There are many outdoor and wilderness first aid training programmes and courses where you can learn critical skills for responding to medical emergencies in remote and challenging settings.
Expert instructors will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare you for unexpected situations that may arise while exploring the great outdoors. Whether you’re an expert outdoor adventurer or a new hiker. These courses equip you with essential knowledge and practical skills to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Here is further information and providers of outdoor first aid wilderness training.
What is outdoor first aid wilderness training?
Outdoor first aid wilderness training equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide basic first aid in remote, wilderness-like locations. This type of training goes beyond the traditional first aid training by emphasising the importance of improvisation and adaptation to the unique challenges posed by outdoor environments. The training covers various topics, including wound care, environmental emergencies, and improvised materials for outdoors first aid. It is recommended for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, backpackers, and anyone who spends time in remote areas.
Peak Mountaineering
This provider has a wealth of experience providing mountain training, outdoor adventures, group events, and overseas expeditions. They offer a range of options for those operating in the great outdoors, including a 2-day outdoor first aid course for remote locations and a 1-day outdoor first aid course for those anticipating quicker help. Additionally, they are the only provider in the Peak District to offer the ITC advanced outdoor first aid course, which is ideal for those operating in remote expedition terrain.
8-hour outdoor first aid course
- Manual and certificate included in price.
- Delivered by experienced outdoor professionals.
- Free transport is available from local hubs.
- 10% discount available for NGB award holders.
Peak Mountaineering offers an 8-hour outdoor first aid course in the Peak District. The 1-day ITC outdoor first aid course is perfect for those who want to learn how to give immediate, appropriate assistance in case of a medical emergency. The course is focused on treating life-threatening emergencies and doesn’t spend time on longer-term incident management. It includes 8 hours of tuition and an assessment to ensure you can recognise and respond to medical emergencies. The course is very practical and involves treating other course members and acting as a casualty.
You can find out more and book here.
16-hour outdoor first aid course
- Manual and certificate included in price.
- Delivered by experienced outdoor professionals.
- Free transport is available from local hubs.
- 10% discount available for NGB award holders.
When you sign up for this course, you’ll receive 16 hours of tuition, including an assessment component. After completion, you can identify when someone is experiencing a medical emergency and provide first aid assistance. The trainers focus on practical skills rather than medical terminology, so you’ll learn how to act in various situations. You’ll develop a set of general principles that can be applied to different scenarios, and the skill-building process is based on assessing situations and examining casualties. If you have previously completed a 16-hour outdoor first aid course, you can choose their advanced outdoor first aid course to extend your skills.
You can find information and book here.
Wilderness Development
The public courses are held in Manchester. However, If you require a course to be held in an alternate location within the area, they can arrange that for you.
One day outdoor first aid course
Learn everything you need to know to deal with first aid and outdoor emergencies you may have with this one-day, 8-hour outdoor first aid course. You’ll cover the syllabus of the nationally recognised Emergency First Aid at Work course. Plus, a comprehensive outdoor syllabus filled with valuable skills. Among the many techniques you’ll learn are a simple and memorable routine for dealing with incidents (the ABCs of first aid), treatment of an unconscious casualty, CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, how to deal with bleeding and broken bones, and how to handle common medical emergencies like asthma, heart attack, and drowning. You’ll also learn casualty handling, how to protect the spine, and how to place someone in the recovery position. Additionally, you’ll tackle additional problems in treating cold and wet casualties. This course is very hands-on, so expect to be active and put your skills to the test in practice scenarios!
Find more information and book here.
Two day outdoor first aid course
This two-day course is appropriate for anyone interested in providing emergency first aid and is especially useful for instructors who need to maintain their NGB qualifications. The training is designed to simulate real-life scenarios you may encounter whether you are an individual, instructor, activity leader, scout, family, or commercial organisation. In addition to learning the essential techniques. You will spend significant time outdoors during each course, testing your abilities in a real-world setting. You can anticipate encountering diabetic hikers stuck between trees, kayakers stranded on riverbanks, and climbers on rocky outcroppings.
Find more information and book here.
Gritstone Adventure Activities
At Gritstone, they offer a variety of first aid courses suitable for outdoor and workplace settings. Whether you’re an outdoor instructor, business owner, manager, or someone looking to enhance your first aid skills, they have a course that will fit your needs. Their courses are OFQUAL-regulated, respected, and verified internally and externally; certificates are valid for three years.
Outdoor first aid (8 hours)
If you want to understand outdoor first aid without committing to an entire 16-hour course. The one-day outdoor first aid course could be an excellent option. This course covers many of the same first-aid issues encountered in remote environments but in a shorter timeframe. Remember that the 8-hour course will go into a different level of detail than the more extended option. The course is also perfect for those who work outdoors but are less far from help. You’ll receive efficient and relevant training, delivered clearly and logically, with a full-colour glossy manual included.
Additionally, you’ll have access to unlimited post-course support, and the course can be tailored to your workplace and risks. The 8-hour course is OFQUAL and ITC regulated, and the qualification and certification are valid for three years and are nationally recognised. There is also a 16-hour course, which you can learn more about here.
After completing outdoor first aid wilderness training, you’ll walk away with newfound confidence and be prepared for any outdoor emergency. The practical skills and knowledge you’ll learn will benefit you and those around you in any outdoor context. With experienced instructors, engaging discussions, and hands-on experience, these courses are a valuable investment for any outdoor enthusiast or professional.
