First Aid Training for Guides in Gisenyi, Rwanda

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, Gisenyi is a gateway to some of East Africa’s most thrilling outdoor adventures. From paddling on the serene waters of Lake Kivu to mountain biking along the Nile Trail and trekking through lush forests in search of gorillas, the area offers a rich array of experiences. Guides and instructors are the backbone of these activities, ensuring safety and creating unforgettable journeys for visitors. Recognising the need for robust first aid skills, we delivered a comprehensive outdoor first aid course in Gisenyi, tailored specifically for paddle guides, mountain bike guides, and gorilla wildlife guides.

The training brought together new guides and instructors from diverse disciplines, focusing on the unique challenges faced in Rwanda’s varied environments. For paddle guides working on Lake Kivu, the risks of water-based activities were a primary focus. The course covered techniques for managing cold water shock, near-drowning, and capsizing incidents. Participants practiced retrieving casualties from the water, performing CPR for drowning victims, and stabilising them onshore. Additionally, we addressed managing minor injuries like cuts and bruises, which are common when handling paddling equipment.

Mountain biking along the Nile Trail presents its own set of hazards, from high-speed falls to collisions with obstacles on the rugged trails. For bike guides, the training emphasised stabilising fractures, managing head and spinal injuries, and controlling bleeding. Scenarios included treating a casualty who had fallen on rocky terrain and improvising transport for injured cyclists in remote areas. We also explored techniques for dealing with heat exhaustion and dehydration, both of which are significant risks under Rwanda’s tropical sun.

For gorilla wildlife guides, who lead treks through dense forests and hilly terrain, the emphasis was on managing injuries from falls, bites, and stings. Participants learned how to treat cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds, as well as recognising and responding to allergic reactions to insect stings. Given the physical demands of trekking, we also covered monitoring clients for signs of overexertion and managing pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes during strenuous activities.

Across all disciplines, the course included essential CPR and AED training, ensuring guides were prepared for life-threatening emergencies. Participants practiced delivering high-quality chest compressions and using AEDs in scenarios where access to professional medical help might be delayed. The importance of effective communication with rescue services and medical teams was also a key focus, with guides learning how to provide clear, concise information about a casualty’s condition.

What set this course apart was its integration of realistic, scenario-based exercises designed to reflect the diverse challenges of guiding in and around Gisenyi. From water rescues on the shores of Lake Kivu to managing injuries on the Nile Trail’s rugged paths or treating casualties in the forested terrain of gorilla treks, the training prepared guides to handle emergencies in the environments where they operate.

The training not only equipped these new guides with the skills needed to ensure client safety but also instilled the confidence to act decisively in emergencies. For paddle guides, bike guides, and wildlife guides, being prepared for the unexpected is an essential part of the job, especially in a region where adventure and remote locations go hand in hand.

Gisenyi’s growing reputation as an adventure hub highlights the importance of professional, well-trained guides who can guarantee the safety and enjoyment of visitors. This first aid course was a vital step in supporting the area’s guides as they embark on their careers, ensuring they are equipped to handle emergencies with expertise and confidence.

To book a course contact us via email in the first instance. Cory Jones our Director is lead trainer for a range of organisations including First Aid Training Co-operative, Kingfisher Journeys and Adventure First Aid in Kenya.