Outdoor First Aid Courses

About Outdoor First Aid Courses

Our 2 Day Outdoor First Aid Course covers all the requirements of National Governing Body (NGB) Instructor Awards in the UK.

We are Scotland’s largest provider of publicly available two-day courses.

The course is suitable for a wide range of outdoor practitioners, including:

  • Forest Schools Teachers
  • Paddlesports instructors
  • Mountain Leaders and Guides
  • Snowsports Instructors
  • Mountain Bike Guides and Coaches
  • Forestry workers
  • Ecologists and Rangers
  • Remote Working First Aid
  • Wilderness First Aid
  • Aquatic First Aid (BCU/SCA)
  • Duke of Edinburgh
  • Field Studies Tutors
  • Orienteering coaches
  • Expedition Leaders
  • Sea workers and Sailors (RYA)
  • Scouts and Outdoor Groups
  • And more…

About the Course

Whatever activity you specialize in – from mountain biking to kayaking to skiing to ecology – our comprehensive 16-hour course will cover all the most important first aid situations you need to know, including:

  • The life signs to look out for in a casualty
  • The ABCDE of managing first aid situations
  • Airway Management – the Recovery Position and other real-world variations
  • Breathing Problems – the different types of CPR, and when to use them
  • Head and spinal injuries – working with a team
  • Hypothermia, hyperthermia and cold injuries
  • Common illnesses and medical emergencies – how to spot and treat them effectively
  • Animal bites and stings
  • An up-to-date look at the regulations you need to know

PLUS, we also teach safe helmet removal as standard – a potentially life-saving technique that many other course providers leave out. And as much as possible, your trainer will adapt and tailor the course to your specific requirements, and the type of real-life situations you’re likely to face.

Over 7,000 students each year learn life saving skills on our courses, read our reviews...

Testimonial – A. Moretti

Hi I just wanted to get in touch and say what a delight it was to be taught outdoor first aid by Will last weekend. He was absolutely amazing, charismatic, engaging and made the examples so specific to the attendees jobs. I was experiencing a lot of self doubt and he pulled me aside and gave me a pep talk

A. Moretti, The Conservation Volunteers

Outdoor First Aid Course
2023-03-01T10:36:43+00:00

A. Moretti, The Conservation Volunteers

Hi I just wanted to get in touch and say what a delight it was to be taught outdoor first aid by Will last weekend. He was absolutely amazing, charismatic, engaging and made the examples so specific to the attendees jobs. I was experiencing a lot of self doubt and he pulled me aside and gave me a pep talk

Testimonial – D. Gordon

Please give a big thanks to Ali.  His presentation of the course was fantastic and very engaging.  Every staff member has commented on how much they enjoyed the course and how much they have gotten out of it.  Suffice to say I will be recommending to others and hope to use you again in the future.

D. Gordon, Torrance Partnership

Outdoor First Aid Course
2023-03-01T10:23:32+00:00

D. Gordon, Torrance Partnership

Please give a big thanks to Ali.  His presentation of the course was fantastic and very engaging.  Every staff member has commented on how much they enjoyed the course and how much they have gotten out of it.  Suffice to say I will be recommending to others and hope to use you again in the future.

Testimonial – T. Lamont

The teaching was very good and did not fall into the usual trap of just trying to show off their own knowledge. Both instructors where not only very knowledgeable, but also very personable and easy to learn from!

T. Lamont - RSPB Scotland

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-10-08T14:57:20+01:00

T. Lamont - RSPB Scotland

The teaching was very good and did not fall into the usual trap of just trying to show off their own knowledge. Both instructors where not only very knowledgeable, but also very personable and easy to learn from!

Testimonial – J. Bond

Couldn’t praise Ali enough. Delivered at the right level for an experienced group, and challenged us all on the second day with real life simulations. Our prior training was very much ‘casualty lying on the back, standard procedure’.

J. Bond, Perth

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-10-08T14:31:40+01:00

J. Bond, Perth

Couldn’t praise Ali enough. Delivered at the right level for an experienced group, and challenged us all on the second day with real life simulations. Our prior training was very much ‘casualty lying on the back, standard procedure’.

Testimonial – L. Belson



I would like to say a massive thank you to Mike Smith who delivered the first of 2 OFA courses for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.  The feedback has been very positive.  I was able to observe some of the course and I would say that it was the best first aid course delivery I have ever seen.





Mike has a methodical approach, is interactive and allows for time for the candidates to practice. His friendly and supportive approach also allows people to ask questions and get involved.





Word has got round the team and the next lot of candidates are keenly looking forward to the next course.



L. Belson, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Outdoor First Aid Course
2021-05-25T17:49:58+01:00

L. Belson, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

I would like to say a massive thank you to Mike Smith who delivered the first of 2 OFA courses for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.  The feedback has been very positive.  I was able to observe some of the course and I would say that it was the best first aid course delivery I have ever seen. Mike has a methodical approach, is interactive and allows for time for the candidates to practice. His friendly and supportive approach also allows people to ask questions and get involved. Word has got round the team and the next lot of candidates are keenly looking forward to the next course.

Testimonial – J. Temple

I really liked that the course was tailored to our individual requirements. As well as generic scenarios, we focused on scenarios that members of the group were likely to come across in their given roles as instructors, teachers etc.

J. Temple - Glasgow

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-10-08T14:34:43+01:00

J. Temple - Glasgow

I really liked that the course was tailored to our individual requirements. As well as generic scenarios, we focused on scenarios that members of the group were likely to come across in their given roles as instructors, teachers etc.

Testimonial – S. Jessiman

I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the trainers and everything was extremely well explained. It gave me confidence that I would be able to react to a range of scenarios and I enjoyed that they showed you how to utilise everyday items rather than specialist equipment.

S. Jessiman, Edinburgh

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-10-08T14:39:32+01:00

S. Jessiman, Edinburgh

I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the trainers and everything was extremely well explained. It gave me confidence that I would be able to react to a range of scenarios and I enjoyed that they showed you how to utilise everyday items rather than specialist equipment.

Testimonial – C. Hopkins

The Outdoor First Aid training course is excellent for anyone who works, teaches or plays in the outdoors: ecologists, OE instructors, scout leaders and land managers all attended the course which is well tailored to their needs. We all know how to use whatever equipment we have to hand, to help in an emergency situation. Great stuff!

C. Hopkins, Edinburgh

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-10-08T14:37:48+01:00

C. Hopkins, Edinburgh

The Outdoor First Aid training course is excellent for anyone who works, teaches or plays in the outdoors: ecologists, OE instructors, scout leaders and land managers all attended the course which is well tailored to their needs. We all know how to use whatever equipment we have to hand, to help in an emergency situation. Great stuff!

Testimonial – K. Miller

Ali was a great, friendly, enthusiastic and honest assessor, he made the course both informative and entertaining.  The first aid experiences of the 12 students ranged from very to none and yet this was never an issue and as someone with no experience I didn't at any point feel out of my depth.

K. Miller - Inverness

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-10-08T15:05:03+01:00

K. Miller - Inverness

Ali was a great, friendly, enthusiastic and honest assessor, he made the course both informative and entertaining.  The first aid experiences of the 12 students ranged from very to none and yet this was never an issue and as someone with no experience I didn't at any point feel out of my depth.

Testimonial – T. Lang



Just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you for the training over the past two days. Although I realise how important it is to know first aid training and unfortunately had to use it a few times, I always dread the training as it always shows people dying/injured and horrific scenes.






For the first time ever, the training you provided did not send me home having nightmares and dreading the following day. Your manner and personality in the class was perfect, and a rare occasion can someone hold attention of a class to the level you did.






I liked the way you broke the day into sections and brought everything back together again at the end. I do feel I have learned some new ‘tools for the box’, I can only hope and pray I will never need to use them.



T. Lang, WSP Management Services

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-11-06T11:49:49+00:00

T. Lang, WSP Management Services

Just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you for the training over the past two days. Although I realise how important it is to know first aid training and unfortunately had to use it a few times, I always dread the training as it always shows people dying/injured and horrific scenes. For the first time ever, the training you provided did not send me home having nightmares and dreading the following day. Your manner and personality in the class was perfect, and a rare occasion can someone hold attention of a class to the level you did. I liked the way you broke the day into sections and brought everything back together again at the end. I do feel I have learned some new ‘tools for the box’, I can only hope and pray I will never need to use them.

Testimonial – K. Cunningham


The trainers were truly exceptional - incredibly knowledgeable, great fun, and tangibly invested in ensuring course attendees take as much as possible from the 16 hours. I walked in on day one knowing nothing and left on day two feeling equipped to deal with almost anything I might encounter in the hills.


K. 'Sparky' Cunningham

Outdoor First Aid Course
2024-01-24T19:57:48+00:00

K. 'Sparky' Cunningham

The trainers were truly exceptional - incredibly knowledgeable, great fun, and tangibly invested in ensuring course attendees take as much as possible from the 16 hours. I walked in on day one knowing nothing and left on day two feeling equipped to deal with almost anything I might encounter in the hills.

L. Jordan Testimonial

Thank you very much !  Thanks for your great help.  You & Lorna & your company in general are so easy to work with, so helpful & reliable.   I struggle with other suppliers ! It's so great to have someone I can rely on! 😊

L. Jordan - Forest Research

Outdoor First Aid Course
2023-09-20T15:51:39+01:00

L. Jordan - Forest Research

Thank you very much !  Thanks for your great help.  You & Lorna & your company in general are so easy to work with, so helpful & reliable.   I struggle with other suppliers ! It's so great to have someone I can rely on! 😊

Testimonial – T. Powell

I felt the instructors were very confident, knowledgeable and approachable. There was a lot of repetition of key skills which helped make it stick in your head and lots of opportunity for individual problem solving. I really enjoyed the course and found it interesting and helpful.

T. Powell - Edinburgh

Outdoor First Aid Course
2020-10-08T15:03:28+01:00

T. Powell - Edinburgh

I felt the instructors were very confident, knowledgeable and approachable. There was a lot of repetition of key skills which helped make it stick in your head and lots of opportunity for individual problem solving. I really enjoyed the course and found it interesting and helpful.

Testimonial – K. Thomson

I’d like to say that as soon as I’d booked this course the communication and instructions/ resources have been brilliant. Both instructors were excellent trainers and assessors, very approachable and made the learning and assessing process much easier. I’d definitely recommend your company to others, I hope to see you again on future courses.

K. Thomson, Mountain Training Association

Outdoor First Aid Course
2023-03-31T12:16:57+01:00

K. Thomson, Mountain Training Association

I’d like to say that as soon as I’d booked this course the communication and instructions/ resources have been brilliant. Both instructors were excellent trainers and assessors, very approachable and made the learning and assessing process much easier. I’d definitely recommend your company to others, I hope to see you again on future courses.
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Outdoor First Aid Course

Course Equivalence

The First Aid industry can be confusing! There are a variety of systems that give an academic ‘level ‘ to first aid courses. Our Outdoor First Aid 2 Days course is equivalent to:

  • RQF (Regulated Qualification Framework) Level 3
  • SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework) Level 6
  • IoL (Institute of Outdoor Learning) Band 3 Course – Outdoor First Aid 2 Days
  • REC (Remote Emergency Care) Level 3

Public or Private Course?

Browse our upcoming courses

First Aid Training Co-operative are Outdoor First Aid experts.  All of our trainers are experienced practitioners and highly skilled educators. This means your course will be memorable, informative, and enjoyable!

As Scotland’s largest provider of publicly available two-day courses in Outdoor First Aid, we almost certainly have a course starting soon near you.

Book a bespoke private course

Our private first aid courses are delivered at your choice of venue, at a time and date to suit you, at locations across the UK.

We’ll come to you and tailor your course to suit your specific situation.

With up to 12 participants per trainer, private first aid courses provide great value.

Why choose us?

We’ve provided more than 3,700 hours of outdoor first aid training in the last 3 years alone, and have over 40 public courses on our calendar for this year, making us the biggest provider of publicly available courses in Scotland.

  • High quality, scenario based first aid training, inside and outside. No shortcuts, no irrelevant stories
  • Our trainers all have a background of leadership in the outdoors and have top notch first aid skills as paramedics, as part of mountain rescue teams or as regular practitioners
  • We’ve been delivering Outdoor First Aid courses with our partners since 2007 and have taught 1000’s of students in that time.
  • We work across the UK and worldwide, and are Scotland’s largest provider of outdoor first aid – more dates, more venues, more courses

We’re a Co-operative, we work together to provide the best service and training possible. We deliver First Aid training across the UK and internationally to a huge range of different clients.

Our ISO 9001 certification means you can be sure of our high standards in quality management. Our robust Quality Assurance system also means we easily surpass the HSE’s Due Diligence regulations for employers too.

Reviews – Top Rated

  • “Most engaging and practical programme done in a long time. Great Delivery, superb humor and realistic approach to the topic. Pace was appropriate, nice pragmatic view of the content. Great fun, many thanks.” – R. Harrison
  • “Excellent course, well suited for the outdoor sports enthusiast or leader. Definitely better than previous first aid courses I have attended” – M. Brown
  • “Great Day – delivery was fun, informative + effective, not boring or tiring! Really enjoyable and feel much more confident for First Aid.” – N. Soutar
  • “Pitched very well at the required level. Well resourced, explained and supervised. Thoroughly enjoyable learning.” – K. Wood
  • “Overall, I feel that this has been the most enjoyable and informative first aid course I have attended. I really enjoyed how it was more practical than classroom based. Would definitely recommend to others in the future. Thank you!” – S. Thomson-Mitchell
  • “Very enjoyable, informative course. Well delivered. Thanks” – A. Dunlop
  • “Thank you very enjoyable. Good pace & mix of theory and practical, never boring. Much better than other providers.” – K. Torrance
  • “Probably the most enjoyable First Aid course I have been on, much more relaxed and teaching was really good, engaging and this helped to keep my attention throughout. Thanks!” – K. Webster
  • “Tom made the two days fly by – kept it upbeat and changed activities regularly.” – C. Howie
  • “I have to say it was the most enjoyable and best first aid course I have been on, and I have done loads. Thanks” – A. Cain

Book Private or ‘In-house’ courses

We regularly deliver bespoke Outdoor First Aid courses for private clients at their venue. These are specifically tailored to be relevant to you and your situation.

Book Public courses

We are Scotland’s largest provider of public Outdoor First Aid courses, register now for your preferred course using the calendar below.

  • Mar 2024
    21

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    EICA:Ratho, Edinburgh 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
    More Information
    Register4 places remaining
  • Mar 2024
    23

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    Great Glen Hostel, Spean Bridge 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
  • Mar 2024
    23

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    EICA:Ratho, Edinburgh 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
  • Apr 2024
    18

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
    More Information
    Register3 places remaining
  • Apr 2024
    20

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    Fife Cycle Park, Lochgelly 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
  • Apr 2024
    20

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
  • Apr 2024
    25

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    Inverness Youth Hostel, Inverness 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
    More Information
    Register2 places remaining
  • Apr 2024
    25

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    EICA:Ratho, Edinburgh 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
  • Apr 2024
    27

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    EICA:Ratho, Edinburgh 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
  • May 2024
    02

    Outdoor First Aid 2 Days

    Transition Extreme Sports, Aberdeen 2 days, 08:45 AM - 06:00 PM
    Outdoor First Aid Course, 2 Days, 16 Hours. For all types of outdoor practitioner and featuring multiple outdoor scenarios. Covers all National Governing Body requirements for First Aid.
    • £155.00 excl. VAT
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Can't find the right course or dates for you?

We offer a wide range of courses across the UK. Questions? Need something more bespoke? We're here to help. Call us on 0333 4330 731 or email us.

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