World Extreme Medicine Podcast

In this episode, Sarah Spelsberg speaks with Luca Carenzo and Laura Leuci from Humanitas University in Milan about their research into the pre-hospital management of accidental hypothermia across Italy’s helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).
Their nationwide survey, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, offers a detailed look at how hypothermia is managed before hospital arrival—revealing system-wide gaps, training opportunities, and practical steps for improving patient outcomes.
In this episode:
How a medical student led a nationwide HEMS research project

Why hypothermia management must start before hospital arrival

The biggest equipment and training gaps identified

The role of the “burrito wrap” in field insulation

How to balance standardisation with adaptability

Why education, simulation, and consistent training are key to progress

Read the full open-access paper:
Pre-Hospital Management of Accidental Hypothermia: A Nationwide Survey Among Italian HEMS
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine (2025)

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, host Eoin Walker speaks with Corinne Palma, a recently graduated veterinarian from University College Dublin and Vice President of the International Veterinary Students’ Association.
Together, they explore how veterinary medicine extends far beyond the clinic — from field anaesthesia innovations and drone-assisted wildlife monitoring to the ethical challenges of intervention and the growing importance of One Health.
Corinne shares insights from her experience across small animal clinics, conservation projects, and research labs, and discusses the traits and training needed for the next generation of veterinarians working in extreme environments.

You can connect with Corinne via social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn.

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, host Eoin Walker speaks with Simon Robinson, former Royal Marine Commando Paramedic turned Head of Clinical Development in Urgent Care.
Together, they explore the evolving role of paramedics in primary care, from emergency response to diagnosis, prescribing, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Simon shares insights on:
The transition from frontline emergency work to primary care

Independent prescribing and clinical autonomy

Training, mentorship, and building multidisciplinary teams

The challenges and opportunities paramedics face outside traditional ambulance roles

Whether you’re a student paramedic, an experienced clinician, or simply curious about the future of urgent care—this conversation offers an honest, practical look at how the profession is growing beyond its emergency roots.

Find out more about the College of Paramedics.

In this episode of the World Extreme Medicine Podcast, we explore one of the most talked-about studies in pre-hospital trauma care: “Beyond IO and IV - Trauma Lines in Pre-Hospital Haemorrhagic Shock.”
Host Eoin Walker is joined by Paolo Pallavicini, final-year medical student and research fellow with London’s Air Ambulance and the Centre for Trauma Sciences, to unpack a groundbreaking study analysing over 8,000 trauma patients.
They discuss:
Why standard IV and IO access can be inadequate in exsanguinating trauma

How trauma lines can double pre-hospital blood delivery rates

Success, complication, and survival outcomes from the study

The future of central venous access in pre-hospital care

Paolo also offers key insights into the realities of working in a chaotic roadside environment, the importance of governance and training, and how clinical risk-benefit decisions are made when every second counts.
Read the paper here.
Find out more about London Air Ambulance Service.

From conflict zones to refugee camps, from neonatal units to global health leadership—nurses are at the heart of humanitarian medicine.
In this episode, host Eoin Walker is joined by Elsa Afonso and Marcus Wootton from the Royal College of Nursing’s International Academy. Together they bring decades of frontline and strategic experience with organisations including MSF, UNICEF, and academic institutions worldwide.
We explore:
What drives nurses into humanitarian work

Lessons learned from conflict zones, HIV & AIDS programs, and neonatal care

The power of education and capacity-building in fragile health systems

Leadership, advocacy, and cultural adaptability in global health

The future of nursing in humanitarian response

A powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and the global role of nurses.

Important links:
RCN International Academy

Phoenix Nursing Myanmar

RCN Report: Care Amongst the Chaos – The Voices of Nurses Working in Conflict (PDF)