Press release -
Medical personnel from six NATO countries train in subarctic conditions in Northern Sweden
Providing medical care in extreme cold presents unique challenges. To strengthen international capability in subarctic conditions, the Swedish Armed Forces Centre for Defence Medicine regularly conducts advanced training in Northern Sweden. Most recently, medical personnel from six NATO countries took part in an eight-day course focused on cold-weather medical care.
A total of 20 participants attended the course, with training centred on the treatment of hypothermia, cold-related injuries, and combat injuries complicated by exposure to cold. The course is conducted annually for international medical personnel. Sweden is a cold country, and the Swedish Armed Forces have extensive experience in providing medical care in these latitudes. Since Sweden joined NATO, the Swedish Armed Forces have seen an increased need and willingness among allied nations to participate in our training programmes.
“Training in extreme cold is always demanding. Both personnel and equipment are exposed to significant strain. The participants requested a combination of advanced medical training with a preventive focus and the management of hypothermic patients in a challenging subarctic environment,” says Sophie Bosdotter, Head of Unit at the Swedish Armed Forces Combat School for Defence Medicine.
“For us Germans, this training is very important, as we support NATO in the north and therefore need to train here. It has been a very good exchange and experience with the Swedes and the other nations here,” says a German participant from a parachute regiment.
“Most importantly, the training focused on how to care for a patient in a cold climate and how to manage patients over an extended period, including care during delayed evacuation. The training has provided very valuable knowledge and experience to bring back to our unit,” says a flight nurse from the Netherlands.
