Exile Medics: The Cold

Written by James Yates

Congratulations on being selected to join the Exile Medics. We’re sure that you’ll have an amazing trip but do not underestimate the extreme environment you are traveling to. The challenging conditions are one of the factors that draw competitors to this event. But Exile Medics are never the weak link in the chain: it is vital that the Exile Medics team can live and work comfortably in this environment to ensure that effective patient care can be delivered at all times. We have compiled the following kit list to make sure that this aim can be achieved. Please ensure that you have packed all the items on the list as this is the minimum kit requirement that we feel you need to not only survive, but thrive, in this challenging environment.

You have one big bag to fit it all into. 2 bags don’t fit on the snowmobiles, so you’ll have to pick one to leave on the tundra on day one!

Introduction to the event You will be working on remote checkpoints that consist of a Nordic tipi for shelter, a gas stove for hot water, reindeer for insulation from the snowy ground and a fire, which you will build. You will be at these checkpoints for several hours at a time, and possibly overnight. Transport to checkpoints will invariably be by snowmobile, which are great fun but are VERY cold when the wind chill is added to the already freezing air temperatures.

Accommodation is variable and can be anything from a nice log cabin with heating and showers to a Nordic tipi with no heating and no groundsheet. Electricity is at a premium, so if you bring gadgets/phones etc then a battery pack is a worthwhile investment. Remember that batteries die within an hour if they get cold. Keep them inside your clothes.

The competitors are fully self sufficient so food will not be provided. As such you need to bring food for all meals. When planning your rations, consider the increased caloric requirements of working in the cold.

As with any remote environment you must be prepared for the worst. Snowmobiles can break down, storms can close in and emergencies can arise. It is therefore mandatory that, at all times when out on the course, Exile Medics have kit, food and water to enable them to survive for 24 hours.

Essential Kit

Hat

Goggles with clear and dark lenses

Buff +/or balaclava Thermal base layer, Fleece, Down jacket, Windproof/Waterproof layer

Waterproof outer gloves, Thermal base layer, Warm liner gloves Fleece/insulated trousers, Salopettes or other windproof/waterproof layer

Boots rated to -20°c,

Winter weight socks, Gaiters

Kit Notes Clothing Boots rated to approximately -20°c Examples include: Sorel Caribou, Sorel Glacier, North Face Chilkat Socks, thermal base layers, hat, gloves, buff Minimum two sets of each in case kit is lost or gets damp. Hat MUST cover the ears. Bring a spare Gaiters The snow can be very deep so these prevent snow entering boots (not essential if you have boots which come high up your calf such as Sorel Glaciers) Down trousers and coat A layering system is essential but the components are personal preference. The diagram highlights a recommended system. The outer layer must be windproof as it is extremely cold when riding on the snowmobiles. Gloves You must have a liner and outer glove. The liner allows you to remain dexterous but maintains protection of your hands from the cold. They must be good quality. Bring spares. Attach them with a leash to your jacket. Buff and/or Balaclava To keep you warm and to be pulled up to protect your face during wind/snowmobiling Goggles Clear lens option, alongside tinted, is essential as you will be snowmobiling at night. Bolle produce a cheap clear lens goggle called the Mojo. Sleeping/Eating Head torch and spare batteries Daylight hours are limited and most accommodation has no electricity so light is vital Sleeping bag rated to at least -10°c You may be camping outside in very cold temperatures. 4+ season sleeping bag. Thermarest Insulation from the floor/snow essential

Camping stove (fuel can be bought in country) You must be able to provide yourself with hot water/food in an emergency Pan/mess tin/eating utensils/Thermos Flask (Insulated mug) Food Beware that wet food might freeze Additional Items Mobile phone These act as our back up comms devices

Travel towel There will be showers available intermittently during the trip Suncream Factor 50- no less. You will burn otherwise, and that is against the Exile Golden Rules. Stethoscope

Travel documents & passport

Notebook & pens

Backpack Only 1 main bag, and a day bag for day to day use. Must be able to put on your back

Kit Notes Slippers/Trainers Wear in log cabins at night

Casual clothing Wear during travel and on arrival at Jokkmokk

Sleeping bag liner Thermal liners can add to the insulation rating of your sleeping bag Knife Pen knife or survival style

Personal entertainment – ipod, kindle etc

Hand warmers

Travel pillow During transport and at night

Washing kit

Headtorch & spare torch

Gaffa tape & paracord

Water bottles 2L

3 snaplights

Camera Because it’s beautiful!

A Note on Snowmobiling

Exile Medics makes use of snowmobiles in the Arctic. These machines are dangerous if not used properly. You will be given instruction on their use, and helmets will be provided. Snowmobiles are very fast and it is easy to get very cold very quickly whilst using them You must wear windproof clothes whilst riding, and remember to protect the face with a facemask or thick bandana, goggles and hat under the helmet.