Our Outdoor First Aid courses in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and the North East are carefully designed to work in the real world. If you work, play or look after others in the outdoors, these courses are for you. Our active Mountain Rescue team members and trainers will support you to deal with various scenarios and you'll learn how to insulate, shelter and monitor the casualty - after all - you could be with a casualty for a long time before help arrives.
You’ll learn how to deal with casualties on uneven ground, in any weather for extended periods of time, using whatever you have available to stabilise the casualty. You’ll learn the different ways to activate the Emergency Services, including Mountain Rescue and how to effectively hand the casualty over to them.
At Life Saving Training we have a range of courses to suit different needs, from 8 hour Emergency Action in the Outdoors, to 16 hour Outdoor First Aid, to Advanced Outdoor First Aid. Require Forest School First Aid? We offer that too! We can also run any of our other First Aid courses such as our 3 Day First Aid at Work course in an outdoor context if required - ideal First Aid training for anyone who works outside.
16 Hour ITC Certificate in Outdoor First Aid
Our approved and accredited 16 hour qualification is our most popular outdoor course. This qualification is perfect for Outdoor Instructors and validates all National Governing Body (NGB) Awards including Mountain Leader (ML), Single Pitch Award (SPA), Walking Group Leader (WGL), Basic Expedition Leader Award (BELA), Mountain Bike Leader, Canoe/Kayak Coach etc. It is also accredited by the Institute for Outdoor Learning.
The course will be tailored to the individuals on the course and their specific requirements. This course is also ideal First Aid training for Duke of Edinburgh Leaders, RAF Cadet Squadron Leaders First Aid, Scout Leader First Aid and Forest School Leaders. We also train many people who enjoy being in the outdoors who appreciate that this additional, specific training is invaluable for anyone who enjoys being outside.
It's usually delivered over two long days, but for group bookings there's an option to complete the course over three days. The days can be non consecutive if preferred, as long as the whole course is completed within 9 weeks. The benefit of doing three days, is that there'll be more time for bespoke content and to embed the skills through practical sessions. We find the slightly shorter days helps to reduce fatigue for learners and helps people to learn. Shorter days also make it easier for learners to manage any childcare/caring responsibilities they may have.
What our customers say
“The Outdoor First Aid course was excellent! Having done first aid courses in the past, this exceeded all expectations. It was practical and exciting. I highly recommend this course.”
James Y, Squadron Leader, RAF Air Cadets
“Attended the 2 day Outdoor First Aid course. I usually dread them as in the past, I’ve found them boring and stressful. This one was amazing, the way the course is delivered meant the two days went over very quickly. The trainers were very supportive and explained everything in a way that is easy to retain. The scenarios are done in small groups allowing you to remain focussed on the task and not worry about messing up in front of the whole group. I would highly recommend this course. I know that I won’t be going anywhere else for future training. The course leaders ensure you are confident in all areas and they remain fully supportive for the duration of the 3 years that this course covers. I find this reassuring as skills can fade over that time. You get a small emergency first aid pack and a first aid book to take away with you. Looking for a first aid course? Then this is the best by far. Thank you!”
Julie G, Ravensworth Primary School
“Having done many First Aid courses over the last 20 years (every 3 years) - I have found this one the most informative. The delivery style was excellent for scaffolding learning and understanding. Ian knew what he was talking about and is experienced, which makes a difference and other providers have just talked to a script! Many thanks!”
Elizabeth C, Groundwork South & North Tyneside
"Thank you for a really good training course and keeping things fun with humour throughout made absorbing information enjoyable. The way the course was delivered was excellent, especially the scenarios! Thanks!"
J Parker, Natural England
Prices
Group training in house at your premises from £1395 + VAT for up to 12 people over two days. Spaces on open courses are £135 + VAT.
16 Hour Advanced Outdoor First Aid
If you’ve completed the standard 16 hour course a few times and want to consolidate your skills, our Advanced Outdoor First Aid course could be for you. This course still validates all National Governing Body (NGB) Awards and is tailored to your requirements.
It further extends your knowledge and skills beyond the normal 16 hour course - making you a more skilful First Aider capable of managing multiple casualties in extreme environments. Looking to go even beyond the Advanced OFA course?
Perhaps our Advanced First Aid is for you! The same group rates for Outdoor First Aid apply to Advanced Outdoor First Aid.

8 Hour Outdoor First Aid Emergency Action
This 8 hour course is ideal for those who don’t require the full 16 hour qualification, but need to have training which is tailored to their specific activity and environment. This course may be ideal First Aid training for Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) participants, First Aid training for Scouts and people who generally enjoy the outdoors.
Prices
Group training in house at your premises from £795 + VAT for up to 12 people. Individuals - please look at the 16 hour Outdoor open courses. The course will be day one of two day course and costs £100 + VAT pp.
12 Hour Activity First Aid
Our 12 Hour Activity First Aid course is designed to be tailored to your exact requirements. It can be ideal for people who have a responsibility either at work or in a voluntary role to administer First Aid whilst taking part in sport, swimming, or outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing etc. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and prices.
Our Outdoor First Aid training in the North East and across the UK can be either regulated by Ofqual/SQA or non regulated depending on your requirements and you'll be trained by active Mountain Rescue team members and Casualty Carers (Medics). It meets and exceeds the minimum standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and uses our systematic approach to enable our First Aiders to confidently and effectively respond to various medical incidents. Our training is consistent with ERC 2021/ILCOR2021/UK Resuscitation Council Guidelines and meets the The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh Faculty of Pre-hospital Care (FPHC) Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) guidelines at level B.
Life Saving Training offers a modern, proven alternative to the outdated and ineffective training that litters the world of first aid. We empower learners by placing them at the centre of everything we do. We focus on positive casualty outcomes and provide skills that work in the real world. Our specialised training results in guaranteed increased confidence and a higher retention rate of knowledge and skills. Our Life Saving Training saves lives.
Prefer to speak to someone?
Simply contact us and a friendly member of our team will be happy to help.