Ifremmont

The Institute for training and Research on Mountain Medicine (IFREMMONT) is a European centre of excellence in mountain medicine. It is currently a association but is looking for a definitive partner (public and/or private). Its head office is in the Chamonix Hospital premises.

Emmanuel Cauchy, doctor and mountain guide, has been appointed as project leader by the Rhone-Alps region, and by Brussels. SVIOM des Pays du Mont Blanc, the Haute Savoie regional council, and the Hôpitaux du Mont Blanc are participating in the project.

The missions Emmanuel is seeking to develop are: training and research, documentation and the creation of a mountain accidents medical observatory, development of tele-medecin and creation of an international call centre, like that already in place for sailors.

Ifremmont has already begun training courses for doctors and for other rescuers who aren't doctors (guides, rescue teams, travel organisers etc.), and also for individuals who want to head off into far-off or hostile territory for fun or for work.

Certification as experts from the UN is currently being validated to organise training in countries who lack the resources for mountain rescue. Ifremont has also set up a helpline for mountaineers and travellers, the SOS-MAM number: 0 826 14 8000 which enables 24h contact with an expert emergency doctor This number can also be called by satellite phone from anywhere in the world if you subscribe.

www.ifremmont.com