CRM, Cockpits & Compassion: Jan Becker on Non-Technical Skills That Save Lives
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 pressure, how to manage amygdala hijack, and why simulation training (and humility) might just save lives.Highlights include:The link between cockpit discipline and clinical calmWhy humanitarian medicine demands quiet confidenceHow to build collective efficacy and empower teamsTeaching others to lead without egoLearn more from Jan by joining us at our annual conference.⚠️ Please note: This episode contains occasional strong language.
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Shoulder Dislocations in the Wild: Kayaking, Kit, and Critical Decisions
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 to play in wild places, this episode brings practical insight and powerful storytelling that could one day make all the difference.Topics include:Self-reduction techniques like the Davos methodKit hacks using rock climbing gear and Flex SealRisk assessment and when not to relocateKayaker culture, shoulder-saving technique, and field stories from the riverListen, learn, and maybe rethink what’s in your first aid kit.👉 For more resources or to explore wilderness medical training, visit our website.
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From Perth to the Pilbara: Inside Remote Aboriginal Medicine & PAMS with Cara Sheppard
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, and payback culture, Cara offers a brutally honest look at the highs, lows, and hard truths of her role.Working with limited resources, vast distances, and the constant presence of cultural nuance, Cara shares:The myths and facts about remote medicineWhat makes PAMS uniqueHow she juggled becoming a mother while working fly-in fly-outThe reality behind staff safety and clinical decisions in remote settingsYou can find out more about PAMS here. Acknowledgement of CountryWe acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this episode was recorded and the communities discussed. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening.We recognise the deep spiritual connection Aboriginal peoples have to land, water, and culture, and honour their enduring presence and knowledge systems, which have existed for tens of thousands of years.
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From the Battlefield to the Humanitarian Mission with Ryan Ahlgren
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 and how diverse experiences have shaped his approach to both emergency and primary care.This episode explores:The realities of conflict and humanitarian medicineLessons in leadership, flexibility, and riskThe importance of ultrasound and sonography in remote settingsAspirations for the future – including medicine in spaceWhether you're a clinician, adventurer, or just fascinated by global health, this one’s for you.You can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn here.
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The Sky Isn’t the Limit: Shawna Pandya on Spaceflight, Science and the Future of Space Medicine
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 crewThe science behind her mission, including microgravity, diabetes research & emergency medicine in spaceHow she balances medicine, research, teaching, and astronaut trainingHer thoughts on the future of commercial spaceflight and why it’s not just for engineersThe power of mindset, resilience, and saying yes to big challengesWhether you’re a med student, space nerd, or someone chasing a big dream, this one’s for you!🛰️ Find out more about the WEM Conference & our Space Medicine Course: https://worldextrememedicine.com/extreme-medicine-courses/space-medicine-course/#SpaceMedicine #WomenInSTEM #WEMPodcast #ShawnaPandya #VirginGalactic #ExtremeMedicine
We’re committed to ensuring extreme medicine education can reach all medical, healthcare and supporting professionals working in austere environments.
With regular updates, our team brings you the latest from across the broad spectrum of extreme medicine disciplines, including expedition, space, remote, pre-hospital and humanitarian medicine as well as a range of topics across performance and non-technical skills. Enhance your ability to tackle challenges with new skills you can take home or out into the field.
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