“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?
What You’re Told on a First Aid Course
In the UK, we’re often told never to give anyone medication unless you’re a healthcare professional.
Now, while I’d agree that handing out Ketamine from Big Dave down the Nags Head isn’t ideal… if your walking partner has a splitting headache and no paracetamol, would offering one really be the end of the world?
Let’s break it down with a bit of law, a dash of common sense, and a pinch of real-world context.
The Law: What Can You Actually Carry and Offer?
In the UK, drugs fall into four categories:
1) General Sales List (GSL)
These are your true “over-the-counter” meds — available at supermarkets and corner shops. Think: paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, rehydration salts.
2) Pharmacy Medications (P)
Available without a prescription, but only under the supervision of a pharmacist. Usually stronger or requiring more guidance.
3) Prescription Only Medicines (POM)
These require a doctor’s diagnosis and prescription. You shouldn’t be carrying these for others unless specifically authorised.
4) Controlled Drugs
Heavily regulated due to risk of abuse. Think opiates. Or Big Dave again.
For outdoor trips, we’re focused on GSL medications — the kind you can buy legally and easily. These are perfectly legal to carry and offer — with care.
Common Sense in the Hills
Imagine you’re leading a group in the Scottish Highlands. One of your adult clients has a headache or some hay fever. They didn’t pack anything.
Are they uncomfortable? Probably.
Could it affect the rest of the group? Almost certainly.
Could you help? Yes.
This is where a calm, respectful approach works best:
“I’ve got some paracetamol in my kit — would you like one?”
“Here’s the packaging — take a look.”
“You’re welcome to take it, or not — totally up to you.”
You’re not diagnosing. You’re not prescribing. You’re offering a clearly labelled product, and the adult in front of you is making their own informed choice.
🚫 Don’t insult their intelligence by saying it’s ‘not permitted’.
✅ Do trust that most adults can weigh up “headache vs paracetamol” without a full ethics panel.
So, What Should You Carry?
Here’s a sensible, low-risk list of GSL medications that could make your outdoor trips safer and more comfortable:
Paracetamol – Mild pain or fever
Ibuprofen – Pain, inflammation, sprains
Antihistamines – Hayfever, bites, mild allergies
Loperamide – To slow diarrhoea
Rehydration salts – For fluid/electrolyte loss
Antacids – Indigestion or reflux
Antiseptic cream or wipes – Minor wound care
Hydrocortisone cream (0.5%) – For bites, stings, skin irritation
Top Tips for Outdoor Leaders and First Aiders
✅ Keep medications in original packaging — clear labels and instructions help
✅ Offer, don’t administer — let the person make the decision
✅ Record what’s taken — especially important with minors or vulnerable adults
✅ Check expiry dates before every trip
✅ Know the dosage — and don’t exceed it
❌ Avoid prescription meds unless you're authorised or trained to carry them
Final Thoughts
You’re not trying to play doctor. You’re trying to keep people safe, comfortable, and functioning until they can get proper medical care — which could be a long way off in remote settings.
So yes, pack a few sensible meds. Offer them with respect. Trust adults to make choices. And above all — keep your moustache sharp.
Because Dali might not have packed paracetamol, but he sure knew how to make an impression.
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