Outdoor First Aid Success!

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Our First In-House Accredited 16-Hour First Aid Course

On the 8th and 9th of November, we delivered our very first in-house accredited 16-hour First Aid course, in partnership with Act Fast First Aid, led by Tom. Over two full days, a group of enthusiastic volunteers and leaders came together to develop the skills and confidence needed to manage real-world emergencies – not just in perfect classroom conditions, but in the unpredictable environments where incidents are most likely to happen.

The course began indoors, focusing on core foundations: assessing danger, casualty approach, the ABCDE model, managing airway and breathing, monitoring and recognising medical conditions. Tom walked everyone through practical, hands-on demonstrations, encouraging participants to learn by doing rather than simply watching. Each volunteer took turns acting as the casualty and first responder, practising the recovery position, safe handling, and structured assessment.

It wasn’t a slideshow – it was a fully immersive experience. The classroom quickly became a training ground where mistakes became learning moments, theory became muscle memory, and every participant built confidence step by step.

From Classroom to Reality: Simulating Outdoor Emergencies

After lunch on day one, the group moved outside to test their skills in realistic scenarios. Wet grass, cold air and uneven ground added challenges that simply can’t be replicated in a warm room. Participants practised hypothermia management, insulation from the ground using roll mats, and building improvised shelters to protect casualties from wind and heat loss.

Casualties were wrapped using orange survival bags and thermal blankets; others were stabilised and monitored while teams applied steady reassurance. Improvised splints, padding and tie-ins were trialled with whatever was available – teaching the vital lesson that first aid in the outdoors is about effective problem solving with limited resources.

Tom encouraged good communication, patient care, and dynamic risk assessment. It was clear how teamwork, calm responses and basic knowledge can make a huge difference in the crucial first minutes of an incident.

Why This Course Matters

This training wasn’t about ticking a box or getting a certificate. It was designed to prepare leaders, volunteers and adults to respond when the situation is messy, uncomfortable and unexpected. The 16-hour format provided time not only to practise techniques, but also to refine judgement — which intervention first, when to escalate, how to keep your casualty warm, and how to keep yourself safe.

Participants left tired, a little muddy, and genuinely proud. More importantly, they left capable. Everyone now holds an accredited qualification, but perhaps more significantly, they carry the confidence to step forward when it matters most.

A Huge Thank You

A massive thank you to Tom for delivering such a professional, hands-on course, and to everyone who attended with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Your commitment to safety and preparedness is what makes our activities stronger, safer and more sustainable for the future.