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.

Outdoor First Aid courses in Devon, Dartmoor & Cornwall

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.

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