In February 2024, Cory Jones, Director of Outdoor First Aid and a founder of First Aid Training Co-operative, will join forces with Kingfisher Journeys in Rwanda.

The partnership aim to deliver a series of Wilderness First Aid Training courses. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to enhance first aid capabilities among wildlife and adventure guides in East Africa, particularly in Rwanda and Kenya.

A Collaborative Effort for Enhanced First Aid Training

Cory Jones collaborated with Renson Muburu, a first aid co-trainer of Kingfisher Journeys. Together, they delivered first aid courses accredited to UK standards and meeting the requirements of the UK’s Health and Safety Executive. The training provided is of the highest quality, backed by a robust quality assurance system.

Cory Jones, with over 20 years of experience in first aid training and assessment, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This new partnership will enable hundreds of wildlife and adventure guides to be trained in life-saving skills. Additionally, local community groups and schools will be able to engage with first aid training as well.”

Impact of Previous Training Programs

The training in Rwanda follows the success of similar wilderness first aid courses in Kenya, which have been running for the past fifteen years. Thousands of individuals, including members of the Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association and Kenya Wildlife Service, have been trained in life-saving skills. Feedback from these courses highlights their practical, targeted, and engaging nature:

• Practical Scenarios: These help consolidate learning and correct mistakes.
• Extensive Information: Courses provide comprehensive and practical knowledge.
• Professional Execution: Training is tailored to specific environments and paced effectively.
• Enthusiastic Teaching: Trainers maintain good momentum and a positive learning atmosphere.

Sustainable First Aid Training Development

One of the core goals of this initiative is to develop local first aid trainers in Rwanda, ensuring sustainability. Local trainers can deliver courses in local languages and understand cultural nuances, making instruction more effective and relatable. This localized approach also empowers communities by increasing their knowledge of life-saving techniques.

Training Locations and Future Plans

In Rwanda, training sessions have been conducted in various locations, including Kigali (the capital), Musanze (near the Volcanoes National Park), and Gisenye (on the shore of Lake Kivu). These courses will be supported by Kingfisher Journeys, an adventure activity tour operator known for its inclusive and well-organized tours.

Conclusion

The partnership between Cory Jones of Outdoor First Aid & Kingfisher Journeys continues to develop Wilderness First Aid training in Rwanda. Cory ensures high standards and fostering local expertise, this initiative not only enhances the safety of adventure and wildlife guides but also benefits the broader community. The ongoing support and development of local trainers are crucial for creating a sustainable and effective first aid training ecosystem in the region.