Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid

Outdoor First Aid provides significant challenges compared to First Aid in the workplace. Lives will be saved and a significant difference will be made to the outcome for someone who is injured or sick when an outdoor emergency occurs. There are many environmental factors to consider in the outdoor setting and it may prove challenging to contact the emergency services or, in fact, for them to reach you in a short period of time. In an urban setting, we rely heavily on medical professionals to provide assistance when someone falls sick or becomes injured. Generally, help arrives fairly quickly. The course duration is 2 - 2.5 days depending on content.

Designed for all people working in an environment where individuals are likely to find themselves at risk. These skills and this level of knowledge may be beneficial when engaging in activities such as hiking, running, camping, cycling, climbing, orienteering, canoeing, coastal activities, exploring, D of E and much more.

• Illnesses and injuries occur outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions that affect both the casualty and the rescuer
• Professional medical assistance may be delayed for a long period of time due to difficult locations, severe weather conditions, lack of communications and transportation
• Certain injuries and illnesses are far more common in remote locations (sprains, strains, frostbite, insect stings, blisters, hypothermia)
• First Aid supplies and equipment may be limited
• Important decisions must be made eg deciding wether to move and evacuate your casualty

A range of subjects are covered in this practically biased course, including:

• First Aid equipment
• Assessing the situation
• Prioritising treatment
• Moving and evacuating a casualty
• Fractures and spinal injuries
• Control of bleeding
• Extremes of temperature
• Medical emergencies
• Bites & stings

This is a specialised course comprising 2 units, designed to equip organisations working outdoors or planning expeditions or events outdoors, with the necessary skills. It is tailored to the needs of individual organisations depending on the nature of activity planned. Assessment is by successfully answering 10 questions per unit and scenario based monitoring.

Q. Is this qualification suitable for a scout group leader taking kids on a weekend expedition?

A. Absolutely! We would discuss the activities with you beforehand and then ensure that certain areas of the course are tuned to your needs.