Outdoor First Aid Courses in Devon and Cornwall
16 Hour | 2 Day Course | Outdoor First Aid
Outdoor First Aid Courses in Devon & Cornwall
At Optimal First Aid, we offer practical Outdoor First Aid courses across Devon, and Cornwall.
This course is run across Devon and Cornwall including venues in Truro, Torquay Dartmoor, Bodmin, and Newquay.
Whether you’re hiking through the rugged moors of Dartmoor, Mountain leading, or canoeing through the River Dart, our training ensures you’re prepared to handle emergencies when help is not immediately available. Our approach equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively in environments where traditional resources are scarce.
This course includes the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification at no extra cost – giving you dual certification for both workplace and outdoor environments.
Course details
Duration: 2 consecutive days, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with a small homework task on the evening of Day 1.
Location: Delivered across Devon and Cornwall – with bespoke training options available.
Certification: This course is certified and valid for 3 years.
Group Booking available, 2 Day Outdoor First Aid Course – Nationwide Training
Paediatric First Aid bolt on - Extra £20
We cover Paediatric first aid for children and infants through the 2 days training, therefore, we include comprehensive paediatric assessments and can provide the paediatric certificate as a bolt on. This hands-on course satisfies the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. Both certificates are valid for three-years.
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid course dates across the Southwest
Outdoor First Aid course dates. £175 per person.
Outdoor First Aid course with Paediatric bolt on £195 per person

25 - 26 June - £175
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 25th - 26th Jun 2025
Princetown Community Centre, Tavistock Rd, Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6QE

07 - 08 July - £175
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 07th - 08th Jul 2025
Tomperrow Scout Campsite, Truro, Cornwall. TR3 6BE

30 - 31 July- £175
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 30th - 31st Jul 2025
Princetown Community Centre, Tavistock Rd, Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6QE

19 - 20 August - £175
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 19th - 20th Aug 2025
Princetown Community Centre, Tavistock Rd, Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6QE

10 - 11 September - £175
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 10th - 11th Sept 2025
Tomperrow Scout Campsite, Truro, Cornwall. TR3 6BE

16 - 17 September - £190
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 16th - 17th Sept 2025
Dartmoor Activity Centre, Haytor, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9XS

08 - 09 October - £175
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 08th - 09th Oct 2025
Tomperrow Scout Campsite, Truro, Cornwall. TR3 6BE

14 - 15 October - £190
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid - 14th - 15th Oct 2025
Dartmoor Activity Centre, Haytor, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9XS
16 Hour Outdoor First Aid Courses - Real skills for real environments
Our 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course is designed specifically for those working in remote, rural, or challenging environments. Led by instructors with extensive outdoor and frontline experience, this course blends essential first aid skills with realistic, hands-on training tailored to outdoor and remote environments.
In addition to covering basic first aid, the course includes scenarios where weather conditions, terrain challenges, and limited resources complicate emergency response. Furthermore, you can choose to add Paediatric First Aid certification, which is ideal for those working with children in outdoor settings. This added flexibility makes the course suitable for a wide range of outdoor professionals.
Course content
Our 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course covers all the essential first aid techniques and is adapted to meet the specific challenges of outdoor environments. You’ll learn to manage and assess injuries in settings where help may be far away and where weather and terrain complicate basic care. Key topics covered include:
Primary & Secondary Assessments
Recovery Position, CPR & AED for remote environments
Drowning, Choking & Casualty Monitoring
Bleeding, Shock & Hypothermia
Fractures, Dislocations & Soft Tissue Injuries
Medical Emergencies (e.g., asthma, diabetes, seizures)
Bites, Stings & Environmental Hazards
Outdoor Scenario-based Practical Training
This course is designed to ensure that you are prepared to handle a wide range of injuries and accidents that could occur in outdoor settings. Through realistic scenarios, you’ll gain the practical skills needed for managing casualties in remote locations.

Why choose Optimal First Aid?
At Optimal First Aid, we focus on more than just theory. We provide you with the confidence and skills to apply first aid in real-world outdoor scenarios. Our instructors bring real-world experience from high-risk, remote environments and outdoor professions, ensuring the training is practical and relevant.
Experienced Trainers: Our instructors have years of experience in both first aid and outdoor activities, providing valuable insights and hands-on learning from actual field experience.
Practical, Scenario-based Training: Expect to be out in the elements, applying first aid techniques in realistic emergency situations. Rather than focusing on lectures, our courses are designed to be interactive and hands-on.
Bespoke Courses: If you have a specific team or group, we offer tailored training based on your unique environment and challenges.
Who is the Outdoor First Aid Course for?
This course is ideal for anyone working or spending time outdoors, including those holding National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications or pursuing a career in the outdoor industry. Participants often include:
Mountain Leaders (ML, WML, MIA, MIC, IML)
Climbing Instructors (SPA)
Ski & Snowboard Instructors (BASI)
Mountain Guides (BMG)
Paddle Sport Instructors (BCU)
Mountain Bike Instructors (MIAS)
Sailing & Watersports Instructors (RYA)
DofE Leaders, Forest School Practitioners, Walking Guides, Orienteers
And anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or works in remote, challenging environments
Flexible training for teams and groups
Do you have a team that works in the great outdoors? Whether you’re a group of mountain guides, outdoor instructors, or adventurous workers in the Cornish countryside or the moors of Dartmoor, we can deliver Outdoor First Aid training tailored to your needs.
Bespoke Training: We offer customized courses that focus on the specific challenges your team faces, from managing casualties in challenging terrains to dealing with medical emergencies in isolated locations.
Group Training: Additionally, we offer discounts and flexible dates for groups of 6 or more learners. Let us bring the course to your location—whether it’s a woodland, mountain base, or workplace.
Outdoor first aid qualifications for professionals
This course is ideal for outdoor professionals seeking to meet NGB and HSE compliance standards. In addition to the Outdoor First Aid Certificate, you can gain a Paediatric First Aid certification (for those working with young children) and the Emergency First Aid at Work certification (which is recognised for workplace settings).
All our qualifications are valid for 3 years and are taught in accordance with the UK Resuscitation Council Guidelines, ensuring your skills remain up-to-date with the latest standards.
Ready to book your Outdoor First Aid Course?
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today! Whether you’re looking for personal training or a bespoke course for your team, we’re here to ensure you’re ready for anything the outdoors throws your way.
Book now or contact us for more information about group bookings, locations, or specific course queries.
Optimal First Aid Ltd.
5 Ash Hill Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3JB
07762 082310
info@optimalfirstaid.co.uk
Tailored remote location first aid courses
In addition to our standard first aid training, we also offer specialised courses, Remote Location First Aid, designed to address the unique challenges of outdoor environments. For example, we focus on skills such as managing casualties in remote locations, where access to immediate medical assistance is limited. Furthermore, our courses are tailored to specific outdoor activities, ensuring that the content is relevant to mountain guides, outdoor instructors, and adventure enthusiasts. As a result, participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, giving them the confidence to handle real-world situations. Moreover, our flexible training options allow us to accommodate groups, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need.
Local expertise across Devon and Cornwall
Optimal First Aid is based in Devon, but we offer Outdoor First Aid courses throughout Dorset and Cornwall. Our instructors are familiar with the unique risks of these areas, including unpredictable coastal weather, rugged terrain, and remote locations. Whether you’re in the heart of Dartmoor or the coastal cliffs of Cornwall, we’re here to prepare you for emergencies in real-world outdoor environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (Emergency First Aid at Work)
This course is ideal for anyone spending time in remote or outdoor environments, including:
Outdoor instructors
Expedition leaders
Forest school practitioners
Mountain leaders
Remote workers
Adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts
Yes. Our 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course meets the requirements of many NGBs including:
Mountain Training
British Canoeing
RYA
Forest School Association
And more…
We recommend:
Weather-appropriate clothing (we’ll be outside, rain or shine!)
Notebook and pen
Lunch/snacks and water
Any personal medication
We provide all first aid equipment for practical scenarios.
Your Outdoor First Aid certificate is valid for 3 years. We recommend refreshing your training regularly to stay sharp and up to date.
Yes! If you have a suitable venue or outdoor space, we can bring the training to you anywhere in Devon, Cornwall, or across the UK.
EXCELLENT Based on 226 reviews William Kelley2025-06-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic course. Toby manages to get the knowledge into your head effortlessly and you have a good time learning too. Useful exercises, interesting discussions and excellent content - this was my second course and I’ll be sure to use Optimal next time. Scott Burnett2025-05-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is an excellent outdoor first aid course, which is comprehensive, thorough, and very well delivered and communicated. Toby is a very experienced and friendly trainer, who has many years of working/practical experience in the field - he really knows his stuff! I highly recommend Optimal First Aid and will be renewing my first aid ceritificate with them in the future. Noor Al2025-05-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently completed the State FREC 3 course with Toby Osborne as the instructor, and it was a fantastic experience. Toby was knowledgeable, engaging, and made complex topics much easier to understand. He created a supportive learning environment and was always willing to answer questions and provide real-world examples. I highly recommend taking this course! Alex Norris2025-05-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Toby was fantastic with our FREC3 course, incredible at keeping the team in engaged. You can really tell he knows the content inside and out, able to provide real world scenarios and hands on advice. Would absolutely recommend as a training provider. 1hemulen2025-04-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Toby for another excellent and enjoyable course. Ideally suited to anybody running outdoor activities Emily Bunce2025-04-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended a 16h outdoor first aid course led by Toby. I found the sessions to be really helpful, and have picked up some essential learning for both work and personal adventures. I also really appreciated the hands-on approach taken to learning, which made the sessions fun and engaging. Thank you Toby! Chris Acraman2025-04-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day from Toby, teaching me and my team EFAW+F. Second refresher I've organised with Optimal, and will use them again in the future. Martin Stott2025-04-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great 1-day emergency first aid for forestry course run by a rock solid and engaging trainer. Charlie D2025-04-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Toby delivered the course exceptionally. Having never been on a first aid course before, I had no idea what to expect, but he made the experience fun, informative and relevant. I will 100% be returning in three years time for the renewal! John Minim2025-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Outdoor First Aid course provided by Toby. Very hands on and learnt skills never covered in previous courses.
Contact Us
If you have any enquiries, questions, or comments please contact us using the form or alternatively call us using the number below.
Mobile: 07762 082310