we are looking for 6 people to join us to make up the numbers for a dedicated st johns course for overlanders. there is a fixed cost of £510, so the more people the better, up to a maximum of 10 persons in the group.

if you are interested, please contact me.

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...ships are safe in harbour, but that\'s not what they were built for...

for the above overlander first aid course, i forgot to mention that we based in london, and will be looking at doing this course in the next 2 - 3 months, i.e. from april - july.

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...ships are safe in harbour, but that\'s not what they were built for...

Cabron,
I know you are currently in Egypt, but did you succeed in doing this course?
Also, do you have a contact?
I have called ST John and Red Cross and have been told that they don't do 'hands on' first aid courses any more. They all seem to be office based courses, where it is assumed a medic is only 10min away.

Geoff

It may be an idea to contact the British Army or even the TA. I used to be in the TA 22nd Cheshire's and at the time (10 years ago) we often did this sort of stuff because it benifited the lads running the course too. They may be willing, especialy if there was a Medical Corp local to your area.

Things may have changed but let me know how you get on. I could do with improving my skills too.

In my part of the world - peak district - there is an excellent first aid trainer called high peak first aid training.
The trainer will dedicate the course to your needs - she is very good and happy to take on many specific needs. I was a ranger in the park here for last ten years and she has been providing the training for all our full time staff for several years.
She runs mountain rescue and wilderness courses which could easily be adapted to suitthe needs of an overlander.
cant find her details at mo - but if anyone interested - email me and will put you in touch. Throughly recommend her - best emergency care training i have ever recieved - real hands on stuff - dont expect to spend the days in the class room - last time i saw her she was just buying a new quad!

Gavin Bell

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Gavin Bell
\'first time abroad on the bike and your going where..!\'

just found website:

http://www.hpfa.dircon.co.uk

let me know if anyone setting anything up as my ticket will be due for renewal and it would be good to do

gavin

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Gavin Bell
\'first time abroad on the bike and your going where..!\'

Try info@LSTS-Safety.co.uk. They are recommended by the Royal Geographic Society - Expedition Advisory Centre, and do training for Land Rover.
They specialise in Expedition training, including first aid and "Bush" improvisations.
We have used them a couple of times and these guys certainly know their stuff! Watch out for the night exercise!!!!
Chalky

Hmmmm, funny, already tried to post this message.... where did it go?
Anyway:

For me, the best training out there is provided by Wilderness Medical Associates. They were founded about 20 years ago by a doctor who found that you couldn't do a lot with the known medical practice and training when you are in a wilderness context.

Wilderness context is everywere and every situation from where or wich it takes at least 2 hours to get you patient to the hospital.
They have legal precedence and stuff to back this up, wich is nice to know.

They have 3 different courses:
* 3 day Wilderness advanced first aid
* 8 day wilderness first responder
* month long emergency wilderness medical technician

I have twice followed the Wilderness First Responder and several recerts.
Even with my background as an EMT I find these courses extremely usefull and wouldn't go 'out there' without following one.
I use the knowledge and skills frequently in the street-reality and if I dear to go on a trip I better take a decent first aid kit with me. I always end up using it...

You'll learn a variety of skills going from splinting, traction into position, CPR, how stop bleedings, do patient exams, making litters, preventing or stopping hypothermia,reduce some dislocations,...
You'll even practice giving somebody a simple muscular injection.
All this is placed in a set of protocols. By taking the course you are supposed to follow these protocols and this is what will give you the legal backing.

There trainers are very skilled. To become one you need real time on hands experience with patient on a regular base. You must have an in depth background of outdoor activities. And you must have teaching experience.
They have given courses to military, FBI, Outward Bound Schools, coastguards, National Park Service,...

The courses are very practical. Daily hands on practice and simulations are normal. You end up with simulation-patients who are faking constipations or bloody ripped of limbs. The lectures are given in a understandable way, you don't need to be a doctor.
There is some study work in the evening, but it is doable.
The video-debriefings of the simulations are extremely usefull and from time to time worth a good laugh.

Only down-side is that they are quite expensive and based in the USA. But once a year Outward Bound Belgium organises a course and invites an instructor to Belgium. This course is open for everybody who is interested. Last time there where folks from Bulgaria and Slovakia.

You can check out there website for more info.
If you have a change to follow one of there courses, don't hesitate

http://www.wildmed.com/main.html

If you consider to follow the course in Belgium this year just drop me a mail and I'll get you in touch with the person who is organising it.


If you wonna travel safely, do it prepared.


Safe travels to everybody!

Fireboomer.


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http://users.pandora.be/pieter.maes2/