Outdoor First Aid Training in Devon
Practical, scenario-based Outdoor First Aid training delivered on Dartmoor, Devon, trusted by outdoor professionals across the South West. This Outdoor First Aid course is part of our wider range of First Aid Courses available across Devon and the South West.
This 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course is designed for those working in remote, wilderness, and high-risk environments where emergency response may be delayed. You will gain the confidence, skills, and decision-making ability to manage real incidents when it matters most.
Includes EFAW Certification with Optional Forestry Upgrade
This course includes the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification at no additional cost, giving you recognised workplace certification alongside your Outdoor First Aid training.
For those working in forestry or higher-risk environments, the Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry (EFAW+F) qualification is available as an optional upgrade.
Upcoming course dates are listed below. Book early to secure your place.
Upcoming Scheduled Dates
Outdoor First Aid training centres on Dartmoor, Devon.
Looking for a course in Cornwall? View our Outdoor First Aid Training in Cornwall page.
Outdoor First Aid Training Across Devon and the South West
We deliver Outdoor First Aid training from our Dartmoor base in Devon, supporting individuals and organisations across the South West, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset.
Learners regularly attend from Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Newton Abbot, North Devon, and Cornwall, many choosing Dartmoor specifically for its realistic outdoor environment and practical, scenario-led training approach.
This course provides hands-on, scenario-based training for those working in remote, wilderness, mountain, and outdoor environments, building the confidence and capability to manage serious incidents where access to emergency services may be delayed.
The course is recognised by a range of National Governing Bodies, including Paddle UK, Mountain Training, BASI, MIAS, and British Cycling.
It is also widely accepted across forestry, environmental work, field studies, research, and conservation sectors.
What Qualification You Will Receive
- 16-hour Outdoor First Aid certificate
- Valid for 3 years
- Recognised across the UK outdoor sector
- Accepted by organisations including Paddle UK, Mountain Training, and the Forest School Association
What You’ll Learn on the Outdoor First Aid Course
Outdoor Incident Management
- Assessing incidents in remote environments
- Managing multiple casualties
- Emergency communication and evacuation planning
Environmental and Outdoor Injuries
- Hypothermia and cold exposure
- Heat illness and dehydration
- Bites, stings, and environmental hazards
Trauma and Medical Emergencies
- Bleeding control and wound management
- Fractures, sprains, and dislocations
- Head, neck, and spinal considerations
- Asthma, anaphylaxis, seizures, and diabetes
Improvised Techniques
- Using outdoor equipment to stabilise injuries
- Improvised splints and slings
- Casualty movement across difficult terrain
Outdoor First Aid Training for Outdoor Professionals
Whether you are working across remote moorland, coastal and cliff environments, woodland and Forest School settings, rural locations with limited access, or busy outdoor education sites, this course equips you with the skills and confidence to operate safely.
It is suitable for:
- Outdoor instructors and activity leaders
- Mountain leaders and walking guides
- Duke of Edinburgh expedition supervisors
- Forest School leaders and outdoor educators
- Expedition and adventure tourism professionals
- Scout and youth group leaders
Many National Governing Bodies require a 16-hour Outdoor First Aid qualification, making this course suitable for both initial certification and renewal. If you’re unsure which qualification is right for your role, you can explore our full range of First Aid Courses, including Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work.
Why Learners Travel from Across the South West
Many learners travel from across the South West to attend this course due to:
- Realistic training delivered in a true outdoor environment
- Scenario-based learning that reflects real incidents
- Practical, hands-on approach rather than classroom-based theory
- Instruction based on real-world operational experience
This is not a compliance-only course. It is designed to prepare you for real situations in remote environments.
Delivered by Instructors with Real Operational Experience
Training is delivered by instructors with extensive real-world experience in high-risk and remote environments, including military and operational backgrounds.
You will learn not only what to do, but how to assess, prioritise, and act under pressure.
Looking to Advance Your Skills?
If you require a higher level of casualty care for remote or high-risk environments, explore our FREC 3 First Response Emergency Care course in Devon.
EXCELLENT Based on 256 reviews Posted on Leon Kendall-BrownTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great course and highly recommend to any CP operators living in the south westPosted on Neil ChantTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. FREC 3 Course Qualification based in Devon Toby presented a well structured course with a steady pace for all learners. This was in a nice warm and clean classroom. Toilets and facilities were very good also. I would have no problem recommending Optimal First Aid training to any one.Posted on Samantha KeverenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended the FREC 3 Course last week and it was engaging from beginning to end, no death by powerpoint!, just excellent teaching from a trainer with vast experience in the field and with great up to date knowledge. Relaxed daily hands on practical sessions built into the learning schedule with realistic scenarios, which were great for building my confidence and knowledge. Would highly recommend completing training with Toby and I look forward to completing my FREC 4 with Optimal First Aid in the near future.Posted on Mark HandleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. FREC 3 course completed, excellent instruction with plenty of hands on.Posted on Alfred MorlandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did a FREC 3 course here, great instructor and a good amount of hands-on training which helps seal in the information! Would definitely recommendPosted on Richard EdmondsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A really useful course with practical learning for the outdoor scenario which is somuch more useful than just the First Aid at Work course.Posted on Wendy DaltonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. High up on Dartmoor in a modern village community centre, during stormy winter weather, an apt setting for the Outdoor first aid course. Direct access to the outdoors from the large airy room. Very experienced and professional trainer, who clearly really knew his stuff having been a medic in the Army. Trainer was friendly and helpful always able to answer any question and give real examples of incidents he'd dealt with to back up learning. Group work and practical sessions kept it interesting and - joy! - no powerpoint.Posted on Chris AndrewTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The most relevant first aid course I've ever attended. A course crammed with relevant content that was clearly tailored to the participants. All of the advice and techniques were given by someone who had used them in real situations, not taken from a text book. The practical exercises were brilliant and really gave the feel of an actual emergency (worryingly so!). The course is more costly than a more basic course, but are you ticking boxes or training for an actual situation? As someone who is self employed (and so pays the cost! ) I thought it was well worth the money. I can recommend this course to anyone, especially if you are in a more rural environment. Unfortunately I booked my course on a wet day in January. I still enjoyed the course, but next time I might well choose a warmer time of year.Posted on Joanne KnightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attended a great outdoor first aid training course with Toby from Optimal First Aid. Very knowledgeable, hands on experience. Well tailored to our workplace. Highly recommend.Posted on Chloe NunnTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
Outdoor First Aid Course FAQs
Where is your Outdoor First Aid course delivered in Devon?
Our Outdoor First Aid courses in Devon are delivered from our Dartmoor training locations Haytor or Princetown, with practical scenarios designed around rural, woodland, moorland, and remote inland environments commonly found across Devon.
Is this Outdoor First Aid training suitable for Dartmoor and remote inland environments?
Yes, the course is highly relevant for those working or operating on Dartmoor and other remote areas of Devon, focusing on casualty management, evacuation planning, and prolonged care where emergency response times may be extended.
Do you offer Outdoor First Aid training for organisations across Devon?
We provide Outdoor First Aid training for businesses, outdoor providers, and teams across Devon, including Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, and surrounding rural locations. Group and on-site delivery can be arranged where required.
What environments does the Devon Outdoor First Aid course prepare you for?
Training reflects the varied environments found across Devon, including moorland, woodland, farmland, and remote countryside settings where access, terrain, and weather can impact emergency response and casualty care.
Is this course appropriate for outdoor instructors and land-based professionals in Devon?
This course is ideal for outdoor instructors, forestry workers, agricultural professionals, expedition leaders, and remote workers who operate in Devon’s outdoor and rural environments.
How is this different from a standard first aid course in Devon?
Unlike standard first aid courses, this Outdoor First Aid training focuses on real-world outdoor incidents, including remote casualty care, environmental exposure, improvised evacuation, and decision-making in locations where immediate medical assistance may not be available.
Contact Us
Have a question about our Outdoor First Aid course or need help choosing the right training for your role? Whether you’re an instructor, expedition leader, or working in remote or outdoor environments, we’re here to help. Complete the form below and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours with clear, practical advice.
