Submitted by Addie Morgado on the 2020 winter session program in Paris, France and Geneva, Switzerland sponsored by the School of Nursing…
During my first week abroad, we visited Chamonix, France. Chamonix is a quaint town nestled in between the French Alps. We explored Aiguille du Midi-one the highest points on Mont Blanc, by being transported in cable cars. We also explored the Mer de Glacé, one of the largest glaciers in France. To get there, we had to take a train up the mountains, a gondola, and take 500 steps down towards the glacier. During my time in Chamonix, I was able to get a glimpse of challenges in healthcare delivery. The high altitude increases the risk for hypoxia and transportation up and down the Alps proves to be quite difficult. I also learned that the common injuries in the area involve ski accidents and include sprains and fractures. Because of this, healthcare personnel in Chamonix have very specific protocols in the case of emergencies. Teamwork is emphasized in the case of medical emergencies, such as a trapped or missing skier. As a whole, I learned that in order to have successful healthcare, the healthcare team must be adaptive to the environment.
