Expedition Medic – Paris Dakar Challenge 2026

Dates: 14 March – 7 April 2026
Route: UK – France – Spain – Morocco – Mauritania – Senegal – The Gambia
Role type: Self-employed contractor
Base: UK (departure from Worcestershire)
Applications open: Now

The Role

We’re looking for an adaptable, practical, and adventurous paramedic or advanced first aider to join the small support team for the Paris Dakar Challenge — a 4,000-mile overland motorcycle expedition from the UK to The Gambia.

In addition to the main expedition (15 March–5 April), you will be required for 2–3 days of kit and equipment familiarisation and pre-departure preparation. Exact dates will be confirmed nearer the time, but this will most likely take place the weekend a week before departure.

You’ll travel in the support 4×4, working alongside the trip leader and mechanic to provide medical cover, basic first aid support, and general assistance throughout the journey.

This is not a race — it’s an achievable adventure through Europe and West Africa, designed for determined motorcyclists with a taste for challenge and camaraderie.

Responsibilities

• Provide first response and ongoing care for minor injuries or illness.

• Support the trip leader and mechanic as part of a small, tight-knit crew.

• Assist with logistics, documentation, and group welfare.

• Maintain and manage a small expedition medical kit.

• Drive the support 4×4 when required (shared driving duties with the crew).

• Attend 2–3 days of pre-trip equipment and briefing sessions prior to departure.

In reality, medical incidents on a trip like this are normally minimal — your primary role is to act as a worst-case scenario medic, providing reassurance and professional capability in case something serious happens. Because we travel through remote areas and include off-road riding, it’s important to have someone on board with proper medical training — but day to day, you’ll be fully involved in the running of the expedition.

That means helping wherever needed: working with the mechanic on vehicles, shopping for supplies, setting up or packing camp, assisting riders, and generally keeping things running smoothly. This is a role for someone who enjoys being hands-on, adaptable, and part of a close, hard-working team — happy to turn their hand to anything that needs doing.

Who We’re Looking For

• Qualified paramedic, EMT, or advanced first aider with proven field experience.

• Calm, confident, and capable under pressure.

• Practical, down-to-earth attitude — willing to muck in and help with all aspects of the trip.

• A good sense of humour, easygoing personality, and strong team ethic.

• Ideally experience in expedition, remote, or motorsport medicine (not essential).

• Full manual driving licence with no points, confident driving long distances and willing to share 4×4 driving duties.

Travel and Passport Requirements

Because the expedition crosses multiple borders, applicants must hold a passport that allows visa-free travel through France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia.
This includes:
✅ UK or EU passports
✅ Australian or New Zealand passports
✅ Dual-national South African passports (UK/EU)

Unfortunately, applicants relying solely on a South African passport cannot be considered, due to visa complications in Senegal and the EU.

Contract & Conditions

• Self-employed contractor basis (flat fee + all trip expenses covered)

• 2–3 days of pre-departure preparation, most likely the weekend a week before the expedition

• Approx. 3 weeks on the road

• All accommodation, food, visas, ferries, fuel, and logistics covered

• Flights home from The Gambia included

• Must provide personal travel and medical insurance

The Experience

This is an adventure you’ll never forget. You’ll cross the Atlas Mountains, ride into the Sahara, traverse Mauritania’s desert pistes, and reach the legendary shores of Dakar and The Gambia. You’ll see incredible landscapes, meet fascinating people, and play a key role in helping others achieve a genuine lifetime goal.

If you’re looking for a challenge that combines adventure travel, teamwork, and meaningful contribution — this is it.

How to Apply

Email support@parisdakarchallenge.com with:

• A short introduction about you and your background

• A summary of your medical or expedition experience

• Your current location and passport nationality

• Confirmation that you hold a full, clean driving licence

Please include “Expedition Medic Application” in the subject line.