Mountain Medicine Festival 2026

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and British Mountain Medicine Society (BMMS) are pleased to announce that their highly successful MOUNTAIN MEDICINE WEEKEND will be happening in Hathersage again on 16th & 17th May 2026. This event provides mountain first aid teaching from the British Mountain Medicine Society to those who love the outdoors. It is open to novices and anyone who wishes to increase or refresh their knowledge. You might be a volunteer walk leader, rescue team member, an outdoor instructor, a guide requiring CPD or a lover of the outdoors keen to up their skills. The workshops are relaxed and presented in a language everyone can understand. All are welcome. See below for the workshops on offer each day.

This year, there is extra excitement as Hathersage will also host the biannual International Society of Mountain Medicine 3 day INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN MEDICINE CONGRESS from 18th to 20th May 2026. Also hosted by BMMS, this unique event will bring together leading experts and enthusiasts in mountain medicine from around the globe to exchange ideas.

The 5 days together are billed as a MOUNTAIN MEDICINE FESTIVAL, welcoming anyone with an interest in mountain activities and medicine / first aid – from sea cliff climbers to Himalayan mountaineers, skiers & bikers, mountain rescue personnel, doctors & nurses, paramedics, physiologists and students – if mountain activities are your hobby, something you enjoy as a volunteer or what you do as a professional – come and join us in Hathersage – we hope there’s something for everyone.

Both events have social opportunities running alongside, giving participants the change to connect, relax and enjoy Hathersage and the surrounding Peak District.

Programme Highlights

16-17 May (Sat – Sun): BMC / BMMS Mountain Medicine Workshops (fondly known as the ‘lay persons’ weekend). Led by volunteers – BMMS doctors, healthcare professionals and mountain guides.

Places booked on the BMC website: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/en/mountain-medicine-weekend

18-20 May (Mon- Wed): ISMM International Mountain Medical Congress. Each day has plenary sessions, practical workshops and poster presentations. Led by UK and International Mountain Medicine experts. The Wednesday will have a special focus on hypothermia.

For further information and to book a place, visit the Congress Website: https://www.mountainmedicinecongress.com/

Optional Sessions for Saturday 16 May

Primary survey - Beginners / Refresher | Initial survey of the unwell casualty – using a standardised structure

First Aid Kits | Advise on contents and packing of first aid kit for various trips.

Soft Tissue Wounds | Management of superficial wounds, additional considerations in a remote environment.

Nutritional considerations for the outdoors | Understanding what fuel’s the body, for mountain activities and how to supply what it needs for a good day out

Basic life support in the mountains | Review of BLS, consideration of the challenges the mountain environment brings to this (people available, time awaiting help, distance from hospital)

Splinting of the injured casualty | Splintage methods (and reasoning) for injured limbs in the mountains

Water Purification | Understanding the importance of drinkable water, and a look at the variety of method of achieving this.

The restorative power of the outdoors | Discussion around the healing nature of the outdoors for both our physical and mental health.

Exertional heat illness | Discussion around heat illness importance of prevention, how it should be managed and what equipment is useful to do so

Pre-trip advice and common medical problems | Medical and practical advice for those participating or advising people going on trips into the mountains.

Managing a patient with polytrauma | Managing a patient with multiple injuries: primary survey in more complex scenarios.

Foot care: taping strapping and general care  | Common foot issues in the outdoor and management of these.

Expedition Dentistry | ‘Where there is no dentist - an introduction workshop to remote dentistry

Optional Sessions for Sunday 17 May

A Simulated Mountain Rescue Incident | A discussion about what UK mountain rescue teams do, how to call them, how to join, followed by a demonstration of equipment through a scenario with a casualty

Travel at high altitude and acclimatisation | Introductory session to travel at high altitude and the physiological effects on the body. How the body acclimatizes to this environment. Best practice of travel to stay healthy.

Altitude Illness and its management | Definitions of altitude illness: AMS, HACE, HAPE. Recognition of these and their management. Including demonstration of a hyperbaric chamber for treatment

Frostbite  | Recognition and management of none freezing Cold Injury.

Hypothermia | A discussion about the Swiss Stages of hypothermia, how to identify and manage patients at each stage

Hand Injuries in climbers |  Treatment and prevention of climbers’ hand injuries

Children in the outdoors | Discussion about issues specific for children in the mountains and different approach to managing their care.

Dogs in the mountains | How to provide medical care for dogs in the outdoors, from basic first aid to life support.

Eye care | Eye care and common problems occurring in different outdoor environments. How these can be managed.

Managing existing medical problems in the outdoor environment  | Discussion of the common pre-existing medical complaints people of all ages have (asthma, diabetes, heart issues). How to best prevent deterioration in the outdoors and first line management if needed.

Management of catastrophic haemorrhage | Causes of life-threatening blood loss from wounds and how this can be managed

Mountain incidents: Teamwork and Human Factors  | Awareness of the role of human factors in incidents and group management. Planning a positive influence and avoid negative impacts.

Practical Information

This will be an informal congress – expect soft shells, hoodies, and trainers rather than suits and ties. Accommodation will range from hotels and pubs to the YHA, climbing huts, and campsites. Venues across Hathersage and the Hope Valley, including the Memorial Hall and local churches, will be connected by minibuses, or you can bring your bike.