In recent years there has been a push for Outdoor Education Organisations, particularly those operating in remote areas, to have staff trained in Wilderness First Aid.

As the Outdoor Education industry and profession grows through out Australia; and talks of it being included in the National Curriculum; along with recommendations in the soon to be released NSW AAS Guidelines; there is an increasing need for qualifications on all levels and across all disciplines in the outdoors. 

As leaders are in the field, day in and day out, organisations want to be confident in their abilities and judgements, particularly in emergency situations. Training staff to the appropriate level in Wilderness First Aid strengthens this confidence, not only for organisations, but clientele as well.

Stuart Clark, Managing Director of All Aid Training & Supplies who run a Wild Aid Training course and has been involved in the development of the NSW AAS (Adventure Activity Standards), says “Unless these leaders have truly been challenged to practice their first aid skills in realistic scenario-based learning exercises, and consider the risks and realities of their activities, they cannot be prepared to deal with an emergency in the field. In fact, without this type of training we doubt that leaders of remote trips properly plan and prepare for emergencies that may occur”

The importance of having properly trained professionals in the outdoors is not only imperative to the organisations procedures, but it also forms a foundation for the individual to build upon their skill set and confidently handle emergency situations to the best of their ability.

Mr Clark goes on to say, “Remote area first aid courses give leaders a chance to realise the potential hazards and build plans and strategies for not only minimising these risks, but for effectively managing them should they arise.”

In the planning stage of any trip (commercial or privately run) there are certain factors that need to be addressed. These should include, site access (how long to help); planned activity duration; environmental conditions (actual and anticipated); and the participants characteristics (how capable are the participants for the activity).

Not only is it important for the instructors to be fully equipped for the trip, it is imperative the participants are also prepared for their adventure. In the lead up to any programme, the usual medical and consent forms should be filled out appropriately and returned prior to the camp, but also information about what is required to bring on the programme is essential. To ensure all information is passed on correctly, medical forms should be checked prior to the beginning of the programme and contact with parents also made regarding any information that requires elaboration. Communication is vital for good operating procedures, but also instills confidence in the parents about the professionalism of the organisation.

Along with other information provided about the programme, a gear list should be supplied to each participant. These lists may indicate items that seem unnecessary to the programme– such as a warm jumper and long pants for a summer programme, however it is important to know that gear has multiple uses whilst in the outdoors, and is a significant part of Wilderness First Aid, where improvising is key, as specialised equipment may not be available. For example, in the event of emergencies, jumpers are handy for patients in shock, to keep their body temperature regulated, can be used for padding in splints, or even as a simple pillow at night! Omitting one or two items off a gear list may seem practical in the comfort of your home; however out in remote settings when situations may change unpredictably you may well be wishing you had that extra piece of gear.

From all points of view, being prepared is everything.