Chamonix
Reporter: Stephen Wright - Sheffield
Contact at destination: Dr Bernard Marsigny, Chef du service des urgences
Year of visit: 1996
Country: France
Region: Alps
Institution: Hopital de Chamonix
Department: A & E / Anesthetics / Surgery
Work / Study undertaken
Emergency medicine in an alpine setting – falls, frostbite, hypothermia, avalanche victims, lightening strikes and acute mountain sickness.
I was involved in projects assessing, the effects of ultra violet light on the eyes of mountain guides, the treatment of frostbite and the medical aspects of mountain rescue
Description of the service and department
Small but well equipped hospital dealing with specialized emergency problems related to mountain situation.
Description of the destination
An alpine resort town at the foot of Mont Blanc, population 10,000. Mecca for skiers and mountaineers with 25,000 visitors in winter and up to 100,000 in summer.
Were the local people friendly?
Yes, especially if you worked in the town and enjoyed the mountains.
Did you feel safe and if not why not?
Yes – a crime free zone really.
What did you do in your spare time ?
Climbs, hill walking and skiing (excellent off piste, v average for beginners). Very active independent cinemas. Pubs and restaurants good but expensive.
Is there anything that you would particularly recommend others to do?
What Chamonix has to offer is outdoors and very visible. The Jekyll and other bars near hospital. Annecy (1 hour) Geneva (50 miles)
What time of the year were you there? What was the climate like?
January to September
What was your accommodation like?
Large central well fitted out.
Was it provided?
No - Hospital accommodation very occasionally given to students
If not who arranged it?
Private with friend
How much did it cost?
2000ff a month
Did you enjoy your visit?
Yes
Did you find it useful medically? If so, in what way?
Yes - I gained a good deal of hands on experience.
Has it improved your French?
Greatly via some ‘howlers’
How has it increased your knowledge of French culture?
It was a privilege to work in such a unique and friendly hospital and I now feel that I have sufficient knowledge of the language and the French system to return to France when I qualify
If you went back would you do anything differently?
Avoid May, June, October and November because between tourist seasons the hospital is very quiet.
Is there any other information that you think may be useful?
Avoid May, June, October and November because between tourist seasons the hospital is very quiet.
Do A&E or surgery. Medicine very quiet although consultant knows his stuff (renal physician)
THEY NEED ENGLISH SPEAKERS in A&E because so many tourists.
All meals were free in hospital, placement not paid.