First aid

Up dating our first aid qualifications was the order of the weekend.  We chose a 16hr REC Outdoor Specific course based with the Swaledale Mountain Rescue, North Yorkshire.

The course was very professionally run with a heavy bias towards first aid in remote locations.  Almost half of the course was spent outside practicing skills and working mocked up scenarios.

  

Keeping the blood sugar levels up and avoiding hypoglycemia!

 In safe hands (Think!). Alan Hinks bandaging my eye.

 Blood goes along way!

Working on one of the many scenarios.  This was a severed femoral artery.  

This was a close call!  Puncture injury to the chest with major blood loss.  

Kit seems to be a very personal thing.  I all ready seem to carry what was suggested but think I tweek / include / discard a few items.  Duck tape, cling film, clothing scissors, a SAM splint and a trauma fix dressing will be included.  

We discussed that all items included should have more than one use where possible.  So for example a trauma fix dressing can be used for; a dressing, a sling, casualty straps.

We used a group shelter for a variety of uses including a stretcher which worked a treat.  I carry a shelter on many days out, but now it will accompany me on most (if not all) outdoor journeys.