First Aid Training in Remote and Extreme Environments

First aid training in remote and extreme environments is designed for people who spend time in the mountains, forests or at bivouacs, as well as those working on remote construction sites, where emergency services may take a long time to arrive or their arrival may be uncertain. Over 1 to 2 days, this field-oriented training teaches you how to assess a situation, stabilise a casualty, improvise equipment and organise safe transport in a challenging environment. It is ideal for strengthening the independence and safety of outdoor enthusiasts and field teams.

Target audience

This training is intended for anyone working in a natural or remote environment where rapid access to emergency services cannot be guaranteed. It is ideal for:

• Hikers, mountaineers, trekkers, climbers and bivouac enthusiasts
• Mountain guides, outdoor instructors, activity leaders and group supervisors
• Teams working in hard-to-access environments, including remote construction sites, technical installations and scientific expeditions
• Clubs, associations and people responsible for outdoor activities
• People wishing to strengthen their independence and emergency management skills outside urban areas

No prerequisites are required, only the desire to learn how to act effectively in a remote environment.

Learning objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Assess an emergency situation in a remote environment and ensure their own safety
• Stabilise a casualty over an extended period when emergency services are delayed
• Prioritise essential actions according to the situation and available resources
• Manage common outdoor injuries, including wounds, sprains, trauma and suspected fractures
• Deal with temperature-related emergencies, including hypothermia, dehydration and heatstroke
• Improvise first-aid equipment, including splints, stretchers and thermal protection
• Organise the transport of an injured person over uneven terrain while minimising risks
• Communicate with emergency services and provide relevant information
• Work as a team, assign roles and manage stress in a real-life situation

The aim is to become more independent, more structured and more effective when far from medical facilities.

Course content

The training adapts to the chosen duration (1 or 2 days) and includes:

1. Understanding the specific characteristics of remote environments

• Analysis of natural hazards, including weather, the environment and terrain
• Managing time, resources and fatigue
• Pre-departure preparation, including equipment, communication and planning

2. Assessing and stabilising a casualty

• Scene safety and self-protection
• Primary and secondary survey
• Prolonged monitoring of a casualty while awaiting emergency services
• Managing pain, breathing, cold and stress

3. Managing injuries with limited equipment

• Wounds and bleeding
• Sprains, strains and limb trauma
• Suspected fractures and acute pain
• Essential contents of an outdoor first-aid kit

4. Improvisation techniques

• Improvised splints using sticks, clothing and bags
• Makeshift stretchers and transport solutions
• Creating thermal protection using available materials
• Using ropes, straps and backpacks for stabilisation

5. Temperature-related emergencies and extreme conditions

• Hypothermia: prevention, signs and management
• Heatstroke: cooling, protection and rehydration
• Dehydration, altitude, exhaustion, sun, wind and humidity

6. Transporting an injured person over difficult terrain

• Deciding whether to move the person or wait for emergency services
• Group carrying techniques
• Organising the group and managing safety

7. Practical field scenarios

• Outdoor practical exercises, depending on the location
• Realistic scenarios, including falls, trauma, adverse weather and isolation
• Debriefing and personalised advice