Our day out with the Queen's Gurkhas Signals Regiment - First Aid Advice from the Army Medic

Our final session of the day was with the Gurkhas' Army Medic, who regaled us with advice on how to cope with everything from blisters to chaffing.

A video of this session would have been well worth while, but in the absence of this I will list as much of his advice as I can remember: -

1. Compeed plasters - very good if you know where your blisters are likely to appear e.g. A known "trouble spot". Don't apply to a formed blister, as it will take the skin off if you try to remove it. Warm plaster between your hands to make it more flexible before you apply it.
2. Tape your feet up before you walk - tape your heels and soles of your feet using wide surgical tape. Do whatever you can to avoid creases in the tape, where it touches the skin, as creases will create blisters.
3. Powder your feet before putting on your socks. Do NOT use "baby/talcum powder" as this will "clog" as your feet sweat. Use Athletes Foot Powder - e.g. Mycil (or Boots own brand which is cheaper and has the same ingredients!) How you apply this depends on how rich you are - shaking it over your feet from a great height if you're very rich, or alternatively putting the powder in a large ziplock plastic bag, that is big enough to get your foot in, and apply this way, so that you don't waste any.
4. Toenails - cutting nails horizontally across the top will reduce the risk of in-growing toe-nails; whilst cutting nails by following the shape of the toe will reduce the risk of losing (temporarily) the toe-nail itself! The chances of one of these two eventualities is relatively high, apparently!
5. Socks - cotton is best, NOT wool, however expensive they may be. '1000 mile' socks contain a layer of plastic, so are not ideal either. Ideally, have 4 pairs of clean socks on the day. One that you start with; one that you change at Checkpoint 7 (meal-stop); one that you change half way between Checkpoint 7 and the end; one that you keep as a spare in case you fall in a puddle, stream, lake or the sea, depending upon how far "off-piste" you go!
6. Boots - make sure that any footwear is properly "broken in", and don't tie laces too tight. You should be able to get two fingers under the tongue of the boot. For those who are concerned that if they take their boots off during a meal stop, their feet will swell up, the advice is that they shouldn't. If they are a bit tight after putting them back on, just loosen the laces slightly, tightening them again later when they feel more comfortable.
7. Chaffing - best approach to avoid this painful condition, especially around the nether regions, is to wear (non padded) cycling/Lycra shorts. For any male aircraft mechanics it is also acceptable to use talcum powder in the undercarriage area - but NOT flour, unless you want to make bread along the way - yeew!
8. Food & drink - fluid should be taken regularly and BEFORE you get thirsty! A mix of carbohydrate and protein mix is recommended, but make sure you are used to it before the day! On the day it may also be advisable to drink water from one bottle and a vitamin/mineral drink such as Berocca in the other. On the day before the event stick to your normal meal routine, but eat pasta between meals - you make need to double your calorie intake, but you will burn it off on the Event!
9. Clothing - Wear layers of clothing, putting on & taking off layers to suit the conditions.
10. Team awareness - Most important of all - this is a "team" event. Walk at the pace of your slowest walker and watch for any signs that they are not their usual self. Make sure all team members eat and drink properly and regularly. If you think they need a break but won't take one, say that you do! "Be the bigger person!" The team will benefit as a result.