Join top doctors for a one-off weekend of UK and high altitude first aid in Hathersage this June.
Following on from the success of last year's event we'll be teaming up with the holders of the Diploma of Mountain Medicine to run this weekend again. Organised by Dr David Hillebrandt, president of the UIAA Medical Commission and honorary medical advisor to the BMC, this event will provide the opportunity to receive first aid training from experts in the field of mountain medicine.
Based in Hathersage in the Peak District on the 3rd and 4th June 2017, the course will be run over two days, with the first day focusing on UK crag/hill medicine, and the second day focussing on high altitude first aid for the Alps and beyond.
THIS EVENT HAS NOW HAPPENED. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN EARLY 2018 FOR DETAILS OF NEXT YEAR'S EVENT
Who is the weekend for?
This course is suitable for anybody with an interest in the outdoors, in addition to this if you're a member of BMG, AMI, BAIML or MTA there are CPD points available (1 CPD point per day attended). No specific level of experience or previous knowledge is required.
When is it and where is it?
The course will take place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June 2017, in and around Hathersage in the Peak District. Registration will be open from 9am by the Outside car park on both days, with sessions running from 10am to 5pm.
Social scene
On Saturday evening there will be beer and a barbeque (free to all course attendees, donations encouraged), and a fundraising lecture by Ian Parnell in the Hathersage memorial hall.

One of Britain’s leading alpinists, mountain photographer, film-maker, associate editor of Climb magazine, and new chair of the BMC International Committee, Ian will be regaling us with tales from his climbing career including Annapurna III, El Cap, and the Eiger north face with Ranulph Fiennes. His humorous yet inspirational insights into the world of mountaineering are accompanied by stunning images and raw footage, capturing the reality of modern mountaineering.
Food, accommodation, travel and parking
Food and accomodation are not provided as part of the course, and we'd like to encourage people to make use of local accomodation, pubs, etc.
There are several hotels, B&Bs, pubs and a YHA in Hathersage itself, and the North Lees campsite is around 2 miles from Hathersage centre.
We'd encourage course attendees to travel to and from Hathersage by public transport, or to lift share. Parking in Hathersage is limited and we'd request that attendees do not park in the car park at Outside during the day as this is reserved for shop patrons.
Workshops
There will be five one hour workshop sessions per day with the choice of the following workshops. Please note that workshops will be allocated on a first come first served basis, where possible we will attempt to accommodate all requests.
Day one – Saturday 3 June - UK Mountain Medicine
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Primary survey
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Road traffic collisions
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Splints, dressings & packaging
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Hypothermia prevention and treatment
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Hyperthermia prevention and treatment
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UK first aid kits
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UK mountain activities with pre-existing conditions
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Children in the UK mountains
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Medical communications in the UK mountains
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Lyme disease and other bugs
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Human factors in mountain medicine
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Climbers hands
Day two – Sunday 4 June - Mountain Medicine Alps and Beyond
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Primary Survey
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Frostbite and non-freezing cold injury (NFCI)
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Avalanche medicine
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Dental problems
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Expedition medical kits
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Mountaineering with pre-existing conditions
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Trekking with children
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Hyperbaric bags and pulse oximeters
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Altitude illness
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Human factors
Price and booking information
The cost for the course is just £65 for a single day, or £100 for both days.
All profits from this weekend will go towards BMC Expedition funding. Last year's event raised a total of £3136.56.
Please note:
Places on clubs workshops are not guaranteed until payment has been received.
Cancellations within 14 days of the course starting will not be eligible for a refund.
Cancellations 15-28 days prior to the course starting will get a 50% refund.
Cancellations more than 28 days prior to the course starting get a full refund.
If the course is cancelled by the BMC a full refund will be offered.
THIS EVENT HAS NOW HAPPENED. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN EARLY 2018 FOR DETAILS OF NEXT YEAR'S EVENT
There is a discount available to students and unwaged people of £10 per person per booking. In order to receive the discount please book and pay for the student/unwaged option, and send proof of status to suzanne@thebmc.co.uk.
Please note: this course is tailored to the very specialised needs of the participants in aspects of mountain medicine and will not follow any formal first aid qualification. A certificate of attendance will be offered but no formal qualification.
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Many thanks to Outside for their support and assistance in organising this event.

Courses for indoor climbers making their first moves onto rock
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Who are they for?
These courses are ideal for novice climbing club members, students, parents and individuals who may have had the odd taster of climbing outdoors and wish to gain key safety skills at an excellent price. They may also be a good precursor for people contemplating the Single Pitch Award training. You should already know how to put on a harness and belay. These courses are for people aged 18 or older.
What do the courses cover?
A variety of topics will be covered during the day as well as offering a fun taster to outdoor climbing. Topics may include:
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Types of trad climbing equipment
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Placing good protection
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Building good belays
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Using guidebooks
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Seconding/top roping
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