to evacuate vulnerable refugees from the war zone. Join us as we explore the innovative adaptation of a commercial airliner for medical purposes, the challenges faced during the operation, and the critical coordina...
Oct 22, 2024•34 min
Join Sarah Spelsberg as she interviews Kevin Grange, firefighter paramedic and award-winning author, about his latest book " Grizzly Confidential. " Dive into the fascinating world of North America's most fearsome predator, exploring the challenges of human-bear coexistence, the importance of conservation, and the surprising intelligence of these magnificent creatures. From Yellowstone to Alaska, Grange shares his experiences and insights, offering a unique perspective on our relationship with g...
Oct 08, 2024•48 min
In this second part of our conversation with Tim Harvey, we delve into his journey through clinical education and his transition to medicine. Tim shares invaluable insights on teaching philosophy, managing change in healthcare settings, and the challenges of introducing new roles like nursing associates. He discusses the importance of balancing work and life, especially during intense humanitarian deployments. Tim also opens up about his preparation for upcoming overseas missions and the persona...
Sep 24, 2024•40 min
In this gripping two-part episode of the podcast, Eoin Walker sits down with Tim Harvey, a former humanitarian nurse turned medical student. Tim shares his harrowing experiences working in some of the world's most dangerous and desperate locations. From treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone to managing mass casualties in war-torn Afghanistan, Tim provides a raw and unfiltered look into the realities of humanitarian work. He recounts heart-wrenching decisions, ethical dilemmas, and the constant...
Sep 10, 2024•58 min
Join us for an insightful journey into the world of adventure travel with seasoned explorers Ffyon Smith (née Davies) and Gemma Aldridge. In this episode, our guests share invaluable tips on planning, safety, cultural sensitivity, and overcoming challenges in remote destinations. From navigating language barriers to handling emergencies, Ffyon and Gemma offer practical advice drawn from their extensive travel experiences across the globe. Whether you're a novice traveller or a seasoned adventure...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 2 min
We're pleased to welcome back Daniel Grace to the podcast where he discusses the groundbreaking Livingstone Revisited 2024 expedition. This 2000km journey through Zambia aims to transform healthcare accessibility in remote areas using telemedicine, solar power, and innovative snake bite training. Learn how this modern expedition honors David Livingstone's legacy while addressing critical health challenges in Africa. To find out more and how to donate, click here. Daniel will be joining us this y...
Aug 13, 2024•45 min
Sarah Spelsberg sits down with Teimojin Tan , emergency physician and participant on Season 9 of the hit survival show " Alone ". Teimojin shares insights from his time in the wilderness of Labrador, discussing his unique approach to survival medicine, the mental challenges of isolation, and how his experiences have shaped his medical practice. From innovative uses of everyday items to the importance of resilience, this episode offers valuable lessons for both medical professionals and outdoor e...
Jul 30, 2024•57 min
In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine podcast, host Eoin Walker speaks with polar expedition leader Kasper Jæger about the unique challenges of practicing medicine in the Arctic. Kasper shares insights from his extensive experience guiding in Svalbard and Antarctica, discussing everything from frostbite prevention to evacuation challenges. Learn about the psychological impacts of extended polar expeditions, the importance of personal admin in extreme environments, and how medical profess...
Jul 23, 2024•55 min
Join experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon Henrik Hedelin as he shares invaluable insights on haemorrhage control in resource-limited settings. Drawing from his extensive field experience in conflict zones and humanitarian missions, Henrik challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical, life-saving techniques for managing severe bleeding. This eye-opening discussion covers the nuances of wound packing, the overuse of tourniquets, and the critical importance of context-specific approach...
Jul 16, 2024•52 min
