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.
The Reality
However, you can't use these skills in the UK, Europe, USA or any countries with a well established healthcare systems, you need a doctor for authorisation and some of the POMs can lead you to jail, (check the law around opiates in the country your going to). These courses are well suited for medical professionals or individuals on organised expeditions with dedicated 24/7 medical support, policies and procedures. Maybe not so good for an independent guide or instructor working the limits without the 24/7 Doctor support.
For the Layperson
To remain competent the NHS say you need to be doing between 25 and 75 procedures per year, depending on what they are. That could be tricky, if you mostly teach outdoor education. We bridge the gap between epic medic and those seeking an enhanced but usable skill set. Our training is based on Qualsafe's First Response Emergency Care (FREC) framework. There are no prerequisites, but a previous outdoor first aid course would be useful.
Big boy pants
Our training aligns with the competencies set by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and their Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care. Within the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine skills framework, FREC 3 holds a Level D (Advanced Provider) status.
Certification
As an Ofqual regulated provider our qualifications are internationally recognised. The certificates last for three years and are accepted by the outdoor sports governing bodies and the HSE.
You could even begin a career in Pre-hospital emergency care, moving up to FREC 4 and FREC 5. And if you're considering a career in medicine and are looking for a top up, you can claim UCAS points for our training.
So whose it for?
This training is particularly well suited for individuals working or travelling in challenging environments, guides, instructors, overlanders, film crew etc.
The skills taught on our courses can be used within the UK and internationally. We recommend checking your employer's insurance as your scope of practice will be enhanced or you can consider personal cover with providers like Balens Insurance, with annual policies starting from £102.00.
But where are the drugs and cool stuff?
The training course is pretty cool anyway, at the end of it you will be able to administer oxygen, use airway adjuncts, be well versed in the management of trauma, massive bleeds, the use pelvic splints, extrication collars the list goes on.
However, we also include additional modules in wound care and simple wound closing techniques, and provide you with an understanding of over the counter medications. Everything we teach uses kit you can buy from your local pharmacy or first aid supplier. We also work with a doctor who specialises in travel health to help with medications not available over the counter for altitude, infections etc. We keep things familiar, helping you with confidence and competence.
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