Far From Help

Course outline & key info

Taught by expedition doctors, Far From Help – FFH – is WMT’s Explorer in-depth foundation course for non-medics. Content includes treating common expedition injuries, illnesses and using medicines safely and legally. On completion, participants can obtain a useful set of prescription only medicines (POMs) such as antibiotics, altitude drugs and pain killers. FFH training may enable you to resolve an injury, infection or illness condition in the field and make your patient more comfortable by the control of pain, sickness and fever. No pre-requisite to attend. End of course exam. 2-year certfication. FFH is a demanding course superior to any “expedition first aid” course out there. FFH is frequently delivered as private training for UK groups and across the world.

CourseDatesDetails
Far From Help
FFH provides a solid grounding in illness & injury conditions including the use of selected POMs (prescription only medicines).
1 Jun 2024 - 2 Jun 2024Book Course - £370 Bristol, St Werburghs Community Centre12 placesEasy2 year POM authority Teas / coffees only

Delegate feedback

… my warmest thanks and congratulations for a superb course.
It actually exceeded expectations and I was amazed how much we covered in such a short time.
It was professional in every way.
Relaxed, engaging, highly informative.
We were being taught by someone who had been there, seen it and done it.
“WMT has set the standard by which wilderness first aid courses are judged”. Saturday Telegraph. Read the full article.

Target audience

Excellent training by doctors + comprehensive field manual + POM authorisation = one stop shopping for the solo traveller, families, private teams and up to large expedition teams. FFH has been attended by well over 1000 teachers, leaders, travelers, explorers, film crew, overland drivers, climbers, divers, field researchers, university staff and many others.

Prescription medicines – POMs

FFH training covers what medical supplies to take and enables you to obtain them for 2 years post-course through WMT’s pharmacy partner so you can add antibiotics, high altitude medicines, strong pain killers and other useful medicines to your medical kit. WMT’s comprehensive Explorer course manual serves as an essential field aide memoire.

Accreditation

WMT issues a FFH certificate which is valid for 2 years and accepted by most, if not all, UK NGB awards. See also Accreditation.

Outline programme

Courses normally start no earlier than 9am and finish each day by 5.30. The running order and structure of courses may differ depending on the venue and group size but all content will be covered or included in the course manual. Tea/coffee/lunch breaks are taken as required.

Day 1 – Theme – trauma
Introductions & aims of the course
Bench marking trauma scenario – practical
Legal issues
Measuring vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, breathing) – practical
Practical sessions:
• ABC approach to the injured casualty
• Latest CPR guidelines
Practical sessions:
• moving / lifting / straightening an injured casualty
• basic fracture & dislocation management
Head and spine injuries
Wound management
Wound management – practical:
• use of Steristrips
• burns and dressings
• use of glue & wound packing
Expedition medical planning

Day 2 – Theme – medical problems
Diagnosis – how to take a patient history
Practical sessions:
• history taking
• examining ENT (ear, nose, throat) & eyes
Pain management & nursing care
Common medical conditions – diarrhoea, asthma, blisters, bites
Case based discussions:
• heat illness
• cold and frostbite injuries
• altitude sickness – use of Diamox/dexamethasone/nifedipine
Anaphylactic shock and use of Epipen/Anapen
Medical kits & supplies
Written examination
Final questions / certificates / feedback & farewell

Note: some of the skills taught, and the use of prescription only medicines (POMs) are not appropriate for use in the UK or anywhere if professional medical support is readily available. WMT reserves the right to amend course content without notice in keeping with the latest best clinical practice.