In reply to spenser:
> The problem with first aid is that when it's required in a climbing situation it's usually either noddy stuff (plasters etc) that everyone knows or it's the really serious stuff (broken bones, seizures, unconsciousness) which tends to make people panic, dealing with this hasn't been covered on either of the first aid courses which I have previously attended.
> St John's Ambulance has some good resources on their website, the only issue is that they're meant for relatively easy environments (ie, not the bottom of a sea cliff with an abseil approach), there may well be some utility in writing stuff which fits with outdoor first aid.
While I agree hugely with the first bit, I disagree with the idea that first aid courses doesn't cover that sort of stuff, certainly First Aid at Work (and above) does. And youth First Aid does, the only ones that don't cover it much in depth is Heartstart.
What sort of FA courses have you done, If you don't mind me asking?
What I find is that it varies completely on who your instructor is. I have taken numerous first aid, and medic courses and used to teach youth first aid and it really does take a good instructor, to not just follow some book, you need to encourage out of the box thinking too. End of the day it's about common sense, methodical thinking and prioritising.
Some of the worst instructors I have ever had in any topic have been first aid instructors, and it's incredibly frustrating.
Training and confidence in your abilities help combat panic.
You raise a good point though, the "normal" first aid stuff is usually set in a street, or "normal" setting, a nice warm room and you usually have to mould it to the situation you are in. There are courses you can take, wilderness first aid, Medicine in Remote Areas, and other such courses but they tend to be quite expensive.
With a bit of imagination though, you could rig up some sort of scenario. Or bastardize stuff you have already covered into a situation.
Although, remember, you are a link in the chain of survival, you need to get professional medical/rescue assistance as soon as possible, and the Fire Service, MR, SORT teams have the ability to do technical rescue, I wouldn't encourage anyone to attempt a technical rescue, unless it's that grey area of an imminent threat to life. Then that's a judgment call, your safety comes first, the What's the D in DRSABC? Danger, to yourself and the casualty.
I would encourage anyone to take first aid courses, not just for the hills but for everyday life. It is an essential life skill.
I usually carry 2 sets with me when I head out, a small personal kit and a slightly bigger kit, depending on what I am doing, with more technical stuff in.
End of the day, if someone goes tatties over the side, doing something is better than nothing, as long as you only do what your trained to, you're covered by the Good Samaritan act.