Base Camp First Aid

24/07/2026

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. It can be caused by food, medicine or insect stings. Call 999 if you think you or someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis happen very quickly.

They usually start within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to, such as a food, medicine or insect sting.

Symptoms include:

swelling of your throat and tongue
difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
feeling tired or confused
feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
skin that feels cold to the touch
blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet

You may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.

Call 999 if:
your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
someone faints and cannot be woken up
a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

What to do if you have anaphylaxis
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you're with is having an anaphylactic reaction:

Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.

Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction.

Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you're struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you're pregnant, lie on your left side).

If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin.

If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.

Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.

How to use an adrenaline auto-injector
There are different types of adrenaline auto-injectors and each one is given differently.

EpiPen instructions (EpiPen website)
Jext instructions (Jext website)

Treatment for anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis needs to be treated in hospital immediately.

Treatments can include:

adrenaline given by an injection or drip in your vein
oxygen
fluids given by a drip in your vein

You'll usually stay in hospital for around 2 to 12 hours, but you may need to stay longer.

Before you leave hospital, you should be given 2 adrenaline auto-injectors, or a prescription for them, to keep in case you have another anaphylactic reaction.

An adrenaline auto-injector is a special device for injecting adrenaline yourself. You'll be told how and when to use it.

You should be shown how to use your adrenaline auto-injector each time you're prescribed it.

You may also be referred to an allergy specialist for tests and advice.

Things you can do to help prevent anaphylaxis
There are some things you can do to help prevent anaphylaxis or prepare for if it happens.

Avoid the food, medicine or thing that you're allergic to – for example, if you have a food allergy, check food labels carefully and tell staff at restaurants and cafes about your allergy

Carry 2 adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times

Check your adrenaline auto-injector expiry dates regularly and get new ones before they expire

Practise how to use your adrenaline auto-injector by using a trainer injector (an injector that has no needle or medicine in it) – you can order one online from the company that makes your injector

Teach friends, family, colleagues or carers how and when to use your adrenaline auto-injector

Use your adrenaline auto-injector if you think you may have anaphylaxis, even if your symptoms are mild

Wear medical alert jewellery such as a bracelet with information about your allergy – this tells other people about your allergy in case of an emergency

Do not leave your adrenaline auto-injectors anywhere too hot or cold such as in the fridge or outside in the sun

Causes of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis happens when your body has a serious reaction to something you're allergic to.

Allergies that can sometimes cause anaphylaxis include:

Foods such as nuts, cows' milk, eggs, fish or sesame seeds

Medicines such as antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Insect stings, such as wasp and bee stings

Anaesthetics

Latex (a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms)

Sometimes it's not known what caused an anaphylactic reaction.

23/07/2026

In a remote environment in the mountains for example you may not be able to make a phone call but you may be able to send a text as they need less bandwidth to be sent. The problem with calls is that you need to ensure you'll have proper reception during the length of the call. Sometimes signal quality is simply not good enough to allocate the necessary bandwidth for a voice call, but you can still send/receive texts because the bandwidth you need for that is really narrow.

· The emergency SMS service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard.

So in an emergency situation being able to text 999 rather an phone them can save lives, potentially your own.

You will need to register your mobile phone before using the emergency SMS service. Simply by sending an SMS message to 999 you can call for help and the emergency services will be able to reply to you.

How to register your phone for text SMS - Register your mobile phone with the service before an emergency happens. Simply text ‘Register’ to 999. Wait for the reply so you know you are registered. Yes it is that simple.

When an emergency happens – If an emergency happens we advise you only to use SMS to contact the emergency services if you have no other option. This is because it will take longer than other methods such as calling 999, however if you cant make the call use the text service.

Create an SMS message containing the details below:

Which service? Need Ambulance, Coastguard, Fire Rescue, or Police

What? Briefly what is the problem

Where? Be as accurate as possible when giving the location. The better your information is the faster the emergency services will be able to send help. Using the App What3Words is a very easy and useful way to give your location particularly in rural areas.

22/07/2026

The Essential First Aid Skills Every Outdoor Adventurer Should Know

By Base Camp First Aid

Spending time outdoors—whether hiking, climbing, camping, or trail running—comes with incredible rewards, but also inherent risks. When accidents happen far from immediate help, your first aid skills become your most valuable survival tool. At Base Camp First Aid, we believe that every adventurer should feel confident handling common outdoor injuries.

1. Bleeding and Wound Care

Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations are among the most common outdoor injuries. Learn to:

Apply direct pressure

Dress and bandage wounds

Recognize signs of infection
A well-stocked first aid kit with sterile gauze, tape, and antiseptic wipes is non-negotiable.

2. Sprains, Strains & Fracture Support

Uneven terrain makes ankle injuries especially common. First aiders should know:

The R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

How to apply an improvised splint

When to evacuate a casualty

3. Hypothermia & Heat Illness

Weather changes rapidly in the wild. You must be able to:

Recognize early symptoms

Provide insulation or cooling

Understand when a casualty needs urgent evacuation

4. CPR & AED Confidence

Cardiac emergencies are rare outdoors but incredibly high-stakes. CPR and AED competence saves lives, full stop.

Final Thoughts

Skill and preparation turn dangerous moments into manageable situations. Consider a comprehensive outdoor first aid course to ensure you’re ready for whatever nature brings.

21/07/2026

What Is Lyme Disease and How Is It Spread?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected deer ticks (Ixodes species). First recognised in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, the disease has since spread across the Northern Hemisphere, becoming its most common tick-borne illness.

Ticks don’t start out infected. They pick up bacteria from small animals—particularly mice—before passing it on to humans. In most areas, only 5–15% of ticks carry Lyme, and this varies by region and by year. Still, it only takes one infected tick to cause serious illness, so awareness matters.

Spotting Ticks: What They Look Like
Ticks go through several stages—larva, nymph, and adult—and grow in size as they feed:

Larvae: tiny, 6-legged, and least likely to be infectious

Nymphs: small but visible, 8-legged, highly active, and more likely to carry pathogens

Adults: the largest stage; females grow significantly after feeding

A tick’s body swells as it fills with your blood, sometimes becoming several times its original size.

Recognising Lyme Disease: Early Warning Signs
Catching Lyme disease early makes a huge difference. Look out for:

Erythema migrans (“bull’s-eye rash”)
A widening red rash that may appear 3–30 days after a bite. It can reach up to 30 cm wide.

Flu-like symptoms
Fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, swollen glands.

Joint problems
Intermittent pain or swelling, especially in large joints such as the knees.

Neurological symptoms
If untreated, Lyme may cause facial palsy, meningitis, and nerve pain or weakness.

If you develop any of these signs—especially after time outdoors—take action promptly.

How to Avoid Tick Bites
Ticks thrive in long grass, heather, leaf litter, and overgrown trails. Reduce your risk with simple precautions:

Avoid sitting or walking in tall vegetation when possible

Wear long sleeves and trousers; tuck trousers into socks

Use a DEET-based insect repellent (keep it away from climbing kit or expensive waterproofs)

Perform a full-body tick check after time outdoors

Keep informed about tick-borne illnesses in your area

Consider vaccination if recommended

Good habits go a long way toward preventing a ruined adventure.

Removing a Tick Properly
If you find a tick attached—don’t panic. Remove it as soon as possible:

Use fine-tipped tweezers
Grip the tick right at skin level.

Pull upward steadily
No twisting, squeezing, or yanking.

Clean the area
Use alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.

Dispose of the tick safely
Seal it in a bag, submerge in alcohol, crush it, or flush it.

Check yourself again
Ticks rarely travel alone.

Monitor for rashes or symptoms
Signs of illness can appear weeks later.

❌ What NOT to do
No petroleum jelly, nail polish, heat, matches, or “smothering” methods. These stress the tick and increase the chance of infection.

When to See a Doctor
You should contact your GP if you:

have been bitten by a tick

develop a rash

experience flu-like or neurological symptoms

have been in an area known for ticks

Early treatment usually involves Doxycycline, which is highly effective when started quickly. Early blood tests can give false negatives because antibodies take time to develop, so symptoms and exposure history often matter more at first.

The Future: Lyme Disease Vaccination
As of 2024–2025, Pfizer and Valneva have completed the primary vaccination series for their Phase 3 trial: VALOR (Vaccine Against Lyme for Outdoor Recreationists). Results are being monitored through 2025, with regulatory submissions expected in 2026. This vaccine aims to protect people in both Europe and the U.S.—a huge step forward.

A Note on Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
TBE is a separate but serious viral infection carried by ticks, capable of causing meningitis or encephalitis. Cases previously linked mainly to travel abroad are now appearing within the UK, with 21 cases identified between 2015–2023 and a spike in 2022–2023. Vaccination is available, and the same prevention measures used for Lyme are essential.

The Bottom Line
Ticks are a part of the outdoors—but they don’t have to ruin your adventure.
With awareness, good habits, and quick action, you can dramatically lower your risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Stay informed. Stay vigilant. Stay adventurous.

20/07/2026

DofE Mountain Rescue Checklist Card
A quick‑reference guide for emergencies in the hills

1. FIRST STEPS

Keep calm

Give first aid

Keep casualty warm, dry, sheltered

Assess if they can walk – if not, prepare to call for help

2. CALLING FOR HELP

Dial: 999 → Ask for Police → Mountain Rescue

If no signal: try 112, move to higher ground, or send a text (if registered with EmergencySMS).

3. INFORMATION TO GIVE (ATMIST)

A – Age/details

T – Time of incident

M – Mechanism (fall, twist, etc.)

I – Injuries

S – Signs (bleeding, response level)

T – Treatment given

4. EXTRA INFORMATION

Your name & phone number

Grid reference + description of location

Hazards (steep ground, scree)

Weather (wind, visibility, cloud)

Numbers in group

Colours of clothing / group shelter

Other phone numbers in group

SAMPLE (if casualty is conscious)

Signs/symptoms

Allergies

Medication

Past medical history

Last food/drink

Events leading up to incident

5. IF NO SIGNAL OR LOW VISIBILITY

Whistle: 6 blasts = help • 3 blasts = reply
Torch: 6 flashes

6. WHILE WAITING FOR RESCUE

Keep casualty warm & protected

Share food/water

Monitor consciousness

Prepare group shelter

Conserve phone battery

Stay together unless instructed otherwise

7. HELICOPTER SAFETY

Arms up in a Y = “Yes, we need help”

Secure rucksacks & loose kit

Remove group shelter before helicopter arrives

DO NOT grab lowered cables

Night: do NOT shine torch at aircraft

8. ESSENTIAL DofE KIT REMINDER

Whistle

Torch + spare batteries

Group shelter

First aid kit

Charged phone + power bank

Map & compass

Stay calm • Stay warm • Stay together

14/07/2026

Regulated 16 Hour Outdoor First Aid course. Limited spaces - email for more information.

22/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/191nY9577q/

02/04/2026

Here's what First Aid Ninja actually does 👇

I set: Difficulty → Medium | Environment → Construction site | Qualification → FAW

I hit Generate.

20 seconds later I had 3 scenarios complete with vital signs, step-by-step actions, debrief points, and moulage notes.

The kind of thing that used to take me an hour.

firstaidninja.com — free to try.

01/04/2026

Quick question for the group —

How long do you spend writing scenarios before a course?

🔴 Less than 30 mins
🟡 30 mins to an hour
🟢 1-2 hours
⚫ Too long. Way too long.

No judgement — genuinely curious. Drop your answer below 👇

Get more website visits

29/03/2026

Safety is a community effort. 🤝 Thank you for following. Whether you're a pro or a hiker, we're here to keep you safe.

Visit basecampfirstaid.com.