Are you looking to go onto an adventurous medical (perhaps for charity)?

Did you know that you would need a medical performed to ensure that you are medically fit to take this challenge?

Here at Cherries Medical Clinic, we offer a full Wingwalk Medical Assessment for just £150, which is carried out by our experienced Private GP & Occupational Physician with an interest in Aeromedical medicine. We also provide SkyDiving and SCUBA Dive Medicals at our clinic premises both in Slough and Southampton.

Our medical will be thorough lasting 60 minutes with a comprehensive check-over so you can perform the wingwalk with confidence knowing your health is in the right hands. 

What do I need to prepare for the Wingwalk Medical?

Given the extreme nature of this daring sport medical, we would require full access to your medical records. Essentially, this would require either your NHS App to have ‘historical access’ so that all consultation details, test results, investigations and hospital notes are accessible.

Alternatively, you would need to put a formal Subject Access Request by contacting your GP reception and requesting your Full GP Medical Records. We can accept Patient Access Online, iGPR PDF format records or printed records. Please be aware that depending on the GP surgery, this can take up formally up to 28 days to request according to GDPR regulations.

What’s Included in the Wingwalk Medical?

As previously stated, we can only go ahead once we have access for your Full GP medical records. The actual medical itself will comprise of:-

• Vital measurements (including height & weight, blood pressure, heart rate & respiratory rate & oxygen saturations)
• Chester Step Test (to assess aerobic and climbing capability by measuring VO₂ max)
• Chest auscultation of the heart and lungs
• Spirometry (a formal lung function test to check lung reserves)
• Musculoskeletal examination (to ensure that you have flexibility and strong strength of your lower limbs to withstand horizontal forces whilst you are strapped to the plane).
• ENT examination
• ECG examination

What conditions will disqualify me from participating in the Wingwalk Medical?

There is unfortunately a long list of medical conditions that would put you at potential significant harm and are contraindicated.

Neurological Issues:- (a) epilepsy with seizures in recent 2 years (b) stroke (c) significant brain haemorrhage – subdural or subarachnoid haemorrhage (d) recurrent blackouts, unexplained syncope or vertigo (e) paralysis, cauda equina syndrome or severe spinal injury (f) Long-COVID syndrome with persistent symptoms.

Cardiovascular Issues:- (a) Uncontrolled hypertension (b) significant valvular heart disease with symptoms (e.g. syncope, chest pain or palpitations) (c) atrial fibrillation or other irregular heart rhythms (d) pacemaker or implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) (e) cardiomyopathy (f) channelopathies such as Brugada syndrome or Long QT syndrome that increases risk of sudden cardiac death (g) heart disease: angina, ischaemic heart disease or coronary artery disease.

Respiratory Issues:- (a) Uncontrolled asthma or COPD (b) cold-induced respiratory problem

Endocrine & Metabolic Issues:- (a) Type 1 diabetes (b) Type 2 diabetes with recent hypoglycaemic episodes.

Musculoskeletal Issues:- (a) Spinal surgery, metal implants or disc prolapse (b) Severe back pain or neck pain (c) Recurrent joint dislocations (d) severe arthritis affecting climbing ability

Mental Health Issues & Substance Abuse:- (a) Active psychosis (b) Severe anxiety or depression (c) alcohol or drug misuse

Other Qualifying Restrictions:- (a) Pregnancy (b) Weight over 13-14 stone (82-89kg) (c) Height over 189cm.

Which conditions are relative contraindications but I would still potentially be allowed to participate in Wingwalk?

The following are examples of relative contraindications subject to adequate control on an individual basis. Please note this may not always be a comprehensive list and check with us at Cherries Medical Clinic.

• Epilepsy: Seizure-free for 2+ years on stable medication
• Controlled Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes with no Hypoglycaemic Events
• Asthma or COPD that is controlled on inhalers, with no hospital admissions or documented exacerbations in the past 3 years and no cold intolerance.
• Mild Musculoskeletal Pain:- manageable with pain relief, including mild arthritis without any significant functional limitation

Please note the following:-

Final medical clearance is based on a full clinical evaluation including medical records, history, and examination.

Note: Certification from Cherries Medical Clinic confirms medical fitness to participate based on current health. The responsibility for safety and risk management on the day lies with the event organiser or sponsor.