When Every Second Counts: Life-Changing Wilderness First Responder Training in Nepal

A four-hour drive from Kathmandu would forever change how we think about emergency preparedness in remote areas.

Written By Kesang Yudron, Founder and Director of Conscious Connections Nepal

The winding mountain roads carried us away from the bustling streets of Kathmandu toward the serene hills of Bandipur, where our 10-day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training awaited. Organized by Initiative Outdoor Nepal and offering SOLO (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities) certification, this intensive program would soon prove to be one of the most valuable experiences of our lives.

 Why Wilderness First Aid? A Question That Answered Itself

Initially, I questioned whether I really needed wilderness first aid training. That doubt quickly dissolved when I considered the reality of our work. Our programs take us deep into remote regions like Sankhuswabha in northeastern Nepal, where the nearest functioning hospital can be days away. We’ve encountered lightning storms and landslides that delayed our journeys between villages, leaving us completely cut off from medical assistance. In these moments, the question shifted from “Why do I need this?” to “How can I afford not to know this?”

 The sobering truth hit home: when you’re hours or days from professional medical help, you become the first—and possibly only—line of defense against medical emergencies.

Photo Credit: Conscious Connections Nepal

A Comprehensive Journey Through Wilderness Medicine

The SOLO Wilderness program unfolded as a meticulously structured 10-day immersion into pre-hospital medicine. From learning proper patient consent procedures to conducting thorough patient assessments, developing rescue plans, and understanding human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, every element was designed to transform us into capable wilderness first responders.

Days 1-3: Foundation Building

The first three days focused on fundamental first aid training alongside 25 participants, many of whom were mountaineering guides from Nepal’s thriving tourism industry. Conducting the training in Nepali ensured that local guides could fully grasp these life-saving concepts and apply them with their clients.

Photo Credit: Conscious Connections Nepal

We tackled everyday ailments that can quickly become serious in remote settings: treating bruises and controlling bleeding, managing dehydration and food poisoning, addressing sprains and respiratory issues. Each lesson carried personal weight—I couldn’t help but think of my cycling accident from years past that resulted in a keloid scar. Had I possessed this knowledge then, I could have managed that injury far more effectively.

For Igroom, who had previous first aid experience, the course served as both a refresher and confidence booster. She found herself more assured in handling bleeding emergencies and performing CPR, skills that felt more natural after hands-on practice in realistic scenarios.

Beyond the Basics: Skills That Save Lives

What truly distinguished this program was its emphasis on improvisation and adaptation. Working with limited resources, we learned to create medical equipment from whatever was available—a crucial skill when your “medical kit” might consist of hiking gear and natural materials.

The practical emergency scenarios were intense and enlightening. Each simulation began with the critical safety assessment: Is it safe for me to enter this scene? We learned to don protective equipment systematically—gloves, masks, and any other barrier devices available—before approaching any patient.

The primary assessment protocol became second nature: Airways, Breathing, Circulation, Deformation, and Environment. This systematic approach helps identify immediate life threats in those crucial first minutes. The secondary assessment taught us to build a complete medical picture through vital sign monitoring, patient history gathering, and thorough documentation—skills that become invaluable when eventually transferring care to medical professionals.

The Art of Knots: Engineering Safety in the Wild

Photo Credit: Conscious Connections Nepal

One unexpected treasure trove of knowledge was learning various knots and loops: figure-eight knots, bowlines, clove hitches, and others. These weren’t just rope tricks—they became essential tools for creating improvised splints, building emergency shelters, and executing complex rescue operations. Discovering this “vault of knowledge” felt like unlocking a secret language of wilderness safety. We practises making the knots many times until it felt second nature.

Water Rescue: Confronting Our Deepest Fears

Perhaps the most memorable—and nerve-wracking—component was the water rescue training. Swimming in a mountain stream while learning to assist drowning victims tested both our physical capabilities and mental resolve. We practiced rescue breathing and CPR in realistic conditions, but the most crucial lesson echoed throughout: don’t become the second victim. This principle of self-preservation isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. A rescuer who becomes another casualty helps no one.

Real-World Impact: Beyond Personal Preparation

This training illuminated a broader truth about disaster preparedness. Consider Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake: hospitals were overwhelmed, roads were impassable, and communities were isolated for days or weeks. In such scenarios, widespread first aid knowledge among the general population could mean the difference between life and death for countless individuals.

The ripple effect of wilderness medicine training extends far beyond personal preparedness. Every person trained becomes a potential lifesaver in their community, workplace, and family. Mountain guides can better protect their clients, teachers can respond to student emergencies, and ordinary citizens can step up during natural disasters.

A Vision for the Future

We believe WFR training should be integrated into school curricula nationwide. The skills learned here aren’t just for wilderness enthusiasts—they’re life skills that serve everyone, everywhere. From urban emergencies where ambulances might be delayed to rural areas where medical facilities are distant, this knowledge remains relevant and potentially lifesaving.

Our gratitude extends to the Conscious Connections Foundation for providing this transformative opportunity. But our journey with wilderness medicine doesn’t end here. We’re committed to sharing this knowledge, training others in our communities, and building a network of capable first responders who understand that sometimes, when help is far away, we must be prepared to be the help others need.

Participants of the training, including CCN Director Kesang Yudron and Staff Member Igroom Lama

Photo Credit: Conscious Connections Foundation Nepal

The Takeaway

Wilderness First Responder training taught us that being prepared isn’t about expecting emergencies—it’s about being ready to respond effectively when the unexpected happens. In remote areas where we work and live, this preparation isn’t just valuable; it’s essential.

Whether you’re planning outdoor adventures, working in isolated areas, or simply want to be a more prepared community member, wilderness medicine training offers skills that could one day save a life—perhaps your own, perhaps someone you love.

When every second counts and help is far away, knowledge becomes the most powerful tool you can carry.

Introducing Conscious Connections Nepal: A New Chapter!

Written by Lisa Bower, Board Member

Hello, Conscious Connections family! We’re thrilled to reconnect with you and share some transformative news that has been brewing behind the scenes. After a quiet few months of dedicated work, we’re excited to announce our new partnership that will expand our impact in Nepal.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Vision

In mid-December, Conscious Connections Foundation (CCF) took an important step forward by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Conscious Connections Nepal (CCN), our new partner organization in Nepal. This collaboration isn’t just a formality—it’s a vibrant commitment to deepening our work on the ground. By joining forces, CCN now becomes an independent, registered non-profit in Nepal with the ability to receive funds directly from abroad, which means we can support community projects more efficiently and effectively.

At Conscious Connections Foundation, our mission is to invest in the power of women and girls to be key participants in their society. Partnering with CCN amplifies this mission, allowing us to work more directly with local partners and reduce administrative hurdles. In turn, CCN gains the flexibility to seek additional funding, ensuring that their programming can expand and evolve with the needs of Nepal’s diverse communities. Over the years, CCF has been dedicated to training women leaders, and we are thrilled to see several of them now stepping into influential roles at CCN—turning their skills into action and shaping a brighter future.

CCF and CCN with Drokpo Nepal staff. Left to right: Pema Yangkyi Gurung (MH Program Director of Drokpo), Sonam Dolma Lama (Director of Drokpo), Kesang Yudron (CCF board member and CCN Founder and Director), Denise Attwood (co-founder/Chair of CCF), Chunta Nepali, and Igroom Lama (CCN Staff Member)

What CCN Brings to the Table

Strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR):
CCN is set to continue and deepen the critical work of CCF on SRHR, including: 

• menstrual health education

• training women to make reusable menstrual pads;

• distributing pre-made reusable menstrual hygiene kits;

• supporting women by exposing myths about menstruation; and

• continuing to engage and support members of the LBGTQI+ community and other marginalized groups across Nepal.

Boosting Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship:
In addition to health initiatives, CCN will further its work in livelihood and entrepreneurship. By supporting women and girls in skills development that provide reliable income, they’re not only fostering creative enterprise but also building pathways for economic independence.

Championing Education:
Education remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. CCN will continue to support education through scholarships and other initiatives, opening doors for Nepal’s women, girls, and marginalized individuals to a brighter future.

Addressing Climate Change:
In a world where climate change is reshaping lives around the world, CCN is also boldly stepping into a new arena. They will focus on helping rural communities adapt to environmental changes, with special attention to the links between climate change, women, SRHR, and economic empowerment.

While these initiatives might seem ambitious, the CCN team is embracing a step-by-step approach—ensuring that every project is both impactful and sustainable and learning is captured along the way.

CCF and CCN with the Nepal Disabled Women’s Association Kavre. Left to right: Sabitri Dahal (Consultant to Nepal Disabled Women Association Kavre), Denise Attwood (co-founder/Chair of CCF), Pampha Pulkoti (VP of Nepal Disabled Women’s Association Kavre) and Kesang Yudron, (CCF board member and CCN Founder and Director)

What’s on the Horizon?

As we look ahead in 2025, CCF and CCN have been hard at work outlining a clear vision for the upcoming year. In a detailed review at the end of 2024, we finalized the budget that will guide CCN’s projects over the next 1 to 1.5 years. 2025 will be our most ambitious year yet! Stay tuned for updates as we share more about specific projects in the coming months. It’s also important to note that while we have set long-term plans, CCN will retain the flexibility to provide emergency funding or adjust programming as new challenges emerge.

Moving Forward Together

CCF’s partnership with CCN is more than an administrative milestone—it’s a testament to our shared belief in empowering local communities and fostering sustainable change. We are also so excited to provide a leadership training platform for the incredible women now leading CCN - putting the women of Nepal front and center in shaping the future of the organization and their work in the country. 

As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us on the journey.  Thank you for being part of our growing community of changemakers. Together, we are building a future where connection and compassion lead the way. Help us continue to support important work taking place in Nepal. 

What CCF does and how it does it

CCF sponsored Menstrual Leadership Training in Kathmandu

By Kimberly A. Maynard, Ph.D.
– CCF Board Member

I have personally worked with, for, and beside hundreds of international aid organizations in many countries. I have professionally examined the intention and value and, ultimately, the impact of international aid work. What does truly caring about our fellow humans around the world and “doing good” look like in an organization? We are in an era of extreme resource imbalance within a globalized economy. Through the media, we are privy to the lives of others in the far reaches of the world 24/7. It tears our hearts when we witness an earthquake destroy a whole village or a young girl destined to hard labor deep in the hands of poverty. We are the privileged, the few, the top end of the ladder yet what do we do to help? How do we express our humanity effectively?

How Do We Do Good Well?

After a career in the field and decades examining this personally, I have boiled it down simply to exemplifying good ethics. In the end, we are humans who want to favorably touch and be touched by other humans. This entails two things for me organizationally: 1) upholding an excellent partnership relationship with those we work with and 2) making an effort to think long-term and to act short-term in the best interest of the community and country.

Last year while trekking to each of CCF’s projects, I kept this in mind. Sitting in a circle in front of the Baseri Health Clinic along with the clinic’s oversight committee and staff, I asked myself this same question: what does “doing good” look like. The clinic was in need of repair. Children from the school next door had taken to throwing rocks at it, which chipped the siding. Some of the rooms flooded during the monsoons due to poor run off and an inadequate foundation. What actions could CCF take that would support the long-term ability of the community to have and uphold a quality clinic and not simply do a quick fix? That day in the circle, we agreed on a plan. CCF engaged a local contractor who employed Baseri young men to upgrade some structural components of the clinic. The contractor, also a committee member, took responsibility to guarantee the work would be maintained in years to come. After our meeting, the schoolmaster from next door walked over to me and thanked CCF for helping ensure that the community had such a viable health service. He said he would personally ensure that children learned to appreciate the value of the clinic and that they would no longer throw rocks.

CCF Takes A Deeper Look At What It Does

That trip prompted some navel gazing among CCF’s Board members. Clearly, CCF is greatly appreciated among the Nepalis with whom we engage and whose lives we touch. How do we articulate how that works? How can our ethics and methods be made more visible and consistent in our work? How can we ensure our integrity, transparency, and underlying values are inherent in everything we do? CCF has held strong values since its inception, such as trusting and working closely with specific Nepali relationships to guide its grant-making. However, up until now, these had been more intuitive than verbalized.

The Board formed a committee to look deep into this question. We held a series of introspective discussions unpacking what we stood for and how we operate. This invisible substructure developed into clear, discernible philosophies and standards documented in What CCF Does and How and agreed to by the entire Board. It states our underpinning beliefs, what kinds of projects we fund and why, and our guiding principles and is the foundation of all our operations. In it, is a set of seven criteria against which we measure each proposal in deciding what to fund in upholding this platform.

For example, our internal discussions pointed directly to our belief that when women and girls thrive, the world is better off. Yes, there are many deserving issues, and CCF has chosen to center its work on women and girls. For decades, I’ve had a sticker next to my desk that reads, “For every year beyond fourth grade that girls go to school, family size drops 20%, child deaths drop 10%, and wages rise 20%; yet international aid dedicated to education is declining.” Paul Hawken’s Project Drawdown uses big data to list the 100 most important, already existing solutions to reversing global warming. It measures how much CO2 is either not emitted or is captured by each solution. Educating girls is number six, family planning is number seven, and the two combined are number one. CCF’s scholarships and menstrual hygiene training are right in there.

I learned early on that giving money and food to the women resulted in the whole family surviving better. When girls get a leg up, their entire lives are transformed, they have more choices, and they give back to their societies. CCF has seen this transformation with Nepali women and girls since its inception. So, we made explicit that our work is to support women and girls.

The Process Is As Important As The Product

Yet, my experience has underscored it is not just what an international aid organization does does but how it does it. The process itself can often become the majority of the benefit. CCF has always invested in trusted Nepalis to guide our actions. Making this explicit through our guidelines grounds us in these precious relationships. This stems from the fact that every organization has to decide how directive it will be. Will it use its education and experience to proffer activities to a community or will it ask the community—sometimes without much subject matter experience—to decide what to do?

CCF has decided to walk beside and partner with Nepali communities, working collaboratively on issues of interest related to girls and women. In this, Nepalis collectively benefit from CCF’s involvement (not least of which is financing), while we in the West learn from working closely with the unique Nepali cultures and approaches to their circumstances. That said, CCF remains open to the understanding that there will be situations when it walks ahead and directs change. Similarly, there will be situations when our Nepali partners have more insight and should rightfully lead. We see this two-way, accommodating modality deepening and strengthening our relationships.

Around the World Benefits

Another significant component of CCF’s internal workings that emerged during our discussions was the value of our North American partners. We are immensely grateful for the financial generosity that continuously delights and strengthens us. Indeed, without our bighearted donors, we could not do what we do. And yet the relationship goes far beyond the funding.

Despite most of the world now having full time access to information, our understandings of and exposure to other cultures is always limited. CCF plays a unique role in bridging some of this gap personally. Recognizing this, we renewed our commitment to bring glimpses of the rich Nepali life to our donors and to the internet public through our website, newsletters, blogs, fundraising, and personal interactions with other Americans. We see this cross-cultural sharing plays a crucial role in linking communities and individuals across the planet and contributing to a broader sense of our global humanity.

To Hell With Good Intentions

As we all have witnessed, the challenge is not in holding good intentions as we set out to “do good.” The pages of history and the streets of villages around the world are literally littered with examples of disastrous projects of well-intentioned aid organizations. I can personally attest to many “unintended consequences” of poorly designed, ill-thought out, and failed programs.

Unfortunately, the international system rarely holds international organizations accountable for such projects. It is the community, the local population who must live with the debacle. Some of this is the result simply of poor planning and inexperience, exaggerated expectations, funding shortfalls and other such natural naiveté. Much of it, however, can be avoided by knowing the context in detail and thinking longer-term. By imagining both the spinoff benefits and potential problems that might arise from both the project and the process used, one can develop a more informative perspective.

CCF has adopted this long-term thinking in our foundational platform. For each proposal, we ask ourselves whether the project will likely have been a good idea a generation (20 years) hence. Without the benefit of hindsight, we do our best to imagine the enduring positive and negative implications of our actions. In the Baseri example above, in the short-term, the clinic was repaired before the monsoons. By using a local contractor (instead of one from Kathmandu) who then hired community laborers using largely local materials, money went back into the area’s economy, local workers developed some capacity in this form of building repair, and the skills necessary for maintaining the clinic are now resident in the community. A generation from now, these capabilities will hopefully remain.

Living Our Values

During this reflective process, we asked ourselves, “Change is happening all the time; what part of that change do we want to be?” While articulating our values and methodology doesn’t fundamentally change what CCF does or how we do it, it does elevate our work to a higher level. We are now visibly more accountable to ourselves, as we have an agreement against which to measure our actions. We are also more accountable to our Nepali partners, as our transparency is a commitment to right relationship. Lastly, we are more accountable to the public and to our donors who can track how we manifest our principles in our activities. By being explicit about our actions and values and putting our integrity on the line, we hope to attract North Americans intrigued by our work as well as Nepali partners and other opportunities that align with our approach.

Like many others, my years in the field have developed an attentive eye towards international aid. Our responsibility to our fellow humans obliges us to ensure our good intentions equate to positive long-term impact to the best of our ability. Dependency, colonialism, entitlement, and cultural bias are just some of the challenges we face with our generosity and true interest in helping others. It is with that sensitivity that I am engaged in and so appreciate CCF’s concerted self-reflection. While we never know the full impact of our efforts, with our ongoing partnerships with Nepali colleagues, we hope to cultivate a better, more loving world for all—one in which we each bring what we have to the table and engage deeply in each other’s lives such that we truly are contributing to a more beautiful world.