Training Built for the Real World
At Life Saving Training, we don’t just teach first aid - we live it.
We’re Ian and Helena, the founders and owners of the business. When we aren’t in the classroom, we’re often found on the side of a mountain as active Mountain Rescue medics. We know first-hand that an emergency doesn't always happen in a clean, brightly lit office. It happens in the rain, in the dark, in the school carpark, on the stairs, the factory floor where it's noisy and when you’re under pressure.
Why We’re Different
We started this business because we were tired of the "tick-box" culture in First Aid and Health and Safety. We’ve seen the results of ineffective, dull training, and we know it doesn't work when it matters most.
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Beyond the Training Room: We focus on the "why." We want you to be a resourceful First Aider who can think on your feet and focus on positive outcomes, not just someone who can pass a course.
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The Best in the Business: We are incredibly picky about our team. Our trainers are hand-picked, one at a time. They aren’t just "qualified"; they are elite communicators with deep, hands-on experience who surpass all standard CPD requirements.
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Zero Stress Compliance: We know the paperwork is a headache for employers. Because we deliver regulated qualifications, you can skip the lengthy HSE due diligence checks on us.
"Our mission is simple: we want to give you the same confidence we rely on in the field. We want you to leave our course knowing that if the worst happens, you’ll know exactly what to do." — Ian & Helena
If you'd like to find out more about us, or if you've got some questions, check out our frequently asked questions here!
Ian Blackburn
Technical Director, Lead Trainer and Assessor
Ian achieved a Law degree before honing his skills as an expert trainer in a variety of high profile management, training and development roles. Frustrated by the lack of quality First Aid training available, in 2012 Ian embarked upon a mission to create Life Saving Training.
Since then, he’s taken the organisation from strength to strength. With a passion for modern, hands-on, evidence based and quality assured training that works in the real world, he loves providing confidence and the skills to help people in need - encouraged by fantastic customer feedback and a solid business reputation.
Ian is an operational Remote Rescue Medical Technician, Advanced Swift Water Rescue Technician, Rope Rescue Technician and is Deputy Team Leader for a Mountain Rescue team. He is qualified to First Response Emergency Care Level 4 along with NAEMT Prehospital Trauma Life Support.
Ian enjoys rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, skiing, mountain biking, trail running and is a rescue diver.
Helena Sansum
Operations Manager, Trainer and Assessor
Helena achieved a degree in Psychology before a successful career within the public sector outsourcing industry as Operations Manager, delivering high profile government contracts.
During 10 years in these roles she was responsible for successfully operating various government led services and building and maintaining strong relationships with clients. Responsible for the recruitment, training and ongoing development of her team, Helena developed robust quality assurance processes.
Helena ensures that our customer service and service delivery is exceptional and consistent. She's also a qualified trainer and assessor, and leads our Mental Health courses.
Helena is an operational Remote Rescue Medical Technician for a Mountain Rescue team and spent time as the team's elected Training Officer. She's also a keen mountaineer, runner, skier, horse rider and rescue diver. She provides event medical cover and is qualified to First Response Emergency Care Level 4 (FREC4). She loves networking and meeting new people and clients too!
Our Values
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Passion
We are passionate about having a positive impact on all who we meet by saving lives through education.
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Leadership
Leaders in our field whilst leading customers to better protect their businesses and people.
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Innovation
We are continuously innovating and improving how people learn and perceive First Aid training.
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Quality
High quality trainers and resources, evidence based and up to date with the latest Resuscitation Guidelines.
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Value
Outstanding customer service at a fair price, with bespoke solutions every time.
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Integrity
We are honest, open, ethical, and fair.
Resources
We’ve invested in ‘QCPR’ tech, meaning our learners receive direct feedback on the quality of their CPR there and then, via an iPad. Research shows that the use of such feedback devices significantly improves CPR performance. We also provide at least one manikin between two in a group of up to 12 - so there's plenty of hands-on time.
What Our Clients Say
We know we're miles ahead of standard, but don't just take our word for it...
“Thank you for a really good Outdoor First Aid course and keeping things fun with humour throughout made absorbing information enjoyable. The way the course was delivered was excellent, especially the scenarios! Thanks!”
"We enjoyed the training and found it really useful and worthwhile, thank you!"
"The Outdoor course was excellent! Having done courses in the past, this exceeded all expectations. It was practical, exciting - I highly recommend it."
"The trainer was knowledgeable and the training thoughtful and practical, rather than just sticking to the textbook!"
"Excellent - strongly recommend, feel much more confident!"
"I have been on First Aid courses before and this one was the best!"
"Unequivocally the best First Aid training I have done. Every business should complete this course with Life Saving Training!"