16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Course Devon & Cornwall
Practical, scenario-based outdoor first aid training delivered on Dartmoor, Devon and Truro, Cornwall. Choose the most convenient course location below.
2 Days – 16 Hours | NGB Suitable | Devon & Cornwall Locations
Upcoming Courses
16-Hour Outdoor First Aid – Dartmoor, Devon
16-Hour Outdoor First Aid – Truro, Cornwall
£190 | 2 Days | Outdoor First Aid
What Is the 16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Course?
This two-day course is designed for people who work or lead activities in outdoor and remote environments.
Learners develop practical casualty-management and decision-making skills through realistic outdoor scenarios. The course considers the additional challenges created by difficult terrain, changing weather and delayed access by the emergency services.
The qualification is designed to meet the first aid requirements of many outdoor organisations and National Governing Bodies. Learners should confirm their organisation’s specific requirements before booking.
Who Should Attend ?
The course is suitable for:
- Outdoor instructors and activity leaders
- Mountain Leaders and walking guides
- Duke of Edinburgh expedition supervisors
- Outdoor education staff
- Scout and youth-group leaders
- Expedition and adventure professionals
- Conservation and environmental teams
- People working in remote or rural locations
Forestry and arboriculture professionals should consider our Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry course
Benefits of Outdoor First Aid Training
Confidence in Remote Environments
Practical scenarios help learners make decisions and provide effective first aid when immediate professional help is unavailable.
Managing Environmental Challenges
The course considers difficult terrain, exposure, changing weather and the need to protect and monitor a casualty while awaiting assistance.
Training That Reflects Your Role
Outdoor delivery allows learners to practise first aid in conditions that are more realistic than an entirely classroom-based course.
What Will You Learn on the Emergency First Aid at Work Course?
Incident and Casualty Management
- Scene assessment and incident management
- Primary survey and casualty assessment
- Prioritising treatment
- Emergency communication
- Monitoring a casualty while awaiting assistance
Medical and Trauma Emergencies
- CPR and safe use of an AED
- Managing an unresponsive casualty
- Bleeding and wound management
- 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 conditions
- Supporting injuries using available equipment
- Adapting casualty care to difficult terrain
Assessment and Qualification
Successful learners receive the QNUK Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (RQF).
The qualification includes:
- 16 guided learning hours over two days
- Practical, face-to-face training
- Ongoing practical assessment
- Scenario-based learning
- Certification valid for three years
The course price includes training, assessment, qualification registration, course materials and certification.
Outdoor First Aid Training in Devon and Cornwall
Our scheduled courses are delivered in genuine outdoor environments on Dartmoor and near Truro, giving learners the opportunity to practise first aid beyond the classroom.
Realistic scenarios include working on uneven ground, managing casualties in changing weather and providing ongoing care when emergency assistance may be delayed. This creates a relevant learning experience for people working across moorland, woodland, rural, coastal and other remote environments.
Courses are attended by outdoor instructors, Mountain Leaders, DofE staff, activity providers and learners from across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West.
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.”
Private Outdoor First Aid Training
Private courses are available for outdoor providers, education teams, charities and other organisations.
Training your team together can:
- Reduce travel and disruption
- Provide consistent procedures across your organisation
- Allow scenarios to reflect your activities
- Be arranged on a suitable date
- Take place at an appropriate outdoor location
Related Courses
- Forestry First Aid – EFAW with additional forestry content
- FREC 3 – more advanced pre-hospital emergency care
Why Choose Optimal First Aid?
Optimal First Aid specialises in practical first aid training for outdoor, remote and higher-risk environments.
Our instructors have operational and outdoor experience and use realistic scenarios to develop confident decision-making. Learners practise assessing casualties, prioritising treatment and adapting first aid to the conditions around them.
Our focus is not simply helping learners pass an assessment. It is preparing them to manage genuine emergencies when professional medical assistance may be some distance away.
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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