Packing a group outdoor first aid kit can be a challenge; we often get asked what should go in one on our level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid. There is no definite answer. However over this series of blogs our director Andy Hart will have a look at what we carry in our group first aid kits. Starting with 6 things that you probably shouldn’t be carrying.

What not to pack in your Outdoor First Aid Kit

Before we look at what the first aid kit should include, let’s have a quick look at what we don’t put into our kits and why. Please note, we are assuming that the user of this kit is a regular outdoor first Aider who is operating in British hills and mountains. It should also be noted that this list is in no way exhaustive or definitive.

No Pills

Be they paracetamol, ibrobrufin, or other pills. This is a question that we get asked fairly frequently. The ability to diagnose and issue painkillers is beyond the scope of a basic outdoor first aid course. Over the counter drugs can cause a number of side effects and a casualty could be allergic to them. Often these drugs can interfere with prescribed medicines. Without the appropriate training a first aider cannot guarantee that they aren’t inadvertently causing harm to a casualty. We would recommend that over the counter drugs are never placed in a first aid kit. There are a couple of exceptions which you will learn about on your outdoor first aid course.

Personal Medication

A group first aid kit should be universal. Placing anyone’s personal medication in a first aid kit shouldn’t be standard practise. We’d recommend an individual’s personal medication is clearly marked and store it separately.

Asthma inhalers

No pain killers or personal medication in a group aid first aid kit, so what about an asthma inhaler? Well the law is quite clear here. An asthma inhaler is a prescription only medicine, so it is illegal to obtain one for ‘general’ use in a first aid kit. There is specific legislation which allows for a school to keep one on site, however this legislation doesn’t cover taking it outside of school. If your organisational policy dictates that the leader/first Aider must carry an individual’s inhaler, we’d recommend clearly marking it and storing it separately from the group first aid kit.

Adrenaline auto-injector

Examples of auto-injectors include Epi-pens and Jext. There is specific legislation allowing lay people to administer a casualties own auto-injector directly to the casualty. However like inhalers, auto-injectors are controlled and prescribed Medication. Again like inhalers they don’t belong in a first aid kit.

No Alcohol

A wee nip is nice right? I think that’s something that we all agree on. I am sure that we’ve all heard about the medicinal benefits associated with the alcohol, but does it belong in a first aid kit? The answer to this is absolutely not! I can think of a variety of reasons why alcohol shouldn’t be given to a casualty. In addition to impairing judgement, alcohol can also lead to a casualty becoming hypothermic. Alcohol causes the blood vessels to dilate, moving heat away from the core. Couple this with alcohols dialectic qualities and you could end up with a dangerous situation.

No sharps

I’ve bought many branded outdoor first aid kits which have included a wide variety of sharps including scalpels and even hypodermic needles! The use of both of these items is beyond the scope of a standard outdoor first aid course. Without the correct training a first Aider is inviting disaster. There is really no need to carry them, as they are only taking up space.

So there we go; 6 items that we shouldn’t include it a group first aid kit. In the next article we will have a look at some items which you should include. Have more questions then why not book on to our accredited level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid.

Last month saw us running a new outdoor first aid qualification; accredited and regulated by Qualification Network. Qualification Network is an Ofqual approved Awarding Body. No stranger to delivering outdoor first aid courses, we caught up with our director Andy Hart to discuss the new qualification and three reasons why you should complete you Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (RQF) with The Adventure Academy CIC.

First aid courses get a bit of a bad rep. I’m pretty sure that many people have experienced this. The classic example is a course delivered entirely by powerpoint. While a very useful tool, powerpoint has it’s limitations; painfully obvious when slide 105 rolls around and the learners are barely able to keep their eyes open. Coupled with the HSE’s removal of their accreditation process and the industry is now a potential minefield.

Our aim is to provide our clients with a high quality learning experience, to set their minds at ease by providing a qualification which is accredited and regulated. In a later article I’ll discuss exactly what the advantages to attending a regulated and accredited outdoor first aid course are. The long and short? The syllabus has been standardised and set by a national body, and the standard of delivery is verified.

1. A learner centred approach to Outdoor First Aid

The courses which I’ve felt that I learned the most from and particularly enjoyed have taken a learner centred approach. But what does this actually mean? Simply put, any situation which allows the learner to take control of their own, well, learning. This style encourages the learner to reflect on what they are learning and how they are learning it.

The advantage to this approach is that it encourages strong problem solving and skill development in learners. Not only will a learner be able to recognise signs and symptoms of a condition but they will also be able to apply the skills to the real world.

2. Relevant teaching locations

During the weekend of the course there were an unusually high number of accidents in Glasgow; well at least around Pinkston Paddlesport Centre, the venue for our course. Luckily these ‘casualties’ where actually candidates take part in a scenario based approach to learning. We carefully select our venues. The venues have comfortable classroom settings but also access to the outdoors. The comfortable classroom setting allows learners to be at ease. This affords candidates with the best opportunity to learner. Access to the outdoor environment is a vital component of our courses. I believe it allows for the most realistic scenarios.

3. Varied teaching methodology

Using a varied teaching methodology is always at the front of my mind. By mixing up the style learners stay interested.

I believe that these scenarios are a vital component of our outdoor first aid courses. They give the learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills. This included everything from diagnosing, providing immediate treatment to monitoring a casualty until medical help arrives. We believe this contextualisation helps to develop a learners practical skills and improves retention.

Practical workshops are another methodology we use. This allows learners the chance for skill development or to try new techniques or equipment in a relaxed and nurturing environment.

Finally we still use the traditional chalk and talk style albeit very infrequently. In some instances this style is preferential to impart knowledge. These sessions are always supported by the use of striking imagery, clear and concise diagrams or useful mnemonics.

By now I’d hope that you can see the advantages of booking an outdoor first aid course with The Adventure Academy CIC. Book an outdoor first aid course now.

Andy Hart is our executive director; he is responsible for our outdoor first aid courses and our Duke of Edinburgh Award programmes.

6 items you shouldn’t pack in your Outdoor First Aid Kit