Posted By Heather Collins Phil Who gave you this advice - was it a course provider? I think it's rubbish. You need to assess the risk and then consider what provision needs to be made. How would the individuals access medical treatment if they needed it? (This goes much further than just first aid) Are they visiting countries where access to sterile equipment might be difficult? Do they need to carry medical equipment or a personal first aid kit with them? In my opinion this should form part of a larger risk assessment on travelling overseas to remote areas.

Posted By Dave Wilson Sop this first aider is going to first aid themself!

Posted By 247hero Being a bit more than a first aider I may be biased here, but if the person travelling is prepared to go on the course, then personally, I don't think it is such a bad idea. If the situation arises when the injured person may not be able to administer treatment, but could instruct a companion on what they should do to help, I can only see the benefits. I'm wondering if this is a financial problem as opposed to a moral one. (For the record, I'm not a provider). As for carrying their own sterile equipment... when I went to Bulgaria a few years ago, I was advised by both the travel agent and a colleague who had been to a hospital there to make sure I take my own syringe. Food for thought possibly?

Posted By Philip Plume My reason for posting this question is that I want to provide sensible advice to my employers and not over egg the situation, costing £1600 in the process. I can see how it may sound ridiculous for casualties to administer their own first aid, but can also see the benefits of them knowing how to stop a severe bleed, for example. The advice I was given is that these people could be classed as lone workers and would need the full course; however they are always accompanied by representatives of the company they are visiting. I like the idea of personal first aid kits and overall emergency plans.

Posted By Chris Packham May I suggest that the best person to seek advice from on this would be an occupational physician. Much will depend upon the circumstances and location. Up country in a remote location with poor transportation/evacuation/emergency provisions may require something different from being in a major city in a third world country. A properly qualified occupational physician should be able to assess what is needed, what the level of training for the individual should be and to help set up a programme to ensure that all those affected know how to respond in an emergency situation. For example, I worked for over three years in the Sahara desert, but my first aid kit was almost non-existent. I was working for an oil producer with full medical facilities within the country, emergency (air ambulance) evacuation, medical team, etc. all on hand. On the other hand, as a lone traveller in less well developed countries I carry a pack that was put together for me by an occupational physician with expertise in overseas travel. (He worked for an oil company sending people to remote locations.) Chris