Training

UFRC would like to advise all members and clubs that training opportunities are available for those wishing to become qualified in Leadership to help promote safety when rambling. There are courses available that cover all levels including:

First Aid (REC Level 2 Emergency)

The Emergency First Aid Course is certified for three years and is an entry point for the REC scheme. It is the approved course for British Canoeing, Mountain Training, Royal Yachting Association Cycling Ireland and other governing bodies of sport..

It is designed to introduce a systematic way of first aid for managing casualties. Topic learning and practical’s intermixed with scenarios of real situations. The course includes:

The fundamental workings of the body, in particular the heart, lungs and airway
Assessing a casualty
Introduces a system to cope with all incidents as safely as possible
Deciding how to deal with an accident or incident
Awareness of delayed medical help and adverse environmental conditions

Please note that in order to maintain the certification that this training offers it need to be completed every 3 years.

Lowland Leader

The Lowland Leader qualification has been designed for people who wish to lead groups on day walks in lowland countryside and woodland in summer conditions. The majority of the UK and Ireland is made up of this type of terrain so you’ll never be short of places to go walking.

The leadership opportunities for Lowland Leaders are varied and far reaching, from the South West Coast Path to the Great Glen Way; walking in lowland areas can be no less spectacular than walking high up in the mountains. And with campaigns such as Britain on Foot and Walking for Health proving really popular, there’s never been a better time to be a walking leader.

Hill and Moorland

This qualification is ideal for walkers who want to learn the skills required for effective group leadership in the hill and moorland areas of the UK and Ireland. It is used extensively by those involved with delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as many walk leaders and outdoor instructors. Hill and Moorland Leaders operate in terrain that is generally more remote than that used by Lowland Leaders and not as steep or rocky as ground covered by Mountain Leaders

Each course provides the opportunity for an assessment and more information about these and other courses and other can be found at: Courses – Tollymore National Outdoor Centre The Centre is located near Newcastle County Down and can be contacted directly on 028 4372 2158

Mountaineering Ireland also offer similar course for people who will find it more convenient to attend. Details on what they offer can be found by following the link https://www.mountaineering.ie/TrainingAndSafety/default.aspx

UFRC would encourage all members, particularly walk leaders, to take advantage of these courses. If you would like any additional advice concerning training then please feel free to contact William Mitchell, who is the UFRC committee member that leads promoting safety on our hills.