Bumps, Bangs & Brain Rattles: Managing Head Injuries in the Outdoors

Posted on 6th August 2025 at 14:44

We’ve all seen it — a slip on wet rock, a poorly ducked branch, a flying elbow in a group shelter. Head injuries happen fast and without warning, and in remote places, it’s up to you to manage the situation until help arrives — or until you walk them out.

👤 “I’m fine.” – The Famous Last Words

Mild head injuries often look like nothing. A bit dazed, maybe a scratch or graze. But beneath that could be a concussion — a brain injury. And in rare cases, a serious or even life-threatening problem.

In the hills, we take every head injury seriously. Especially if:

The casualty was knocked out, even for seconds

They seem dazed, slow or confused

They complain of nausea, vision changes, or a headache

Their behaviour just seems… off

Head injuries are not just from regular sports. Outdoor activities are a high risk for head injuries. Always wear a helmet. Prevention is better then cure.

“It’s Just a Twist… Or Is It?”

Posted on 1st August 2025 at 14:14

Managing Sprains and Strains in the Outdoors

Written from the perspective of an EMT

You’re halfway through a group walk when someone missteps on a loose rock. They go down hard, and you hear those classic words:

“I think I’ve just twisted it. I’ll walk it off.”

As an EMT, I’ve learned never to underestimate soft tissue injuries. Out here, even a “minor sprain” can turn into a major problem if not managed properly.

Teaching management of sprain on hillside.

Recognising and Treating Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke in the Outdoors

Posted on 22nd July 2025 at 20:48

“I’m Just Hot… Right?”

Recognising and Treating Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke in the Outdoors

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.

A Brief History of Invenio

Posted on 25th June 2025 at 12:49

After months of dabbling in the online world, here we are with a shiny new blog on our website. We will update regularly with news and educational content.

We've finally pushed the button.

Hello, thank you for taking the time to visit my new blog. I hope this will become a valuable resource for people, working on the edge, where you are the first responder.

Invenio Training has been operating for over 10 years, we specialise in outdoor first aid training, but we have many returning clients for regular first aid training for the workplace, schools and colleges.

We love teaching first aid, it should not be scary, but simple skills that can make a huge difference to someones when they need help.

But we don't just teach the skills, we stick with you for the long haul. We offer free refresher training, post incident support and offer you the tools to remain confident and competent to deliver first aid.