FPOS Course - First Person on Scene

Why more professionals are choosing the FPOS course for advanced first aid skills

In a world where risk is increasing, standard first aid training simply isn’t enough for those working in challenging, remote, or high-risk environments. Whether you’re in security, remote industry, or outdoor adventure work, the FPOS course is a great standard of training for serious first responders

But why? And what makes the FPOS course stand out compared to other first aid qualifications?

Here’s what you need to know about the First Person on Scene course.

What is the FPOS course?

The FPOS course, or First Person on Scene, is designed specifically for those who may be the first to arrive at the scene of an incident often long before professional medical teams can get there.

It’s a qualification that bridges the gap between workplace first aid and professional emergency response. It’s aimed at people who face greater risks in their daily work  from security operators to remote workers, forestry teams, expedition guides, and maritime crews.

Unlike standard first aid courses, the FPOS course dives deeper into advanced casualty care, focusing on:

  • Catastrophic bleeding control (tourniquets, haemostatic agents)

  • Airway management (airway adjuncts, suction)

  • Trauma care for major injuries

  • Evacuation planning

  • Monitoring casualties before emergency services arrive

This isn’t about box-ticking, this is about being ready when lives are on the line.

Why choose the FPOS course?

It’s simple: the risks you face deserve better training.

Basic first aid gives you enough to keep someone stable while you wait for an ambulance in town. But what happens if:

  • You’re working remotely with no quick access to help?

  • You’re on a security detail where violent incidents are a possibility?

  • You’re operating offshore where medics could take hours to arrive?

The FPOS course prepares you to step up, take charge, and deliver advanced care that bridges that critical gap.

Who is the FPOS course for?

  • Security professionals and CP teams

  • Remote workers and lone workers

  • Forestry and arboriculture teams

  • Outdoor instructors and guides

  • Maritime and offshore crews

  • Media, production, and expedition teams

In short, if you work in environments where waiting isn’t an option, FPOS should be on your radar.

How does it fit into a bigger picture?

For many, the FPOS course is just the start of their advanced first aid journey. It’s often the first step before moving on to qualifications like First Response Emergency Care or specialist trauma care, especially for those entering security, maritime, or outdoor sectors.

At Optimal First Aid, we don’t just teach first aid we deliver bespoke first aid training in Devon, the surrounding areas, and the UK built around the risks you actually face. And we’ve been doing it for over 15 years, with training delivered by veteran instructors with real operational experience.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our First Person on Scene course for full course details.

Final thoughts

If you’re serious about being the person who makes a real difference in an emergency, then yes — the FPOS course is absolutely worth it.

It’s not a tick-box exercise. It’s practical, realistic, scenario-driven training that could save lives when you need it most.

Talk to us today about how the FPOS course fits into your personal or team training plan.

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Need Help Choosing the Right First Aid Course?

Our booking enquiry system is here to make things easier for you. With so many first aid courses out there, it’s important to find the one that actually suits your needs – and avoids wasting your time or money.

Before filling in the booking form, take a moment to check whether you need certification from an Ofqual Regulated Awarding Organisation. The links below will guide you through what you need to know:

• Some organisations require that course certificates be issued by an Ofqual Regulated Awarding Organisation. • We offer self-certified & Ofqual Accredited courses; the main difference in certification being third party cost. Ofqual Regulated Awarding Organisation certification is currently priced at an additional £12.50pp.
The instructor to candidate ratio is typically 1:12, with some courses being restricted to 1:8 or even 1:6.
If you have a preferred date & time for this course (for example to fit in with staff shift patterns) please let us know.