Outdoor First Aid

Level 3 Outdoor First Aid (RQF)

Accredited & Regulated by NUCO Training Duration: 2 Days (16 Hours) Certification Validity: 3 Years

Course Overview

The Level 3 Outdoor First Aid qualification is designed for anyone who operates, instructs, or leads groups in remote, rural, or wilderness environments where emergency services may be delayed. This NUCO‑accredited and RQF‑regulated course provides the essential skills to manage incidents outdoors, treat injuries with limited resources, and make informed decisions during prolonged casualty care.

This qualification is ideal for outdoor instructors, expedition leaders, hill‑walkers, climbers, paddlesport coaches, forestry workers, and anyone responsible for safety in remote locations.

Course Content

Foundations of Outdoor First Aid

Roles and responsibilities of an outdoor first aider
Incident management in remote environments
Dynamic risk assessment and scene safety
Communication and emergency signalling in the outdoors

Casualty Assessment

Primary and secondary surveys
Monitoring casualties over extended periods
Managing multiple casualties in remote terrain

Airway, Breathing & Circulation

CPR for adults
Safe use of an AED in outdoor conditions
Managing choking
Recognising and treating shock

Trauma & Injury Management

Major bleeding and wound care
Improvised bandaging and splinting
Fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations
Head, neck, and spinal injuries
Chest injuries
Crush injuries and embedded objects

Environmental & Outdoor-Specific Conditions

Hypothermia and cold‑related injuries
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Burns (thermal, chemical, electrical)
Bites and stings
Poisoning and exposure to harmful plants/substances
Water‑related incidents

Medical Conditions

Seizures
Asthma and respiratory emergencies
Diabetes and hypoglycaemia
Anaphylaxis and adrenaline auto‑injectors
Stroke, heart attack, angina

Prolonged Casualty Care

Managing casualties when help is delayed
Improvised shelter and protection
Monitoring and record‑keeping
Evacuation planning and decision‑making

Outdoor Scenarios & Practical Assessments

Realistic outdoor simulations
Navigation to and from incident sites
Group management during emergencies
Final practical and knowledge assessments

Assessment & Certification

Learners are assessed through:

Practical demonstrations
Outdoor scenario‑based activities
A short multiple‑choice theory test

Successful candidates receive the Level 3 Outdoor First Aid (RQF) certificate, accredited and regulated by NUCO, valid for 3 years.

Who Is This Course For?

Perfect for:

Outdoor instructors and guides
Expedition leaders
Hill‑walkers, climbers, mountaineers
Paddlesport and adventure sport coaches
Forestry and land‑based workers
Anyone operating in remote or rural environments

Why Train With Grit & Gauze Academy?

NUCO‑accredited, regulated training
Realistic outdoor scenarios and practical learning
Instructors with operational and wilderness medical experience
UK‑specific, terrain‑appropriate skills