09/10/2026
“I didn’t get what I paid for!
Only do this first aid course IF you want to have a deeper understanding of what’s happening to a casualty and then more options available to you as a first aider on how to help immediately and promote longer-term care and recovery.
Frustratingly, this course goes beyond basic chest compressions and plugging holes with bandages, then calling the emergency services. I wasn’t allowed to sit there and zone out, but instead, I was encouraged to take part and ask more in-depth questions, which were answered!.
It was totally lacking scripted teaching and inane step-by-step PowerPoint and instead relied on an array of practical scenarios and group peer teaching to embed learning. I lost count of the diverse range of set-ups and situations we were encouraged to explore and get stuck in with bandages, splints, AEDs, airways, and yikes, even MEDS!!
Oddly, we were empowered to think on our feet as wilderness first aid practitioners and utilise unconventional equipment to improve situations, rather than just repeat the DRABC mantra and call for help.
In the past I’ve been directed what not to do, as I might cause harm, such as give certain over-the-counter drugs or even move casualties, sadly this time I was given statistical data on the likelihood of that and then encouraged away from such black and white thinking and as such had to think in a more nuanced way that was in the casualties’ best interests in the given context.
It’s almost as if Allan has been there and done that and after collaborating with a diverse range of experts himself has a refreshing perspective on adapting to the world outside of a teaching classroom and it’s actually delivered a course that engages with reality.
I was hoping to just get a little book and have a coffee and go home with a new certificate for three years. Instead I got yet more tools and techniques, so I didn’t get what I paid for…. I got much more “
- Adam Evans, Professional Wilderness Guide and Personal Development Coach
