Jørgen Melau PhD

Thermal physiology of open water wetsuited swimming: A cohort study Swimming in cold water is intrinsically unsafe. One of the threats is a fall in deep-body temperature, which adversely affects all body systems and increases the risk of death. Wetsuits mitigate, b...

3/3 Key findings: Swimmers with higher body fat seemed more protected against temperature drops. Also, starting with a warmer body temperature linked to a higher minimum temperature during the swim. This helps us better understand risks in open water swimming! www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

2/3 Our study revealed three phases: 1) Initial Rise in body temp, 2) a Plateau, then 3) Thermal Decompensation (temperature drop). Importantly, colder water led to this drop happening sooner. In water between 8.4°C & 15°C, the average time to decompensation was around 20 minutes. #Hypothermia

1/3 Excited to share our new study! As a proud co-author, our team explored how deep-body temperature changes in wetsuited swimmers in open water (8.4°C to 24.5°C). We found a key three-phase pattern after entering the water! #OpenWaterSwimming #Triathlon

Arctic Long Evacuation Have you ever considered what it takes to evacuate a casualty in extreme weather in the Arctic?

Have you ever considered what it takes to evacuate a casualty in extreme weather in the Arctic? We have started to investigating just that
jorgenmelau.substack.com/p/arctic-lon...

YouTube video by Wil Willis Ranger Roll

One-man rapid evacuation of a patient from a hostile area. The Ranger Roll. Has anyone experimented with this technique? What are your thoughts on it?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPrA...

Happy New Year!
I’m excited to share a brief summary of my most meaningful work experiences from 2024! I can’t wait to reconnect with many of you in 2025 and also welcome plenty of new faces!
jorgenmelau.substack.com/p/happy-new-...

Newsletter launch I will be releasing a newsletter in 2025.

I'm thrilled to announce my upcoming Newsletter, set to launch in 2025! Stay tuned for more details here: open.substack.com/pub/jorgenme...

Physiological changes following swimming in cold water in triathlon and military operations: Temperaturephysiology and cold water swimming with wetsuit or drysuit

4/4 - This emphasizes the need for further research to develop effective strategies for mitigating the impact of cold water immersion on dexterity. My PhD can be found here: www.duo.uio.no/handle/10852...

3/4 - Decreased dexterity can have serious consequences for both performance and safety. Imagine struggling to make quick gear transitions in a triathlon or operate critical equipment during a military operation – all because your hands are numb from the cold.

2(4 - In one study, Norwegian Naval Special Forces recruits saw their dexterity plummet by 249% after a 10,000-meter swim in 5°C water. Even with dry suits and 5mm neoprene gloves. This highlights the challenges in maintaining hand function during cold water exposure, even with protective gear.

1/4 - Did you know that cold water immersion can significantly impair dexterity? My PhD explored this impact, particularly relevant for triathletes and military personnel operating in cold environments. Reduced blood flow to the extremities in response to cold temperatures is a key factor. #FOAmed

2/2 Key takeaway: The race caused temporary changes in substances that help blood vessels relax, suggesting potential impacts on blood vessel function after extreme endurance events. More research is needed to understand long-term effects

Frontiers | Transient changes in L-arginine, asymmetric and symmetric dimethyl arginine in triathletes following Norseman Xtreme Triathlon Arterial vasodilation is dependent on nitric oxide synthesized from L-arginine by endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Triathletes are reported to display alte...

1/2 Nitric Oxide and the World's Toughest Triathlon
A recent study, where I served as a co-investigator, examined the impact of the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon—one of the most challenging races in the world—on blood vessel health. #FOAmed #MedSky
www.frontiersin.org/journals/phy...

3D Printed Tourniquets As Remote Medics, we find ways to create and improvise equipment to supply our clinic. We don’t immediately consider using high technology to fix a low-technology problem.

I think there is much to gain in considering 3D printed gear in conflicts and remote areas. Tourniquets are an example of how this can be utilized.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/3d-pri...

Christoffer defended his PhD thesis today! “Biomarkers after Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, with an emphasis on endothelial NO-metabolism" This is the 2nd PhD doctor out of the Norseman Triathlon Research Team!

Can you heat up a hypothermic patient with the use of Nalgene bottles filled with warm water? I have tested. Still, from a physiological standpoint, I find it doubtful. What is your experience?

Part 2 - How to survive in the Arctic This is part two of our series "Viking Laws for Arctic Casualty Survival"

Final part of our suggestions for Viking Laws for Arctic Casualty Survival
open.substack.com/pub/jorgenme...

Prolonged Field Care Collective Official YouTube Page of the Prolonged Fieldcare Collective and www.ProlongedFieldCare.org. For even more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org Consider supporting us on patreon.com/ProlongedFie...

Tourniquets in cold weather have unknown factors. Scientists are investigating. Our research group hopes to contribute.
At present, the best practice is to convert the tourniquet as soon as possible!
I recommend listening to the Prolonged Field Care podcast.
www.youtube.com/@ProlongedFi...

Have you been under the impression that pressure points were not effective for bleeding control? Well, You might think again! This excellent paper from the preTHOR meeting will convince you otherwise. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

How do you care for a casualty in very cold environments?

A few days ago, our group presented a webinar to doctors, medics, and paramedics from NATO countries.

As a summary of the 3-hour seminar, we introduced the "Viking Laws".

#hypothermia #arctic #military