Breathing Before Bleeding Before Bones.........

There are many advantages of hiring an International Mountain Leader (IML) when walking abroad. They can choose a suitable area based on your interests and plan a route based on your fitness level. Knowing the area well, the IML will be able to shorten or lengthen the route based on how you feel during the day. You will not have to worry about route finding and map reading and can relax and enjoy the scenery. The IML will also look after you and keep you safe. If there is an accident, all IML's are first aid trained. They can give first aid on the spot and will have the language skills to organise a helicopter rescue if necessary.

Helicopter of the Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne (PGHM)

First Aid certificates must be renewed every 3 years. I spent a  hot, sunny weekend  in London earlier this month renewing my First Aid certificate. The course was run by Muir - Walker Medics and based at the Holland Park Youth Hostel. It was a wilderness first aid course with an emphasis on outdoor emergencey care for remote locations -  ideal for walkers, climbers or paddlers.

The course was well run and good fun, with lots of relevant scenarios and 'hands on' practice of skills.Thanks to all those present who helped make it so enjoyable. I still have fond memories of having my neck and head immobolised and the emergencey stretcher evacuation race which happily did not lead to a real first aid incident!




Helicopter Photo: http://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2010/02/06/771261-Aston-Le-patissier-retrouve-mort-en-montagne.html 

Muir - Walker Medics Coop: Wilderness First Aid Courses