1. Initial Expedition Training Revision 1.00 Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment

2. What is IET about? Preparing you to undertake self-sufficient expeditions in the UK and abroad.

3. What is an expedition? Generally: a journey with an aim.

4. Why do we undertake expeditions? Expeditions are used by all branches of the UK military to help train and develop the people who serve. Expeditions help you to develop: ● Teamwork skills ● A spirit of adventure ● Courage ● Organisational skills ● Independence ● Resilience ● Adaptability These characteristics are central to two of the ATCs core aims. They are also looked on very favourably by civilian employers.

5. How does this fit into the ATC? National Navigation Award Scheme Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition section Nijmegen marches Sponsored events such as the Poppy Appeal Walks from the British Legion. And finally... just because it’s there

6. Contents There are a number of key skills that you need: By the time you finish this course, you should understand what these skills entail, know who to approach for answers and be ready to train for your first practice expedition for the Bronze DoE award. Food and cookingRoute planningSelecting kit Expedition first aidWeather forecastsCampcraft

7. Initial Expedition Training Chapter 2 – Food and cooking Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment Revision 1.00

8. Calories. Carbohydrates Fat sources Protein

9. Some tasty examples.

10. Trangiers are easy to use and MSR gas works well when cold

11. Smaller stoves for more advanced use. A pocket rocket in action

12. Practical session: cooking competition.

13. Initial Expedition Training Chapter 3 - Kit Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment Revision 1.00

14. Each member should have:- Rucksack and polythene bag Compass Whistle Emergency rations First Aid kitMap Equipment

15. Chapter 3 – Tents and shelters Group shelter Good for lunch in the rain Two-man dome-style Vaude Good for wild country work. Four-man tent Comfortable, but not so good for carrying Three-man ridge tent Good for cadet expeditions

16. Chapter 3b - Kit adjustments There are a small number of adjustments that will need to be made to any kit before it’s ready to use. Most kit is good to go when you buy it. We will look at the small number of exceptions: ● Rucksacks ● Walking poles ● Gaiters By the end of this section you will know how to adjust your kit to make it comfortable and safe for use.

17. Chapter 3 – Rucksacks Make sure any Back System is best for you, and that the sack fits! Size is in Litres –35-45l is Daysack sized –65-75l is good for overnight expeditions –75l> is probably too big, but used by military Rucksacks are generally NOT waterproof!

18. Load Carrying Use a rucksack liner or big plastic sack to keep everything dry Make sure fuel is sealed, bagged, and kept away from food Don’t dangle stuff on the outside!

19. Chapter 3 – Rucksacks These need careful adjustment to prevent discomfort.

20. Chapter 3 – Walking poles Good for taking some of the weight off your knees

21. Chapter 3 – Gaiters Warm and waterproof – useful in wild country and when walking through wet vegetation.

22. Initial Expedition Training Chapter 4 – First Aid and Emergencies Uncontrolled copy not subject to amendment Revision 1.00

23. What is Exposure? Exposure to extreme climatic conditions Extreme cold can lead to HYPOTHERMIA Extreme heat can lead to HEAT STROKE or EXHAUSTION Climatic conditions do not need to be extreme though!

24. Hypothermia Fall in core body temperature If not stopped, can lead to unconsciousness, respiratory / cardiac failure, and death Younger people more likely to suffer UK climate as bad as the Arctic!

25. Causes of Hypothermia Cold Exhaustion Tiredness Low morale Stress Injury (Shock)

26. Causes - Weather If bad weather occurs, getting off the hill ASAP might not be the best move – can lead to exhaustion Windchill is often underestimated Rain makes clothes wet, added wind makes the body cool quickly!

27. Causes - Exhaustion Brought on by trying to take on too much in one go Or not having sufficient reserves Plan carefully, take plenty of stops for rest, fluid, and energy replacement Don’t overdo it!

28. Symptoms of Hypothermia Unexpected unreasonable behaviour Complaints of coldness / tiredness Physical / mental lethargy Failure to respond to questions / directions Slurring of speech Failure to appreciate something is wrong Failure / abnormality in vision in serious cases

29. Treatment of Hypothermia Get casualty into shelter – tent, hut, bivvi, etc Remove wet clothing and replace with dry Put casualty into sleeping bag(s) isolated from ground Put another person into sleeping bag to provide warmth Provide warm drink Resuscitate if required Keep warm and still until evacuated – may relapse

30. Avoiding Hypothermia Use proper walking equipment and waterproofs Monitor weather Carry emergency food and tent Take a good meal at start of expedition Know how to deal with problems when they arise PLAN PROPERLY!

31. Hypothermia The Russian Winter killed many of Napoleon’s troops: Hypothermia turned the tide of a war.

32. Effects of Heat Even in the UK, heat can be a problem Serious sunburn and heat exhaustion can be major problems Overheating can be a problem, even on cold days Body must be properly ventilated, and topped up with fluids

33. Dehydration Body requires 2.5 litres of water per day May rise to 5 times that amount in the hills – 12 litres if really hot! Fluid is lost through body sweat, which cools the shell Also loose salt in sweat – if you loose too much, can cause cramps Body must be kept topped up – little and often

34. Sunburn Skin which is not protected can burn and blister Protect yourself with a high-factor barrier cream / sunblock Doesn’t just happen in the summer! High winds can produce wind burn Treat with Calomine Lotion, or in severe cases, seek medical attention

35. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: –Thirst, Fatigue, Giddiness, Rapid pulse, High body temp, low urine output, delirium, coma, death. Can avoid only be keeping body fluid intake up Keep salt intake up too

36. Heat Stroke VERY SERIOUS Body’s temperature regulating system has failed Symptoms: –High body temp, no sweating, skin dry to the touch, lack of coordination, coma, death. Sponge down with water, cool with damp cloth, immerse in cold water if possible

37. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke Heat stroke is an emergency – phone 112.

38. Blisters

39. Potentially dangerous! Don’t underestimate them Treat as soon as possible –Smear with antiseptic –Cover with broad plaster or chiropody felt –Can use special blister pads –Only burst in severe cases, and make sure skin is clean, and needle is sterile –Change dressing daily, and at every chance, let it harden in fresh air

40. Chapter 4 – Getting help