From Performance to Pathology: Altitude Medicine Unpacked

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, host Dr Kerry Walton is joined by Dr Sean Gottschalk to explore the extremes of emergency and sport and exercise medicine: Exercising at altitude. Inspired by insights from their own experiences, Sean and Kerry share some top tips on expeditions to altitude and what to expect and be ready for in terms of medical challenges.

10 top tips for aspiring expedition medics on how to summit Mount Kilimanjaro:

1) Get yourself a mentor

2) Befriend the stair master at the gym

3) Do not compromise on gear (especially your sleeping bag)

4) Wear in your hiking boots

5) Double glove

6) Protect your eyes

7) Create a ‘buddy system’ amongst the hikers

8) ‘Pole Pole’ (Ascend slowly)

9) ‘Sippy Sippy’ (Stay hydrated)

10) Success is getting everyone down safely, not to the summit.