Our Kilimanjaro porters receive first aid training

Safety isn’t just a box to tick at Follow Alice, it’s a core principle that guides everything we do on Kilimanjaro. For us, it’s about more than helping trekkers reach the summit safely; it’s about fostering a culture of care and professionalism across our entire crew. This is why all our guides and porters receive ongoing training in first aid and emergency response. The crew are not just support staff; they are frontline safety responders who ensure the well-being of every climber.

Many trekking companies do not provide formal first aid training for porters; however, at Follow Alice, we consider it vital. Our porters participated in free first aid programmes in Moshi, Tanzania, the gateway town to Kilimanjaro and home to many of our team members. The aim is simple, and that is to build practical skills that save lives while giving our crew confidence and opportunities for growth, both on and off the mountain. If you have any questions about our mountain crew, feel free to schedule a call with us.

Follow Alice porters during their first aid lesson in class.

Learn more: Meet Follow Alice's awesome Kilimanjaro mountain crew

At Follow Alice, first aid training goes far beyond the basics. Led by qualified wilderness medical instructors, the programme combines theory with hands-on practice, preparing our guides, cooks and porters to respond confidently in real-life mountain situations.

These are the areas covered during the training:

1. Wilderness First Aid principles

2. Altitude awareness

3. Trauma and injury response

4. Cold-related emergencies

5. CPR and emergency procedures

6. Hygiene, sanitation, and food safety

Training also included realistic scenarios and simulations, allowing porters to practise skills under pressure. Upon completion, participants receive a first aid certificate, demonstrating their readiness to respond effectively in emergencies.

Chris Sichalwe, our Tanzania director, is in action during the training.

The environment on Kilimanjaro does not come without its challenges. Even minor incidents can become serious without proper care: a small cut can get infected, mild dehydration can quickly turn dangerous, and altitude sickness can escalate if not recognised early. This is why having trained guides and porters who know how to respond immediately isn’t just helpful, it can make the difference between a safe trek and a medical emergency. Let's look at the reasons why this Kilimanjaro first aid training is important:

A trained porter is often the first person on the scene in these situations. They can stabilise injuries, monitor symptoms, communicate with guides, and assist with evacuation, preventing minor issues from becoming emergencies. Beyond safety, training empowers porters professionally. Many porters aspire to become assistant guides or lead guides, roles that require leadership, problem-solving, and advanced first aid skills. By offering training, we support their career growth and professional development.

Follow Alice porters concentrating on the first aid demonstration.

Trained porters are better prepared to respond to emergencies, monitor for altitude sickness, and assist guides in keeping the group safe. They gain confidence, professional skills, and recognition for their important role in every climb. Ultimately, first aid training strengthens teamwork, reinforces Kilimanjaro safety as a core principle, and ensures that every trekker benefits from a crew that is capable, alert, and ready to act when it matters most.

Let's take a look at the benefits of first aid training for porters tackling Kilimanjaro daily:

Porters are often the first to encounter incidents between camps. Immediate attention can prevent minor problems from escalating, particularly with altitude-related illnesses.

Safety on Kilimanjaro is a shared responsibility. Trained porters complement guides, assisting with monitoring health, stabilising injuries, and communicating effectively during emergencies.

Porters who are equipped with knowledge and certification feel more confident and valued. This leads to higher morale, improved professionalism, and better service for trekkers.

Safety is not a one-person job. When everyone on the mountain understands first aid, the entire crew becomes a safety network. This reinforces Kilimanjaro safety as a core principle at every stage of the trek.

One of the Follow Alice crew members is trying to do a practical.

We also encourage cooks and other support staff to participate. On Kilimanjaro, emergencies can happen anywhere in camp, the kitchen, or along the trail. A crew-wide understanding of first aid ensures a holistic approach to safety.

This inclusive strategy benefits everyone:

Follow Alice's crew, concentrating on their practicals.

Learn more: What is a Kilimanjaro tipping ceremony?

Our Kilimanjaro porters loved taking part in the first aid training. For many, it was their first opportunity to learn structured, certified skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. They were engaged, asked questions, and practised techniques thoroughly, drawing on real-life experiences from the mountain.

Porters are being trained to hold a stretcher.

Completing the programme gave them a real confidence boost, knowing they could respond effectively to emergencies for trekkers and fellow crew members alike. At the end, each participant received a first aid certificate, a recognition of their skills, professionalism, and commitment to safety. The experience strengthened team morale and reinforced the principle that Kilimanjaro safety is a core value at Follow Alice, starting with a knowledgeable and empowered crew.

The team were invested in the process.

At Follow Alice, safety on Kilimanjaro is more than a slogan; it’s at the heart of everything we do. We plan routes to allow for proper acclimatisation, use high-quality gear and medical kits, and take care of our crew with fair treatment, good hydration, and proper meals. Our guides and porters also take part in regular training to keep their skills sharp. Every decision we make on the mountain is about keeping both trekkers and crew safe while creating a culture of care and professionalism. Join us on a Follow Alice climb and experience a trek where safety, care, and professionalism come first.