Every three years since around 1995 I’ve done a two day outdoor and emergency rescue first aid course. I was still at school when I was invited on the first one, and since then I’ve kept the certification up to date as part of my mountaineering qualification requirements.

This course was particularly fun as it was specifically for the team of people I work with, so the psych was high and the vibe was great. Re-capping on old skills and learning the newest and latest first aid techniques was enhanced by hearing tales and stories of how people have handled different situations over the years.

There was plenty of CPR practice and bandaging people with their imaginary wounds.

Although part of the past two day has been indoors, we managed to fit in plenty of practical role play scenarios to keep it realistic.

While I’ve been on the course during the day, I’ve been working overnight on a residential course as well, driving straight there at the end of each day – so there’s not been much (any!) down time. Dwyn did look after me at the bunkhouse though, by providing a cheese board treat on Friday night once the pupils were all fed!