16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Course Devon & Cornwall
Practical, 16-hour Outdoor First Aid training delivered on Dartmoor and in Cornwall. Designed for Mountain Leaders, outdoor instructors, DofE staff and activity providers, with the option of additional Paediatric First Aid certification.
2 days
Duration
Dartmoor & Truro
Location
From £175
Course Cost
Upcoming Courses
Practical, scenario-based Outdoor First Aid training delivered on Dartmoor, Devon and in Truro, Cornwall. Choose our standard 16-hour Outdoor First Aid qualification or add Paediatric First Aid certification.
2 Days – 16 Hours | NGB Suitable | Devon & Cornwall
Outdoor First Aid – £175 | With Paediatric First Aid – £190
Select your preferred course date, location and qualification below. Booking fees apply.
16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Training
Our 16-Hour Outdoor First Aid course is designed for people who work, lead groups or take part in activities in outdoor and remote environments.
Unlike conventional workplace first aid training, this course focuses on managing emergencies where difficult terrain, changing weather and delayed access to emergency services can make casualty care more challenging.
Learners develop practical assessment, casualty-management and decision-making skills through realistic outdoor scenarios, helping them prepare for emergencies in environments such as moorland, woodland, coastal areas and remote countryside.
The qualification is designed to meet the first aid requirements of many outdoor organisations and National Governing Bodies. Learners should confirm the specific requirements of their organisation or governing body before booking.
Who Is Outdoor First Aid Suitable For?
This course is particularly suitable for:
- Mountain Leaders and walking guides
- Outdoor instructors and activity leaders
- Duke of Edinburgh expedition supervisors and assessors
- Outdoor education staff
- Scout and youth-group leaders
- Mountain bike leaders and cycling instructors
- Expedition and adventure professionals
- Conservation and environmental teams
- People working in rural and remote environments
For forestry, arboriculture and chainsaw-related work, our Forestry First Aid (EFAW+F) course may be more appropriate.
What Will You Learn?
Incident and Casualty Management
- Scene safety and incident management
- Primary survey and casualty assessment
- Prioritising treatment
- Emergency communication and requesting assistance
- Monitoring a casualty while awaiting emergency services
Medical and Trauma Emergencies
- CPR and safe use of an AED
- Managing an unresponsive casualty
- Bleeding, wounds and shock
- Fractures, sprains and dislocations
- Head, spinal, chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries
- Asthma, anaphylaxis, seizures and diabetic emergencies
Outdoor and Environmental Emergencies
- Hypothermia and cold exposure
- Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- Bites, stings and ticks
- Protecting casualties from changing weather conditions
- Supporting injuries using available equipment
- Adapting casualty care to difficult terrain and remote locations
Why Choose Our Outdoor First Aid Training?
Real Outdoor Environments
Training takes place in genuine outdoor settings, helping learners practise casualty care beyond the classroom.
Experienced Instructors
Courses are delivered by instructors with practical first aid and emergency care experience.
Realistic Scenarios
Hands-on exercises help learners develop confidence when managing incidents in challenging environments.
Remote Casualty Management
Learn to assess, protect and monitor casualties when emergency assistance may be delayed.
Relevant to Outdoor Activities
Training reflects the challenges faced by outdoor leaders, expedition teams and activity providers.
Recognised Qualification
Complete a regulated Level 3 Outdoor First Aid qualification with practical assessment.
Qualification and Assessment
Successful learners receive the:
Level 3 Outdoor First Aid and Paediatric Certification
Our 16-Hour Outdoor First Aid training also offers the option of Paediatric First Aid certification, supporting outdoor professionals who work with children and young people.
This is particularly relevant for outdoor education providers, school expedition leaders, Scout groups and activity instructors responsible for younger participants.
The course includes:
- 16 guided learning hours over two days
- Practical, face-to-face training
- Ongoing practical assessment
- Realistic outdoor scenarios
- Certification valid for three years
The course fee includes training, assessment, qualification registration, course materials and certification.
Outdoor First Aid Training in Devon and Cornwall
Our scheduled Outdoor First Aid courses are delivered in outdoor environments on Dartmoor in Devon and near Truro in Cornwall.
These locations provide opportunities to practise casualty assessment and management in realistic conditions, including uneven ground, exposed environments and situations where emergency assistance may be delayed.
Outdoor First Aid Training in Devon
Our Dartmoor courses are particularly suitable for outdoor instructors, Mountain Leaders, DofE expedition staff, mountain bike leaders and others operating across Devon’s moorland, countryside and outdoor activity environments.
Outdoor First Aid Training in Cornwall
Our Cornwall courses, delivered near Truro, provide practical training for outdoor professionals working across the county, including activity providers, walking guides, expedition teams and those operating in rural and coastal environments.
What Our Learners Say
“This is the second time I have attended the 16 hour Outdoor First Aid course with Optimal First Aid and once again found it to be extremely well-structured and engaging. The hands-on scenarios were particularly valuable to practice real-life situations and build confidence in applying what I learned.”
“I did their outdoor first aid course in October 2025. It was engaging and informative. The high level of hands on practice and scenario based exercises enhance my confidence. I’ve previously had comparable training through lifeguarding, and while reminders of the basics was incredibly useful, I also felt that this course gave me skills in situation triage and management which I haven’t had before.”
Related Courses
- Forestry First Aid – EFAW with additional forestry content
- FREC 3 – more advanced pre-hospital emergency care
FAQ
Where is the Outdoor First Aid course delivered?
Scheduled courses are delivered in Princetown on Dartmoor, Devon, and at Tomperrow Scout Campsite near Truro, Cornwall. Both venues provide realistic outdoor environments for practical scenarios and casualty-management exercises. Full venue details are provided before the course.
Is this a 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course?
Yes. The course provides 16 guided learning hours delivered over two days through face-to-face teaching, practical exercises and outdoor scenarios.
Does the course meet National Governing Body requirements?
The qualification is designed to meet the first aid requirements of many outdoor organisations and National Governing Bodies. Requirements can vary, so learners should confirm the qualification and training-hour requirements with their employer or governing body before booking.
What qualification will I receive?
Successful learners receive the QNUK Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (RQF). The nationally recognised qualification is valid for three years.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the course through practical activities, scenario-based exercises and observation of first aid skills. Learners must demonstrate the required knowledge and practical competence.
What should I bring to the course?
You should bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for Dartmoor’s changing weather, together with food, water and any personal medication. Full joining instructions will be provided before the course.
Does the course include paediatric first aid certification?
No. Outdoor First Aid learners are not formally assessed or certified in paediatric first aid. Forest School practitioners or others requiring paediatric certification should book our dedicated Forest School First Aid course.
Can you deliver private Outdoor First Aid training for our organisation?
Yes. Private courses can be arranged for outdoor providers, education teams, charities and other organisations. Training can be delivered at a suitable location and scenarios can reflect your team’s activities and working environment.
Does this course meet Forest School First Aid requirements?
Paediatric first-aid subjects are covered during the course as part of the shared training programme. However, learners booked onto Outdoor First Aid are not formally assessed or certified in paediatric first aid.
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