Outdoor First Aid Course Devon
2‑day Outdoor First Aid Devon training course delivered at our Dartmoor training venue
16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Course in Devon
This 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course in Dartmoor, Devon, provides practical, scenario-based training for those working in remote, wilderness, mountain, and outdoor environments. It builds the confidence and skills needed to manage serious first aid emergencies where access to emergency services may be delayed.
The course is recognised by a range of National Governing Bodies for outdoor instructor qualifications, including Canoeing and Kayaking (Paddle UK), Mountaineering and Rock Climbing (Mountain Training), BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors), and mountain biking awards such as MIAS and British Cycling.
It is also widely acknowledged across forestry, environmental work, field studies, research, and conservation sectors.
Upcoming Scheduled Dates
Outdoor First Aid training centres on Dartmoor, Devon.
Looking for a course in Cornwall? View our Outdoor First Aid Training in Cornwall page.
Certification & Accreditation
Since 2024, following updates to the First Aid at Work accreditation framework introduced in 2013, we have delivered our First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work, and Outdoor First Aid courses independently. This allows us to focus on practical, real-world training tailored to the needs of high-risk and remote environments.
Our Outdoor First Aid open courses are not accredited by an external awarding organisation. This is because the training is designed to be highly practical, flexible, and focused on real-world application in remote and outdoor settings, rather than being bound to a fixed external assessment framework.
All participants receive a nationally recognised certificate, valid for 3 years, issued by us upon completion. Training is delivered to a high professional standard, based on current best practice and real-world operational experience.
For organisations that require formal external accreditation, we also offer Ofqual-regulated certification through an awarding organisation upon request, available at an additional fee per person.
Outdoor First Aid Training in Devon and across the South West
Training takes place at our Dartmoor venue in Devon, where you’ll learn to assess, manage, and treat casualties in genuinely remote settings. You’ll work with limited resources, unpredictable weather, and delayed emergency response, the same challenges outdoor professionals face every day.
We also offer on-site delivery anywhere across the South West. Whether you’re an outdoor instructor, Duke of Edinburgh leader, adventure guide, or responsible for groups in remote terrain, this course provides the practical skills and confidence to keep people safe.
Participants receive a fully accredited 16-hour Outdoor First Aid qualification, recognised across the UK outdoor industry, accepted by the Forest School Association for Level 3, valid for three years, and assessed through practical scenario exercises and a multiple-choice examination.
Outdoor First Aid Training in Devon and across the South West
Training takes place at our Dartmoor venue in Devon, where you’ll learn to assess, manage, and treat casualties in genuinely remote settings. You’ll work with limited resources, unpredictable weather, and delayed emergency response, the same challenges outdoor professionals face every day.
We also offer on-site delivery anywhere across the South West. Whether you’re an outdoor instructor, Duke of Edinburgh leader, adventure guide, or responsible for groups in remote terrain, this course provides the practical skills and confidence to keep people safe.
Participants receive a fully accredited 16-hour Outdoor First Aid qualification, recognised across the UK outdoor industry, accepted by the Forest School Association for Level 3, valid for three years, and assessed through practical scenario exercises and a multiple-choice examination.
Built for leaders in demanding outdoor environments
Whether you’re operating across remote moorland and challenging terrain, coastal and cliff-side environments, woodland and Forest School settings, rural locations with limited access, or busy outdoor education and activity sites, this qualification equips you with the skills and confidence to lead safely in Devon, whether that’s supporting expeditions like Ten Tors or delivering programmes such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
For those needing a higher clinical qualification, our FREC 3 course in Devon provides advanced pre‑hospital care training.
Outdoor First Aid Course Content
The course uses immersive, scenario-led exercises. Delegates also practice structured casualty management, prioritisation, and effective communication, building confidence in outdoor and remote settings.
Outdoor Incident Management
Assessing incidents in remote environments
Managing multiple casualties
Communication and emergency planning
When and how to call for help
Environmental and Outdoor‑Specific Injuries
Hypothermia and cold exposure
Heat illness and dehydration
Bites, stings, and environmental hazards
Trauma and Medical Emergencies
Bleeding control and wound management
Fractures, sprains, and dislocations
Head, neck, and spinal considerations
Asthma, anaphylaxis, seizures, diabetes
Improvised Techniques
Using outdoor kit to stabilise injuries
Improvised splints and slings
Casualty movement on uneven terrain
Training content is fully aligned with the UK Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2025.
Who this course is for?
This course is designed for any outdoor professional operating in Devon who needs practical first aid skills, including:
Mountain leaders and walking guides
Outdoor instructors and activity leaders
Duke of Edinburgh expedition supervisors
Forest School leaders and outdoor educators
Expedition and adventure tourism leaders
Scout and youth group leaders
Many roles require a 16-Hour Outdoor First Aid qualification, making this course suitable for both achieving and maintaining NGB awards.
Looking to advance your skills further? Explore our FREC 3 First Response Emergency Care Training for more advanced pre-hospital care in high-risk and remote environments.
Browse our upcoming courses
Optimal First Aid are your Outdoor First Aid specialists. All our trainers are seasoned practitioners with extensive field experience and expert teaching skills. That means every course is practical, memorable, and genuinely enjoyable.
As Devon’s trusted provider of hands-on two-day Outdoor First Aid courses, we run regular sessions across the region, so there’s almost certainly a course starting near you soon.
Book a private course
Our private first aid courses can be delivered wherever you need, at a time and location that suits you, anywhere across the UK.
We bring the training to you and tailor every course to your organisation’s specific requirements.
With a maximum of 12 participants per trainer, our private courses are hands-on, personalised, and excellent value.
Why train with Optimal First Aid?
Our Outdoor First Aid programme is developed and overseen by a former military medic with extensive operational experience in outdoor environments, outdoor education, and mountain leadership. This ensures the course reflects real‑world challenges and practical, effective solutions.
Delivered on Dartmoor, Devon, or directly at your premises, this accredited course provides practical, hands-on training from experienced instructors.
You benefit from:
- Training built on real‑world trauma and outdoor experience
- A consistent, high‑quality syllabus across all instructors
- Clear, practical teaching focused on confidence and competence
- Small groups for maximum hands‑on time
- Realistic outdoor scenarios tailored to Devon’s terrain
- Trusted by schools, outdoor centres, and Forest School providers across the Southwest
Join us at our Dartmoor training centre, or we can bring the Outdoor course to your site anywhere across Devon, Exeter, Torquay, Newton Abbot, as well as North Devon locations such as Barnstaple, Bideford, and Ilfracombe.
Reviews
“A really useful course with practical learning for the outdoor scenario which is so much more useful than just the First Aid at Work course”. R Edmonds, Google review
“Very experienced and professional trainer, who clearly really knew his stuff having been a medic in the Army. Trainer was friendly and helpful always able to answer any question and give real examples of incidents he’d dealt with to back up learning” W Dalton, Google review
“The practical exercises were brilliant and really gave the feel of an actual emergency” C Andrew
“Attended a great outdoor first aid training course with Toby from Optimal First Aid. Very knowledgeable, hands-on experience. Well-tailored to our workplace. Highly recommend” J Knight, Google review
“Great outdoor first aid course hosted at our school we teach at- really engaging and informative” J Cross, Google review
Outdoor First Aid Course Devon FAQs
Our Outdoor First Aid courses in Devon are delivered from our Dartmoor training locations Haytor or Princetown, with practical scenarios designed around rural, woodland, moorland, and remote inland environments commonly found across Devon.
Yes, the course is highly relevant for those working or operating on Dartmoor and other remote areas of Devon, focusing on casualty management, evacuation planning, and prolonged care where emergency response times may be extended.
We provide Outdoor First Aid training for businesses, outdoor providers, and teams across Devon, including Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, and surrounding rural locations. Group and on-site delivery can be arranged where required.
Training reflects the varied environments found across Devon, including moorland, woodland, farmland, and remote countryside settings where access, terrain, and weather can impact emergency response and casualty care.
This course is ideal for outdoor instructors, forestry workers, agricultural professionals, expedition leaders, and remote workers who operate in Devon’s outdoor and rural environments.
Unlike standard first aid courses, this Outdoor First Aid training focuses on real-world outdoor incidents, including remote casualty care, environmental exposure, improvised evacuation, and decision-making in locations where immediate medical assistance may not be available.
Contact Us
Have a question about our Outdoor First Aid course or need help choosing the right training for your role? Whether you’re an instructor, expedition leader, or working in remote or outdoor environments, we’re here to help. Complete the form below and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours with clear, practical advice.
