Before heading into the forests of the Bolivian Amazon, our team took part in an intensive first aid and field safety course led by the excellent professionals of the Institut d’Estudis Mèdics (IEM) in Barcelona. Fieldwork in remote environments requires not only strong research skills, but also the ability to respond calmly and effectively when unexpected situations arise.
During the training, team members reviewed the fundamentals of first aid and emergency response in remote settings: from treating injuries and managing medical emergencies to making critical decisions when far from immediate medical assistance. The course was highly practical and demanding, designed to prepare us for the realities of working in tropical forests where distance, heat, and isolation can quickly turn small incidents into serious challenges.
Although intense, the training was an invaluable experience. It strengthened our confidence, reinforced our collective responsibility for safety in the field, and reminded us that careful preparation is essential for conducting research responsibly in remote environments. We are deeply grateful to the team at Institut d’Estudis Mèdics for equipping us with the knowledge and skills that will help keep our team safe during the months ahead in the Amazon.
