Media and Press

First aid techniques may not seem too difficult when practised in a warm, dry room. But how much harder are they when you need to use them for real? Reporter RHUN LEEDING went on a course to find out....

THERE I was, with horizontal rain drumming on my coat and a biting cold wind causing y hands to shake.

But what I was experiencing was nothing compared to the extreme temperatures and conditions often experienced by mountain rescue teams.

To find out first hand just what this is like, I was taking part in a Mountain First Aid Training Course, run near Nant-y-Moch Reservoir by Aberystwyth's CRT Medical.

As I joined the group of experienced climbers and walkers for the accredited first aid course, run over a weekend at the Maesnant Centre, the weather seemed pleasant. But just like it can on the mountains it changed very quickly.

The tutor for the weekend was Territorial Army medic and co-owner of "Escape Outdoors" in Aberystwyth, Russ Colman, whose own experience of being airlifted from a mountain has given him plenty of insight into rescuing injured casualties efficiently.

Demonstrating the importance of a helmet in climbing, Russ showed us his own helmet, which had once saved his life on a day he described as "not a good day out".

Explaining why the course came about, he said: "I've been enjoying the outdoors ever since I was young, and when I came to university here, I carried that on and joined some of the clubs there."

"I'd done a fair bit of first aid with the Territorial Army and gone on quite a few courses like this one, but a lot of the courses can be very different in what they teach and the standards achieved."

Whilst some of the basics of first aid are learnt in the classroom, it is the practical side of the course which will be the most valuable.

Administering CPR is much easier in a warm comfortable hall, although the reality is that administering CPR for real is likely to take place somewhere cold, wet and windy.

Equally, chasing a bandage down a hillside is more likely to happen while carrying out first aid on a hillside, instead of in the classroom, so practical experience is vital.

Fortunately, learning about hypothermia was the closest we came to the condition, as hot tea and a warm room was nearby after each exercise.

The course was run in a small group, with places for up to 16 students. The emphasis was on learning the skills to ensure that injured people are taken to hospital as swiftly as possible.

Learning how to use everyday objects is also a vital part of survival. At first glance a walking pole is just a pole, but Russ demonstrates how to put them to work as parts of a splint or a stretcher.

Feeling like a mix of Ray Mears and TV's Dr Hilary, we were sent for a final CPR drill, but instead of that, injured people were yelling from the hillside, and another seemed to be unconscious.

My heart was pounding in my throat as we dashed down the hill, scanning for dangers and casualties.

Together with the rest of the group we had to make do with the equipment we found, call for help and ensure that the casualties were alive, and a comfortable as possible, before being taken from the hill.

Without a doubt, I learnt a lot from taking part on the course.

Now I know how to patch up sprains and fractures as well as how to treat large cuts, and whilst I hope I don't ever have to use these skills, I think I might be a slightly more useful person to know in the wilderness now.

Cambrian News
December 2006

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CRT medical New Gap Year Course

UK, Jan 3, 2007 - Having enjoyed two successful years promoting First Aid skills around the UK the Welsh based company have designed a new training programme for Gap Year Students and World Travellers, to be unveiled early in 2007.

Already widely respected as a leading First Aid training provider CRT medical aim to apply its new residential weekend course to help prepare young people who are increasingly exploit modern travel possibilities through working abroad and gap years. The popularity of extended, multi - destination travel continues to escalate with younger generations who are in search of adventure. Difficulties can be encountered however when adventurers are ill prepared for their trip.

The course includes equipment selection, packing tips, emergency first aid, security and personal awareness along with handy tips that will enable the travellers to keep themselves and their valuables safe. "Communication can be a problem," says their Chief Instructor, "we try to give them ways to keep in touch with home on a practical basis, often they leave promising to phone home each day or week and then forget, this is causes a lot of needless stress all round." Also included are the ways and means of getting reliable help in foreign climes should they run into difficulties.

Information about CRT medical

CRT medical was established by qualified medics who have worked and instructed around the world in almost every conceivable environment. They run well designed courses that are simple, effective and affordable. Please visit their website: www.crtmedical.co.uk

Contact: Russ Colman, Chief Instructor, CRT medical, Primrose Hill, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3SF or <enquiries@crtMedical.co.uk>

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CRT medical Release Training Dates For 2007

UK, Nov 12, 2006 - During 2005 a new company was established in Wales to promote and encourage First Aid skills for public and professional people around the UK. Setting themselves the challenge of providing cost efficient, practical training that really benefits its students. So far the company has trained many hundreds of people with great success and recommendations that are set to continue with numerous courses planned for 2007.

Since its conception CRT medical have been at the forefront of quality First Aid training. Their eagerly awaited training dates for the 2007 period have just been published to the industry and members of the public. Already they have had to extend their proposed training schedule due to demand for their new and existing courses.

The courses range from standard HSE First Aid At Work certification to more specialist training for mountain instructors, emergency rescue teams and expedition leaders. Each course is specifically designed, conducted and assessed under the supervision of their experienced senior instructors and has a heavy emphasis on practical training.

Information about CRT medical

CRT medical was established by qualified medics who have worked and instructed around the world in almost every conceivable environment. They run well designed courses that are simple, effective and affordable. Please visit their website: www.crtmedical.co.uk

Contact: Russ Colman, Chief Instructor, CRT medical, Primrose Hill, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3SF or <enquiries@crtMedical.co.uk>

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