Outdoor First Aid Course - December
Date - 5th & 6th December 2026
This 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course equips participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to respond to first aid situations in remote or outdoor environments where professional medical assistance may be hours away. The course is fully compliant with national guidelines and is ideal for individuals operating in outdoor, wilderness, or remote settings.
This course fulfils the national awarding body standards for:
- British Canoeing Coaches, Leaders and Guides working in moderate or advanced environments
- Mountain Training UK and Ireland instructors, coaches and guides with the following awards:
- Rock Climbing Instructor
- Rock Climbing Development Instructor
- Lowland Leader
- Hill and Moorland Leader
- Mountain Leader
- Winter Mountain Leader
- Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor
- Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor
- British Cycling Mountain Bike Leader Level 2 and Level 3
- British Orienteering Coaches
- British Caving Association Local Cave & Mine Leader, Cave Instructor Certificate Holders
- Scout leaders with adventurous activity Leadership permits
- Ski Instructors
- Paddleboard Instructors
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Leaders
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Leaders
- Environmental & Field Researchers
- Forestry Workers, Rangers & Ecologists
- Anyone working or adventuring in the outdoors for recreation, volunteering, or employment
Course Content Includes:
Core First Aid Knowledge
- Understanding the role and responsibilities of an outdoor first aider
- Health & Safety legislation relevant to remote first aid
- Incident assessment and management in outdoor environments
- Using and maintaining appropriate first aid equipment
- Preventing cross-infection
- Documenting incidents and treatments
- Managing casualties when help is delayed
Casualty Management in Outdoor Settings
- Performing a scene assessment
- Understanding environmental considerations (e.g. heat, cold, terrain, weather)
- Dealing with multiple casualties
- Prioritising treatment needs in remote incidents
Recognition and Management of Injuries and Illnesses
- Primary & secondary surveys
- Managing unresponsive casualties:
- Recovery position
- CPR and AED use
- Major medical conditions:
- Heart attack and angina
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Asthma
- Anaphylaxis
- Diabetes
- Hypo/hyperthermia
- Shock (including anaphylactic and hypovolaemic)
- Immersion incidents and cold water shock
Injuries Common to Outdoor Environments
- Head and spinal injuries
- Fractures, sprains, and dislocations
- Chest, abdominal, and pelvic injuries
- Eye injuries
- Wounds, bleeding, and burns
- Bites and stings (including Lyme disease)
- Electric shocks and exposure-related conditions
- Poisoning and environmental hazards
Certification
On successful completion of the course, candidates will be issued with a certificate of completion, valid for 3 years.
The content of this course is matched with the IOL Statement of Good Practice on Outdoor First Aid at Band 3
Course Format & Assessment
- Duration: 16 guided learning hours
- Typical Timings:
- 09:00 - 18:00
- Assessment Includes:
- Multiple-choice paper
- Practical skill assessments
Entry Requirements
- Suitable for learners aged 16+.
- Must be physically capable of performing CPR on the floor and other outdoor first aid procedures
Group Sizes
- Minimum: 6 candidates (for open/scheduled courses)
- Maximum: 12 candidates per instructor (as per HSE guidelines)
- For larger groups, we can provide additional instructors—please contact us to arrange a bespoke course
Availability
- Location TBC
- International delivery available—please note that the course content aligns with UK outdoor first aid standards