Recognising and Treating Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke in the Outdoors

Posted on 22nd July 2025 at 20:48

“I’m Just Hot… Right?”

Written from the perspective of an EMT

You’re an hour into a coastal hike. It’s roasting. One of your group sits down suddenly, looking pale, sweaty, and just not quite right. “I’m fine,” they say. But are they?

As an EMT, I’ve treated more than a few heat-related emergencies — on city streets, at music festivals, and the uplands of the UK where help is hours away. The key to managing heat illness is catching it early, acting fast, and knowing when ‘just hot’ becomes dangerous.

Is It Safe to Move an Injured Person?

Posted on 19th July 2025 at 17:14

🧭 Is It Safe to Move an Injured Person?

Whether you're leading a hill walk or crossing the Alps, one question often arises under pressure:

“Should I move someone who might have a spinal injury?”

Common sense meets controversy here — and the answer might surprise you.

Ticks, Bites & Stings: What to Do When Nature Bites Back

Posted on 16th July 2025 at 06:27

It’s a perfect day outdoors. Until something bites.

A bee sting. A tick bite. A strange red lump after brushing through the bracken. It’s easy to laugh it off — until symptoms set in or someone’s panicking halfway up a hill.

On outdoor first aid courses, insect bites and stings come up a lot — partly because they’re common, and partly because people genuinely don’t know what to do beyond “don’t scratch it.”

So let’s break it down.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Remote Trips

Posted on 15th July 2025 at 09:54

“I don't do drugs, I am drugs.” – Salvador Dali

Like or hate his work, you’ve got to love the moustache.

But when it comes to first aid in the real world — especially outdoors — things are less surreal and more serious. One of the most common questions I get asked on first aid courses, especially those focused on remote or wilderness environments, is:

“Can or should I carry and give medications?”

Let’s say someone turns to you and says, “I have a headache.” What do you do?

Wilderness First Responder

Posted on 7th July 2025 at 10:29

Exotic Jails

There are some truly amazing courses available, that offer cool skills such as subcutaneous fluid therapy, stapling wounds, and even a two-year certificate of attendance which allows you to purchase prescription only medications (POMs). I have been on these courses, got the certificate, paid the £750 and can honestly say they were epic.

As Medics Worked To Save My Dad, People Shared Photos Online

Posted on 4th July 2025 at 08:39

I read this today from the BBC news and it is so sad that people find entertainment from other peoples suffering and feel the need to share it. I have experienced this personally when I have been on a frontline shift in a busy public space, phones come out and the filming and sharing begins.

But I have also experienced how amazing people are, stopping, helping, supporting others in their moment of need. I think these kind and brave souls outnumber those who share misery online. Thank you to everyone who steps up when needed.

Is Enhanced Training Really Necessary?

Posted on 3rd July 2025 at 11:13

I teach first aid from basic life support to First Response Emergency Care (FREC) Levels 3 and 4. My clients vary from Doctor's Surgeries and businesses, to Close Protection Officers and Outdoor Professionals.