Opportunities for nurses abroad

Contents Experience and qualifications Pre-departure preparation of expedition members Health and welfare of expedition members overseas Expedition medical kits Treatment of the local population

Nursing on expeditions and holidays

Health and welfare of expedition members overseas

Disease and Accident Prevention

It is essential that all members of an expedition maintain high standards of safety and hygiene on the camps and it may be necessary to explain and discuss with expedition members the principals of health and hygiene in that environment.

Some expeditions may involve setting up a base camp. Others may only have temporary camps if stays are for shorter periods. The maintenance of camp health and hygiene will be influenced by the way the camp is set up in the first instance.

Statistically, accidents and injuries cause the highest number of deaths in young people travelling overseas. Of these, road traffic accidents are the most common cause of death, followed by drownings. In addition, falls and recreational injuries are a common cause of serious injury to travellers, with alcohol as a frequent contributing factor.

Welfare of members throughout the expedition

For many expedition members it may be their first long period away from home. Living in an unfamiliar environment and with a large group of people may prove very stressful for some. It is important to keep an eye on group dynamics and to see whether people are fitting in with the group.

Treatment of illness and injury

This will involve assessment of health needs of expedition members and deciding on the most appropriate course of action in the event of illness or injury. Nurses on expeditions need to be fully aware of their role and responsibilities on the expedition in this respect. You may be expected to undertake tasks for which you are no trained in the UK, such as suturing or prescribing medication. Any queries regarding your role in respect of the Code of Professional Conduct, UKCC 1992 should be made to the UKCC or members can contact the RCN.

Casualty Evacuation

It is essential that you know how to get an expedition member out of your camp / area in the event of an accident or illness. Find out about local health facilities and where to take casualties if necessary. Know where the local backup services are, who has transport, who to contact etc. The organisation should have a 'casualty evacuation' procedure in place in the event of an emergency. This should include appropriate medical insurance with repatriation in the event of an accident or serious illness.