From £ 155
Devon, United Kingdom
From £ 98
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £ 150
North Wales, United Kingdom
From £ 375
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Ready to find a course or session?
Course content is delivered through a mix of short presentations, group discussion, and practical outdoor scenarios. The emphasis is on applying knowledge in realistic situations, often using improvised equipment.
All content is aligned to current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines and tailored to the learner group's activities and environments. Some providers may also include elements such as drowning response or cold water immersion depending on your sport or expedition focus.
Once certified, you'll be equipped to respond confidently to a wide range of medical emergencies in remote settings — where ambulance access may be delayed by hours or even days. This qualification is accepted by most outdoor National Governing Bodies (NGBs) such as Mountain Training, British Canoeing and the RYA as meeting the first aid requirements for instructor and leader awards. It's also ideal for expedition leaders, Duke of Edinburgh supervisors, forest school practitioners, and anyone working or playing in challenging environments far from immediate medical care.
You'll be capable of managing incidents such as fractures, head injuries, asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, hypothermia, and cardiac arrest. Emphasis is placed on dynamic risk assessment, communication with emergency services, and practical improvisation using the resources available — crucial when you're miles from the nearest road. This course also refreshes and deepens your understanding of core first aid principles, ensuring you're not just ticking a box, but genuinely prepared to help when it counts.
This is a two-day course delivered over approximately 16 contact hours. Expect full days with a mix of indoor theory and outdoor practical sessions. Timings and structure may vary slightly between providers, but all meet the standards required for the 16-hour Outdoor First Aid certification.
The Outdoor First Aid (16 Hr) course from the First Aid Awarding Organisation (FAA) or Rescue Emergency Care (REC) is assessed through continuous observation and practical demonstrations rather than a final exam. You’ll be expected to actively participate in realistic outdoor scenarios that test your ability to manage incidents such as hypothermia, fractures, bleeding, and CPR in remote settings. Instructors will assess your confidence, communication, and practical application of skills during these scenarios. Most providers include individual feedback and coaching throughout. To achieve certification, you must attend the full 16 hours and demonstrate competence in all required areas. Adventuro’s partner centres provide expert instruction and supportive environments that help you build both skill and confidence in outdoor emergency care.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesThis course is ideal for anyone who works, leads, or recreates in outdoor environments—from Duke of Edinburgh leaders and outdoor instructors to mountain bikers, hikers, and climbers. It’s particularly useful if you're working toward a National Governing Body (NGB) award like Mountain Leader or British Canoeing qualifications, where outdoor-specific first aid is often a requirement.
The 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course focuses on delivering emergency care in remote or challenging environments. Topics typically include: scene assessment, managing unconscious casualties, CPR and AED use, treating bleeding, fractures, soft tissue injuries, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and incident management. You’ll also learn how to improvise with limited equipment and make decisions about casualty evacuation.
No written test is required. Instead, instructors assess you continuously throughout the course via practical scenarios and Q&A sessions. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can apply your skills confidently and competently in outdoor situations. This hands-on approach is designed to prepare you for real-life emergencies, not just theoretical knowledge.
Both FAA and REC Outdoor First Aid certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of completion. To renew, you’ll need to retake the full 16-hour course. Staying current is crucial, as protocols and best practices in first aid evolve regularly.
Come prepared for outdoor conditions. You’ll need suitable clothing for the weather, sturdy footwear, a notebook, pen, lunch and drinks for the day, and any personal medication. Some providers may supply a basic manual or course booklet. Expect to be outside for long periods, so bring layers and waterproofs.
Yes, this course is widely accepted by National Governing Bodies such as Mountain Training, British Canoeing, and others that require a 16-hour outdoor first aid qualification. Always double-check with your specific NGB or awarding body, as requirements can vary slightly depending on your discipline and level.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you will be moving about outdoors, kneeling, lifting, and participating in active scenarios. If you have any mobility or health concerns, let the provider know in advance so they can accommodate your needs. The course is designed to be inclusive and supportive.
Yes. If your employer or role involves outdoor instruction, supervision, or guiding, this qualification is often a legal or recommended requirement. It’s recognised across the UK and valued by schools, outdoor centres, expedition companies, and voluntary organisations. It can also complement your Health and Safety Executive (HSE) workplace first aid training.
You can book Outdoor First Aid courses through adventuro’s extensive listings of verified centres across the UK. Each provider lists dates, prices, and what to expect on the course page, so you can find one that suits your location and schedule.