Since 2007, Cory Jones, Director of Outdoor First Aid and a founder of First Aid Training Co-operative, has been traveling to Africa to provide Wilderness First Aid training. His extensive experience and dedication have led to the formation of “Adventure First Aid” in collaboration with Savage Wilderness, a renowned adventure and training company based in Kenya.

The Journey Begins

Cory’s journey to Africa began over a decade ago, where he initially provided wilderness and advanced first aid courses. His commitment to enhancing safety standards for adventure guides in East Africa was evident from the start. Over the years, Cory has trained numerous guides, many of whom hold Paddle UK and Mountain Training (MT) qualifications, ensuring their skills are recognized and ratified according to UK standards.

Partnership with Savage Wilderness

In 2017, Cory partnered with Savage Wilderness to officially form “Adventure First Aid.” This collaboration aimed to provide specialized first aid training tailored to the unique challenges faced by adventure guides and outdoor enthusiasts in Kenya. Savage Wilderness, known for its extensive outdoor activity programs, provided the perfect platform to launch this initiative. Together, they have created a comprehensive training program that combines practical scenarios, extensive information, and professional execution.

Developing Local Expertise

One of the primary goals of “Adventure First Aid” has been to develop a team of local first aid instructors who can deliver training to the same high standards as those in the UK. Over the past eight years, Cory has worked tirelessly to build this team in Kenya and Rwanda. The focus on local trainers is crucial for sustainability, as they can conduct courses in local languages and adapt the training to suit cultural contexts, making it more relevant and understandable.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Development

Cory’s role extends beyond training; he also provides quality assurance for the teams and their learner journeys. His annual visits to East Africa include trainer support, knowledge updates, and continuing professional development. This ensures that the trainers are always equipped with the latest skills and methodologies to deliver effective first aid training.

During his recent trip in January and February 2024, Cory introduced a new generation of trainers. Five new potential trainers in Kenya and one in Rwanda were supported through their Education and Training Award, First Aid at Work qualification, and live teaching sessions. These sessions offered practical experience and constructive feedback, essential for their development as first aid instructors.

Training Locations and Impact

The training sessions in Kenya were primarily conducted around Nairobi, with some courses held at the River Camp in Sagana near Mount Kenya. Kenyan first aid trainers have run courses from the coast to Turkana. This geographical diversity ensures that a wide range of guides and community members benefit from the training.

The Broader Impact

The work of “Adventure First Aid” and the development of local first aid trainers have had a profound impact on the local communities. These trainers take their knowledge and skills back to their communities, teaching simple yet life-saving techniques. The importance of this grassroots approach cannot be overstated, as it empowers communities to respond effectively to emergencies, ultimately saving lives.

Looking Ahead

Cory Jones’s dedication to first aid training in East Africa, in partnership with Savage Wilderness, continues to make a significant difference. The ongoing support and development of local trainers ensure that the high standards of first aid training are maintained and adapted to local needs. As “Adventure First Aid” grows, it promises to further enhance the safety and preparedness of adventure guides and communities across East Africa. Cory Jones’s work exemplifies the impact that dedicated training and local empowerment can have on community safety and resilience, creating a legacy of life-saving skills in East Africa.