Mental health is a widespread but often misunderstood issue. Mental Health First Aid courses aim to help address this helping us to understand mental health and also to offer support to those in distress. Why is Mental Health First Aid so important? Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease…
An Introduction to Mental Health First Aid Read More »
UPDATE, October 2025: The blog below has now been updated since new guidance has now been issued by the Scottish and UK Governments meaning that at schools throughout the UK can now also hold AAIs (Adrenaline Auto Injectors) and Salbutamol Inhalers (for asthma) for use in emergencies. Â Updated clarification confirms schools throughout the UK
Life Saving Asthma And Anaphylaxis Auto Injector Legislation For Schools Read More »
Every November, the Royal Geographical Society in London becomes a hub of adventure, exploration, and ideas when it hosts RGS Explore 2025 – the expedition and field work planning weekend. The event brings together explorers, scientists, students, fieldworkers and organisations from across the world who are planning or supporting expeditions. It is an inspiring gathering
First Aid Kits can have a wide variation in the their contents. This is usually based on the knowledge and experience of those putting it together, the differing first aid requirements of the settings and variations in legislation or regulation in a given work or outdoor sector. In short, they need to be fit for
Top 10 things horse riders need to know about First Aid Kits Read More »
Neurodiversity in the Outdoor Sector – New Research Highlights Need for Greater Awareness At the First Aid Training Co-operative, our work developing a suite of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses for outdoor professionals has taken us in some fascinating directions. One recent project has been to explore an issue many practitioners have spoken about
Neurodiversity in the Outdoor Sector Read More »
On a balmy Saturday morning in July, 2025, the recently formed Nairn Links Parkrun marked its 16th event with enthusiasm and community spirit. A total of 149 runners completed the course – 31 smashed their personal bests and a remarkable 61 participants were first-time visitors, including 7 new ‘parkrunners’. But it wasn’t just about the run.
Empowering Volunteers: First Aid Training at Nairn Links Parkrun Read More »
Like so many incidents, especially in the outdoors, my experience of heat exhaustion can be traced back to a number of factors, all small variables on their own, but when combined, tried their best to ruin my day! On our family holiday a few years ago to the Italian Alps I was lucky enough to
Heat Exhaustion, A Personal Experience Read More »
An estimated 80,000 fractures due to sporting activities occur in the UK each year . In addition to fractures, participation in sports can lead to a wide range of other injuries, including muscle, tendon and ligament sprains, injuries to the central nervous system, internal organ damage and concussion. Injuries are most usually caused by impact
Preventing Sports Injuries Read More »
Updated July 2025 When it comes to sunburn we know that prevention is better than a cure and that we should avoid becoming sunburnt in the first place. But accidents happen and sometimes we do end up sporting the lobster look!  It can be tricky to identify whether you or someone with you is becoming burnt,
4 Steps To Treat Sunburn Read More »
Updated June, 2025 What is Giant Hogweed? Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a plant in the same family as carrot and parsnip. Its growth pattern is similar but it is definitely not edible and can cause serious injury if you come into contact with it. Giant hogweed is found across the UK and mainly spreads
Identifying and treating Giant Hogweed burns Read More »