Text contributed by Lisa; pics by Bob.
Trigger warning: This post contains pictures of staged injuries.
Two IOGers, along with six Mountain Leaders from other organisations, attended the Outdoor and Wild Country First Aid Course run by RCR Services at the scout hut on Stoke Park Drive in Ipswich.
The sixteen-hour course was spread over two days, with Ralda, our instructor, smoothly combining Powerpoint presentations, practical demonstrations and outdoor scenarios with chat, fun and laughter. She effortlessly put everyone at ease so they could ask questions and really get involved.
I have deliberately not described the outdoor scenarios that Ralda set up to practice skills learnt in the classroom so as to not spoil the experience for future attendees, but trust me when I say that it’s all terrific fun.
First Aid aims to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery. In other words, we were learning to patch casualties up until medical assistance is available.
No prior medical knowledge is required and the skills learnt, which we obviously hope never to need, could potentially save someone’s life. I therefore thoroughly recommend attending this course next time it is offered.
