Severe Weather Highlights Need For Rural Medical Response Training

2026-03-22 - 20:13

Doctors working in remote parts of northern Iceland have taken part in emergency training designed to prepare them for situations where harsh weather prevents patients from reaching hospital. Over the weekend, 21 medics gathered in Siglufjörður to practise life-saving procedures under the supervision of specialists from Landspítali and Akureyri Hospital. What's the Story? 21 doctors took part in emergency response training in Siglufjörður, northern Iceland Training led by specialists from Landspítali and Akureyri Hospital over one weekend Focus on managing serious injuries and incidents when weather delays hospital transport Doctor in Iceland. Photo: Páll Stefánsson. Iceland Review. The initiative focused on helping rural doctors manage serious incidents independently, including multiple-casualty events and injuries affecting the chest, head and airways. Difficult terrain and severe weather can leave healthcare workers isolated, with limited access to helicopters or air ambulances. In such cases, doctors may need to make critical decisions without immediate support. As reported by RÚV, the idea came about as a result of an accident in the area and doctors from nearby locations coming to the scene. According to Guðrún Dóra Clarke, Director of Medicine at the Healthcare Institution of North Iceland, all necessary facilities and transportation, including helicopters, are often out of reach. Adverse weather during the weekend underlined the challenges faced. “This is just a very good example...” she said, noting travel difficulties and avalanche risks affecting participants.