After the three-day Planet Wise course, you will come away with a recognised first aid certificate. Designed specifically with you in mind, the course covers basic first aid skills, along with advice on the essential first aid kit all travellers should carry.
It is important to be aware of what you can, and more importantly
cannot do, in an emergency situation. Knowing when professional
help is required is fundamental. But is it available? Bear in mind
the potential remoteness of your location and if medical assistance
is available in the first place.
Our first aid section combines your newfound travel knowledge with
the appointed persons first aid certificate to provide you with
the essential skills to travel safely during your travels. This
benefits you because not only can you fend for yourself, but you
can also save a life - potentially your own!
"The first aid course was excellent - there was a lot to go through but it was well presented and very practical. Not only has it given me confidence but also the skills to save a life"… Hannah Coutts
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Stuart as a casualty |
Case Study
In December 2003 Planet Wise helped to train an expedition going to Belize for a six week community based project. Hannah, the deputy leader, picks up the story.
"We'd hired two 4x4s from a reputable company in Belize city for the duration of our trip. We checked over the vehicles and found one of them to be in poor repair. After complaining they offered us another car but we had to pick it up the following day. We decided to drive slowly to our base which was just as well. During the trip, one of the wheels sheared off the axle and caused the car to crash and roll three times.
To say we had a lucky escape was an understatement as we got away with just cuts and bruises (see picture above). The information we learnt from the course, such as the correct way to pack a vehicle, and the first aid experience proved invaluable. From a harrowing first few days we managed to have a great expedition and all come home safely…"
Hannah Coutts
So what will you learn?
The course that we run is officially titled the 'HSE recognised emergency first-aid certificate for the appointed person'. The course has specific criteria to meet, which gives you the basic skills to save a life.
We at Planet Wise have extended the course by a couple of hours to build in a more travel related theme. This means that on top of the essential course criteria, you have the time to discuss remote first aid and associated issues. Marcus and his first-aid team usually throw in a surprise or two themselves just to test you that little bit more!
Compulsory content:
- Dealing with accidents and illness
- Using a first aid kit
- Simple record keeping
- First aid priorities
- Resuscitation
- Treatment of an unconscious casualty
- Treatment of a heart attack
- Control of bleeding
- Shock
The first aid section is a big day with lots to take in, but as our case study above proves, it really is a winner to leave for your trip safe in the knowledge that you could look after yourself or save the life of another.
