Tailored expedition risk assessment service

This is another TrExMed service, offered by Dr Jim Bond to help groups or individuals plan and prepare for research expeditions, charity treks or other adventurous activities in remote places. 

As every expedition is unique, so is every risk assessment Jim carries out.  However, typically Jim will contact you to discuss your plans and gather more information about your expedition – for example, what level of medical/first-aid expertise will be available among the group, where you have got to so far with your planning, and what advice you are seeking from us.  He would then consider the time/work involved and provide you with a quote tailored to your needs.  If you decide to go ahead with the risk assessment, Jim will then carry out some or all of the following:

• Research proposed journey area for local risks and resources, e.g. habitat and weather/seasonal considerations, water supply, locally endemic diseases, recent disease outbreaks, dangerous animals (including profile of local, venomous snakes), risks of violence, transport infrastructure and access to healthcare facilities.
• Assess risks from the group’s planned activities – from the obvious such as white water rafting through to the more mundane such as camp hygiene.
• Review individual medical histories of proposed team members and follow up with their GP(s) if necessary.
• Consider local cultural factors and the ethical impact of the expedition, its effect on local people, their economy, health services, etc.
• Discuss further with the group leader/medic any issues arising, e.g. practicalities of emergency communications and casualty evacuation plans. 
• Put together a preliminary report of all the anticipated risks to health and safety for the group, with suggestions for how to minimise risks, e.g. safety protocols, vaccinations, items for personal and group medical kits, etc.
• Prepare an interactive, evening presentation to the group (and anxious parents) to outline and discuss the above recommendations and address any concerns. 
• Prepare final report for expedition team members (school governors, university/Botanics supervisory committees, funders, etc).

Any members of the team who then wish to take up some of the standard travel medicine services at the TrExMed Travel Clinic (vaccination, medication etc) would then be eligible for a reduced (short consultation) rate for their initial visit. 

Venomous snakes and other critters

We are very fortunate to be able to call upon the services of Mark O’Shea, a world-renownedherpetologist and tropical snake expert, with whom Jim has worked in the past. 

Mark has compiled his own database of medically significant venomous snakes and other dangerous ‘critters’ (e.g. scorpions, ants, etc), geographically searchable for every part of the world.  Combining Mark’s wide experience and knowledge of snakes and their behaviour, together with Jim’s medical perspective of managing snakebites in the bush (or even at a district general hospital level in Africa), we feel we can offer a uniquely informed service.

For futher information about Mark's work please visit his website http://www.markoshea.tv/