Cairngorms mountain medicine
Wilderness First Responder Level 2
3-5th & 10-12th
January 2025
Expect snow-covered mountain slopes and sub zero conditions in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland. Where better to practice technical rope work, and practical medical scenarios that will challenge and inspire? This incredible expedition earns you 18 CPD points and is open to everyone on the multi-disciplinary team — whether you're a junior doctor, an experienced paramedic, a medical student, or an aspiring expedition leader. On the mountainside, medical and non-medical team members will work side-by-side, just like in real-world wilderness emergencies. Together, you'll deliver exceptional care in an unforgiving environment, guided by an elite team of instructors: military medics, seasoned expedition doctors, mountain rescue professionals, and veteran expedition leaders.
This isn't just another medical course! Master emergency response techniques in real mountain conditions. Learn from experienced mountain rescue professionals. Gain hands-on experience with wilderness medical equipment and develop critical decision-making skills for remote environments.
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Topics covered:
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Altitude Medicine and Kit
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Hypothermia and Cold-related illness
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Trauma Scenarios
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GPS and Navigation Exercises
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Radio Communications
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Grid searches for missing persons
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Winter Mountaineering Skills (ice-axe arrests, snow bollards, buried axe belays)
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Improvised abseiling and knots
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Avalanche safety and rescue
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And much, much more...
Who can sign up? This course is perfectly suitable for all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
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Be prepared for a truly unforgettable experience! The weather can be unpredictable, but this time of year often brings breathtaking snow-covered peaks and clear skies. Dress for the snow and hope for some sun!
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Spaces are limited to ensure safety on the mountain, so be sure to book early!
Itinerary
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If you'd like to see what each day looks like on our Cairngorms course, click on the itinerary button below.
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*The itinerary for the week will be tailored according to the cohort and the weather so may vary but you can expect plenty of teaching, time outdoors, and games in the evening.
Meet our Course Directors - Jonny Will and Dr Dave Strachan
Jonny has worked pre-hospitally as a paramedic for both the London and Scottish Ambulance Services. He has held a variety of roles including Specialist Paramedic Practitioner, Clinical Effectiveness Lead, as well as National Improvement Adviser to the NHS. He is a keen outdoorsman, which has lead to work on remote events, film sets, endurance races and more. Jonny is an active member of the Tayside Mountain Rescue team as well as their Medical Officer. He is currently faculty for the Scottish Mountain Rescue Cascare certification program, WEMSI Wilderness Technician & Physician courses, and of course our very own Unique Expeditions.
Dave Strachan is a Major in the Royal Army Medical Corps, working as a Vascular Registrar alongside the NHS with particular interests in major trauma, damage control surgery and the management of frostbite. He holds diplomas in Immediate Care, Medical Care of Conflict and Catastrophe and Mountain Medicine. Outside the hospital Dave is an active BASICS Doctor, a Clinical Educator and course director for PHECC. He freelances as a Winter ML, climbing instructor, expedition and event medic as well as having 15 years experience in Mountain Rescue.
Hit Play To View A Taster:
Kit List
You will need:
Warm clothing including a down jacket
Waterproof top to bottom
Winter walking boots
Headtorch
Food
Day pack
Tent, sleeping mat and appropriate sleeping bag (if you plan on camping)
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*If you need to hire additional items e.g. ice axe or crampons both Cairngorm Mountain Sports and Ellis Brigham in Aviemore Village offer this.
Full disclosure... this course is amazing! Don't believe us? Check out Imogen's review at The Adventure Medic Magazine independent course review here.
Details
Accommodation
You'll be staying at the Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel. You can choose from two options for accommodation. If you fancy a challenge you can wild camp in the forest behind the hostel. Alternatively you can choose to stay in a bunk inside. We highly recommend camping for at least one night of the trip for the most authentic experience. It's a great chance to test out your kit in cold weather, with the safety net of a warm bed inside if you get too cold.
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Transport
If you are arriving by car, you can park at the youth hostel. If you don't have wheels pop a post in the forum to make contact with someone who may offer you a lift. The nearest train station is in Aviemore, approximately 15 minutes drive from the hostel.
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Food
The trip is self-catered to keep your costs down. We recommend Expedition Foods (discount code "unique10") or The Fell Store (discount code "uniqueexpeditions") for your suppers and plenty of snacks.
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Got more questions? They're probably answered on our FAQ page... and if not then feel free to pop a post in the forum and one of our team will reply to you. If it's a question you'd rather ask privately, you can get in touch with us via the 'Contact Us' page.
