Programme highlights
Opening plenary: When Crisis Strikes
From Extraordinary Rescue to Extraordinary Response
What happens when a critically ill patient needs intensive care on one of the most remote islands on Earth, thousands of miles from the nearest specialist hospital? For Wing Commander Toby Elkington, the answer involved an extraordinary mission, a parachute jump into the South Atlantic and the challenge of delivering critical care where conventional resources and support were simply not an option. Join us for a remarkable first-hand account of medicine at its most challenging, where preparation, ingenuity and decisions under pressure can make all the difference.
But crises don't only happen on remote islands. From the resuscitation room to the battlefield, from major incidents to national emergencies, how do individuals, teams and organisations respond when the unexpected happens? Following this extraordinary keynote, an expert panel drawn from military medicine, prehospital care and intensive care leadership will explore the science and human experience of crisis response, examining decision-making under pressure, teamwork, leadership and the lessons we can all take back to our own practice. An opening plenary designed to inspire, challenge and set the tone for SOA27.
Sepsis Pre-Congress Day
Delivered in partnership with the International Sepsis Forum, ESICM and the British Infection Association, the SOA27 Sepsis Pre-Congress Day will bring together experts and clinicians from across critical care to explore the latest developments in sepsis management. Created as a dedicated international meeting immediately ahead of SOA27, the day aims to provide both practical learning and high-level clinical insight.
The programme is being developed around two complementary streams: one focused on core multidisciplinary principles and best practice, and another offering advanced discussions, contemporary controversies and challenging case-based learning for experienced clinicians. Joint plenary sessions will unite delegates throughout the day, creating opportunities for shared learning and debate.
Whether you are looking to strengthen your foundations or engage with cutting-edge developments in sepsis care, this dedicated pre-congress event will provide valuable learning from an exceptional international faculty.
Resident Doctors Pre-Congress Day
Designed specifically for resident doctors working in intensive care and related specialties, this dedicated pre-congress day will provide an engaging programme of clinical learning, professional development and networking opportunities.
The day will complement the wider SOA27 programme, drawing on expert faculty and offering updates across key clinical areas relevant to modern intensive care practice.
Developed in collaboration with the Intensive Care Society Resident Doctors Advisory Group, the programme will create space for discussion, shared learning and practical insights, helping resident doctors build confidence, expand their knowledge and prepare for the challenges of critical care practice.
More information on the schedule and individual sessions will be shared in the coming weeks.