We are delighted to welcome Ann McKillop as our guest blogger on the subject of Outdoor First Aid.
Ann has worked as a First Aid Instructor for many years and is now Healthcare Course Coordinator & First Aid Blogger for the First Aid Training Co-operative.
Here Ann answers the question:
Why should you bother with learning Outdoor First Aid?
The simple answer is because it’s outdoors – where the germs, beasties, higher risks and remoteness reside!
The essential thing I ask everyone to consider is – do you know how to care for and monitor a casualty in an outdoor environment over a period of time and in different weathers; is your first aid knowledge up to date and your first aid kit up to the task?
Injuries and illnesses in the outdoors:
Many of the first aid techniques when dealing with a casualty who has had a heart attack or injury in a remote setting are initially the same as indoors, but your location may mean you will need to do casualty monitoring and care for a much longer time. Knowing the signs of detrimental change in your casualty in this setting is an essential skill.
Broken bones, the most common one in the outdoors being an arm or lower leg, require assessment, stabilisation and possibly realignment in the case of the leg. Realigning will immediately reduce pain and prevent worsening of the injury.
Bleeds and more severe wounds in the outdoors are more likely to get infected. Having medi-wipes for smaller cuts and water for larger bleeds and grazes is as important as having the appropriate bandages. For major bleeds, haemostatic bandages are an effective bit of kit.
Remoteness issues:
Due to the nature of outdoor work or recreation, it takes a much longer time for emergency services to get to you. There are some things that are important to know before you call for help.
Where exactly are you now? Can you use OS Maps ‘Locate Me’ or what3words? Do you have it on your phone already? What if you have no phone battery or signal? How can you signal to people you can see across the glen?
Caring for your casualty includes reassuring and continually monitoring them for changes in their condition and being alert to any signs of shock are all essential first aid skills. For less severe injuries, how can you assess them and have a rational discussion about walking them off the hill – or not, as the case may be?
Once you start caring for your casualty, what happens to the other people in your group? Are they safe, warm and not getting anxious or distressed? How can you assess and monitor them as well?
How useful is your first aid kit?
Most commercially available first aid kits need some items replaced or topping up with more relevant content. For example, ice packs, extra water, wipes, decent scissors, several quality triangular bandages and tick removers are all additional to an outdoor first aid kit that you won’t necessarily get in an ‘off the shelf’ kit. In addition, a casualty monitoring card, felt tip pen and pencil are also useful. Read more in this First aid kit blog
Get confident – get trained!
All these issues and more are covered in detail on the First Aid Training Co-operative’s 2 day Outdoor First Aid course with lots of practical sessions and scenarios to hone your skills and knowledge. First Aid Training Co-operative courses can be booked here or via courses@fatc.uk .
Enjoy your safe and well-prepared journey - along with your appropriately equipped first aid kit and essential first aid skills!
Heather from Heathery Heights hopes to join the First Aid Training Co-operative team in 2026 and offer a range of First Aid Courses, including Outdoor First Aid, in Mid Argyll and beyond.
