First Aid Training in Exeter, & across East Devon
Tailored First Aid Training in Exeter – Built Around Your Needs
First Aid Training in Exeter & East Devon
If you’re looking for reliable, practical first aid training in Exeter, you’re in good hands. At Optimal First Aid, we deliver accredited, experience-led training designed to give you the confidence to respond effectively in emergencies. Whether it’s at work, at home, or out in the wilds of Devon, we’ve got a course that fits.
Our courses are recognised by industry-leading organisations and align with current HSE guidelines, ensuring full compliance with UK workplace regulations. We’re not just box-tickers — we teach life-saving skills using real-life scenarios, experienced trainers, and a healthy dose of hands-on learning.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Our EFAW course is essential for any business to ensure staff are trained in basic first aid, meeting the required health and safety regulations. Our most popular first aid course.
1 Day / 6 Hours
First Aid at Work (FAW)
A comprehensive course for those who need a more in-depth understanding of first aid. Ideal for larger teams and businesses, this course provides essential life-saving skills.
3 Days / 18 Hours
Emergency First Aid at Work +F (Forestry)
Our Emergency First Aid at Work +F course is tailored for those working in forestry, agriculture, and other outdoor industries. This one-day course includes core first aid skills plus the vital +F bolt-on, covering catastrophic bleeding, crush injuries, Lyme disease, and chainsaw-related trauma.
1 Day / 7 Hours
Outdoor First Aid Courses
Our Outdoor First Aid course is built for those who work, play, or lead in remote and challenging environments. Over two days, you’ll learn how to manage injuries and illnesses when help is hours away.
2 Days / 16 Hours
First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Designed for those working in high-risk or remote environments, the FREC course teaches advanced trauma care skills needed in critical situations. This course is perfect for outdoor workers, forestry teams, and adventure guides.
5 Days / 35 Hours
First Person on Scene (FPOS)
For those in high-threat environments or security roles, FPOS training provides advanced techniques in trauma care and emergency response. Delivered over four days of training. Can be bespoke to your working environment.
4 Days / 28 Hours
Why Choose Our First Aid Courses in Exeter?
At Optimal First Aid, we blend professional experience with practical, scenario-based teaching. Our trainers are veterans of the military, emergency response teams, and remote outdoor environments. Consequently, they bring real-world credibility to every session.
You won’t find PowerPoint marathons here — our sessions are interactive, engaging, and tailored to your sector. Whether you’re a tree surgeon working in a high-risk setting, a teacher needing paediatric first aid certification, or an adventurer prepping for expeditions, we have a course that speaks your language.
We also provide training throughout the South West — including Exmouth, Tiverton, Topsham, and Crediton — making it easy for you to access quality instruction wherever you are.
Types of First Aid Training in Exeter
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – HSE Compliant
This one-day Emergency First Aid at Work course meets Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards and is suitable for most low-risk workplaces. It covers life-saving interventions such as CPR and AED, treating burns, fractures, and bleeding, assessing unconscious casualties, minor injuries, and managing shock and choking incidents.
Participants leave with a nationally recognised certificate valid for three years. This course is ideal for shops, offices, schools, and low-risk job sites. We also provide the optional +F (Forestry) bolt-on for those working in rural or forestry environments. You can learn more or book your spot on the Emergency First Aid at Work course here.
Paediatric First Aid – For Schools & Childcare in Exeter
This course is ideal for nurseries, schools, and childminders. It follows the Ofsted and EYFS framework and is essential for those caring for children professionally. You’ll learn how to provide CPR for babies and children, recognise and treat common childhood conditions, treat burns and fractures, manage choking, and understand how to report incidents correctly.
To see how this course fits your professional requirements or to enrol, visit our Paediatric First Aid page.
NHS – Paediatric First Aid Advice
Outdoor First Aid in Exeter – For Instructors & Adventurers
Whether you’re a mountain leader, expedition guide, or forestry worker, our Outdoor First Aid course is designed for real-world scenarios in remote and rugged environments. This two-day course covers extended care when help is delayed, improvisation with outdoor equipment, incident management, environmental injuries, and emergency communications.
If you’re working toward National Governing Body qualifications, this course ticks all the boxes. Find out more about our Outdoor First Aid training.
First Aid Courses in Exeter
Blended and On-Site Options
We understand time is tight, so we offer flexible delivery options. Choose from face-to-face courses in Exeter, on-site training for groups, or blended learning that combines online theory with practical sessions. If you’re unsure which format fits best, explore our delivery methods and contact us to tailor a plan.
How Our Training Makes a Difference
We don’t just train you to pass a course — we prepare you to save lives. With strong roots in military and emergency service training, our approach prioritises confidence under pressure, critical thinking, and physical skills that stand up in the real world.
Our full course listing, including specialised Emergency First Aid at Work, Outdoor First Aid, and Paediatric First Aid programmes, is designed to make you capable, not just compliant.
Book First Aid Training in Exeter Today
Booking your course is easy. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements, or browse our full range of courses for availability in Exeter. We offer group discounts and tailored packages for businesses.
Whether you need a one-off session or ongoing CPD support, we’re ready to help.
Explore more from Optimal First Aid
Looking beyond Exeter? We also offer:
Let’s get you trained, confident, and ready for whatever life throws at you. Exeter — we’ve got your back.
EXCELLENT Based on 222 reviews 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. Alice Lentern2025-04-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used Optimal First Aid for EFAW and EFAW +F training and Toby is a great trainer. His courses are thorough, engaging and highlight key learning outcomes. I would recommend them to anyone! Ollie Orton2025-04-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic First Aid Course! Super practical covering so many different scenarios, excellent teaching, and was so pleased we didn’t just sit in a classroom doing CPR for 6 hours like most other providers’ courses! Really happy will definitely be back. Thanks Toby, ace job! Production Manager2025-04-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great course with practical information and a Fantastic teacher. Howard Smith2025-04-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Returned to Optimal to renew my the 16hr outdoor first aid training, as always lots of practical exercises both indoors and outdoors, great fun and always learn something new.
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