Risks to young volunteers in international social projects.

Background: The number of young volunteers in international social projects has increased significantly with governmental and non-governmental project support. This paper investigates the hypothesis that the preventative medical advice currently given prior to departure is inadequate because the risk profile of young persons (<30 years) differs from that of the general population.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed with participants of international social projects.

Drugs and drug administration in extreme environments.

Emergency medicine must often cope with harsh climates far below freezing point or high temperatures, and sometimes, an alternative to the normal route of drug administration is necessary. Most of this information is not yet published. Therefore, we summarized the information about these topics for most drugs used in medical emergencies by combining literature research with extensive personal communications with the heads of the drug safety departments of the companies producing these drugs.

The Golden Agers and Tick-borne encephalitis. Conference report and position paper of the International Scientific Working Group on Tick-borne encephalitis.

The 7th meeting of the ISW TBE had the main topic "Tick-borne encephalitis in the Golden Agers". Data from 14 European countries were presented about incidence and clinical course of Tick borne encephalitis (TBE) in general and especially in the population over 50 years of age. With age immunity is impaired quantitatively and qualitatively, the reactions to vaccinations are generally slower, antibody titres reach lower values and decrease earlier.