uiaa/rec training completed at the kasbah du toubkal

december 1st - 7th: REC first aid training to concLude a three year UIAA/rec training programme for berber mountain guides at the kasbah du toubkal

Introduction: This final visit concludes a three year training programme delivered by myself and Helen Menhinick (ML) of Bryn Walking. We both gave our time freely as Volunteers but our expenses were covered by Discover ltd., who operate and manage the Kasbah du Toubkal.
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Three UIAA Mountain Skills course were delivered over this period to twenty mountain guides based at the Kasbah du Toubkal. This final visit was really to refresh some of the REC First Aid certification.

The UIAA Mountain Skills course is 5 day course which involves a 3-day expedition and the REC Trekking First Aid course which is 6hrs in duration.
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The course content includes:

1. ​Mountain Skills Scheme & Representative Bodies
2. Mountain Hazards
3. Mountain Environment
4. Maps
5. Navigation
6. Route Planning
7. Personal Equipment
8. Emergency Procedures
9. Movement on Steeper Terrain and Broken Ground

​Almost all of the Berber guides we trained believe there should be a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) up at the high lodges at 3200m. Interestingly, when I surveyed this question in the UK, most UK based leaders thought the opposite!

Mike McHugo Founder MBE Discover Limited / Kasbah du Toubkal writes:

"Alan Ward and Helen Menhinick have been running UIAA Mountain Skills and REC First Aid courses for many years at the Kasbah du Toubkal both for our staff and for many freelance guides that we and others use to guide visitors on fantastic treks including summiting Jbel Toubkal 4,167M.  

​These courses have given the confidence and skill sets of the participants to run safe, informative, enjoyable excursions in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains."

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REC TREKKING FIRST AID (6hrs) - for mountain guides

Feedback:

1. Abdul Karim - "Many thanks again Alan for everything. This is the second time that I have the course. It helps me in my daily life. My 3yr old son survived choking on a grape thanks to the skills you taught me. Shukran Mr Alan and Mike for organising the course."
2. Jamal Zabri from 360 Expeditions - "You are the best person I met in 2025. Thanks to give us your time."
3. Latifa Asselouf - "I am privileged to attend your course again. It makes me strong and feel comfortable when I am walking with my clients and in my daily life. Thank you so much Alan."

rec life saver first aid (4hrs) for hotel staff at the kasbah du toubkal

Feedback:

1. Lahcen - “Alan delivered the first aid training in a very professional and friendly way. He explained everything clearly and made sure everyone understood. The team learned a lot and felt confident after the session.”
2. Omar - “The first aid course with Alan was excellent. He used real examples and practical exercises, which made the training very useful for our work at Kasbah du Toubkal. Alan was patient and very knowledgeable.”
3. Youssef - “Alan was a great instructor. He created a relaxed atmosphere and encouraged everyone to participate. The training was well organized and extremely helpful for our team.
4. Mohamed - “We really appreciated Alan’s approach to teaching first aid. He was clear, calm, and professional. The team gained important skills that will help us in emergency situations.”
   
5. Team Feedback (Kasbah du Toubkal Staff) - “The first aid training led by Alan was very successful. He adapted the course to our environment and needs. We highly recommend Alan as a first aid instructor.”​

REC lifesaver first aid (4hrs) for housemothers from the education for all morocco charity

Feedback:

1. Saida - This first-aid training was the first time I had the opportunity to apply these skills in a practical workshop. Thank you all. 
2. Fatiha - Now I truly understand how important it is for a person to receive this kind of training, because we face such situations in our daily lives and often don’t know how to react.
3. Khadija - Through this training, I was able to correct several misconceptions that I had carried throughout my life.
4. Latifa - This training made me understand the necessity of ensuring that a first-aid kit is available in every environment, as its contents can provide a critical chance of survival for anyone who is injured.​ With the amount of information we learned during this training, I feel even more encouraged to help whenever needed, because I now understand the true importance of first-aid skills.

َ                                                        THANK YOU 
We would like to express our  sincere gratitude to you Alan and Latifa for your  exceptional efforts. Your careful planning, continuous support, and commitment to creating a meaningful learning experience made this training truly valuable for all of us.

Thank you for your professionalism, your guidance, and for giving us the opportunity to grow and develop new skills. We deeply appreciate.