Emergency First Response Training for Nature Guides: Essential Procedures and Benefits

Emergency First Response training for nature guides has always been an important part of all Bhejane courses.

While the same basic principles of first response apply, guides have got some extra factors to consinder.

Nature guides need a good knowledge of emergency first response procedures for several reasons:

Remote and unpredictable environments

Nature guides often lead groups in remote areas, far from medical facilities, making immediate medical attention unavailable.

Nature can be unpredictable, with hazards like wildlife encounters, inclement weather, and treacherous terrain.

Even with precautions, accidents can occur, like slips, trips, falls, or equipment failures. Guides are responsible for the safety and well-being of their group members, who have varying levels of outdoor experience and physical ability.

In an emergency, prompt and effective first response can significantly impact the outcome, preventing minor incidents from becoming major ones. In remote areas, evacuating an injured person can be difficult, making on-site first response crucial.

Nature Guides may be held liable if they fail to give adequate first response in an emergency situation.

Some essential first response procedures for nature guides to know include:

• Basic life support (CPR, bleeding control)
• Wound management
• Fracture and sprain management
• Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
• Cardiac emergencies
• Environmental illnesses (heat, cold, altitude)
• Wilderness-specific hazards (snake bites, animal attacks)

By knowing emergency first response procedures, nature guides can provide critical care, stabilize situations, and ensure the best possible outcomes for their group members in case of an emergency.

Well done to the Ilanga Group that successfully finished their Basic Wilderness First Aid training this week. Students on our advanced courses, also do Intermediate as well as Advanced First Aid, to ensure good foundational competence in case of emergencies.