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First Aid & Emergency

Expedition Supervisor quick-reference toolkit

Emergency: Call 999 / 112 for serious or life-threatening illness or injury. Give a clear location and arrange access/evacuation. This guide supports decision-making and does not replace formal first aid training.
☎ Call 999
🚑

Primary Survey – DRSABCD

Structured approach for any serious incident.

DangerEnsure the scene is safe for yourself, the casualty and the group.
ResponseCheck for responsiveness.
Send for HelpCall 999 / 112 and provide an OS Grid Ref or other clear location.
AirwayOpen the airway using head tilt–chin lift.
BreathingCheck breathing for up to 10 seconds.
CPR30 compressions : 2 breaths.
DefibrillatorUse an AED if available and follow its instructions.
🩸

Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding can become life-threatening within minutes.

RecogniseHeavy/uncontrolled bleeding; blood pooling or soaking clothing; pale, cold or clammy skin; dizziness or faintness.
ActApply firm direct pressure and a sterile dressing. Do not remove embedded objects.
EscalateCall 999 if bleeding remains uncontrolled. Monitor for deterioration.
☀️

Heat-Related Illness

Recognise heat illness early and stop activity.

Heat ExhaustionHeadache, nausea and warm skin. Stop activity, move to shade, cool and encourage fluids.
Heat Stroke – EMERGENCYConfusion or altered mental state with hot skin. Call 999 / 112 immediately, commence aggressive cooling and prepare for evacuation.
❄️

Hypothermia

Cold, wet and windy conditions can cause rapid deterioration.

MildConscious, violent shivering, reduced physical ability. Shelter, insulate from ground, replace wet clothing, rewarm slowly.
ModerateDisorientation, decreasing responsiveness, slow/shallow breathing, shivering reducing/stopping. Keep horizontal, do not give food/drink, call 999 / 112.
SevereUnresponsive/no apparent breathing with cold skin. Handle with extreme care and arrange urgent emergency evacuation.
💧

Dehydration

Common during prolonged activity, heat, diarrhoea or vomiting.

RecogniseThirst, dark strong-smelling urine, reduced urination, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth/lips/tongue.
ActRest, rehydrate with water and electrolyte solutions, and monitor.
🫁

Asthma & Anaphylaxis

Breathing problems require early recognition and escalation.

AsthmaWheeze, shortness of breath, tight chest, persistent cough. Sit upright and assist inhaler use. Call 999 if no improvement.
Anaphylaxis – EMERGENCYLip/tongue/throat swelling, breathing/swallowing difficulty, hives, dizziness/collapse. Administer auto-injector and call 999 immediately.
🧠

Head Injury

Symptoms may be immediate or delayed.

RecogniseHeadache, confusion, nausea/vomiting, drowsiness, unequal pupils or loss of consciousness.
Supervisor ActionContinue observation. Do not return to strenuous activity while symptomatic. Seek medical review when in doubt.
🦴

Sprains, Strains & Fractures

Mobility problems can turn a minor incident into an evacuation.

RecognisePain, swelling/bruising, difficulty weight-bearing, deformity or reduced movement.
ActionRest, ice, compression and elevation. If fracture is suspected, immobilise, do not straighten and arrange evacuation.
🔥

Burns

Stoves, hot liquids and open flames are common expedition hazards.

MinorCool under running water for 20 minutes and cover loosely.
SevereDo not remove stuck clothing or burst blisters. Call 999 if serious.
🦶

Blister Care

Treat hot spots early before they affect group mobility.

PreventWell-fitted boots, dry socks and early hot-spot treatment.
TreatCover early. Drain only if sterile and necessary; apply a protective dressing.
🐍

Bites, Ticks & Plants

Useful recognition and immediate actions for UK expeditions.

TicksRemove promptly with an appropriate tick tool. Do not squeeze, burn or apply substances. Seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
Adder BiteKeep calm and limit movement, clean the bite, use a cool compress, remove tight jewellery/clothing. Call 999 / 112 if deterioration or severe reaction occurs.
Giant HogweedWash immediately with copious soap and cool water, avoid sunlight for at least 48 hours and seek advice if severe/worsening.

Recognition cues and immediate actions for expedition environments. Record incidents and escalate early when severity is uncertain.