The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA) is specifically designed to meet the needs of those working and adventuring in outdoor and remote environments.
This nationally recognised qualification provides learners with the practical skills and knowledge to manage a wide range of first aid situations in the great outdoors, where professional help may be delayed or difficult to access.
The EOFA is a one-day (8-hour) practical training programme that covers first aid response in outdoor and remote settings. It goes beyond standard workplace first aid by addressing the unique challenges of providing care in environments where weather, terrain, and time-to-treatment play significant roles.
The course meets the requirements of many outdoor governing bodies, including those for outdoor instructors, leaders, and activity providers. It aligns with the recommendations of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), Mountain Training, and other regulatory bodies that require appropriate outdoor first aid training for qualification or employment.
The course is delivered through practical scenarios, group work, and instructor-led sessions. Learners are assessed through observation of practical demonstrations and scenario-based performance.
Upon successful completion, participants receive the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid, valid for three years. It serves as proof of competence in outdoor-specific first aid and can be used to meet employment or licensing requirements in outdoor sectors.
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA) is an essential qualification for anyone working or leading groups in outdoor and remote settings. It bridges the gap between standard first aid and the real demands of caring for casualties when access to emergency services is limited.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA):
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA), offers 6 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 30 hours, including 18 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC14023-1 | Roles and Responsibilities of the Outdoor First Aider | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14023-2 | Incident Management in Remote and Outdoor Environments | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14023-3 | Casualty Assessment and Primary Survey in Outdoor Settings | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14023-4 | Providing CPR and Using an AED in Outdoor Scenarios | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14023-5 | Managing Outdoor-Specific Injuries and Environmental Conditions | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14023-6 | Monitoring Casualties and Extended Care in Delayed Help Situations | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA):
To enroll in the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA), following are requirement:
Minimum Age
- Learners must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the course.
- There is no upper age limit, but participants must be physically able to take part in outdoor-based practical scenarios such as CPR, recovery position, and casualty movement.
Educational Background
- No formal qualifications are required.
- Basic literacy and numeracy are recommended to ensure learners can follow instructions, understand written materials, and complete any assessments.
Experience
- No prior first aid experience is necessary.
- This course is suitable for beginners as well as those looking to refresh or build upon existing first aid knowledge, particularly in outdoor or remote contexts.
Language Proficiency
- Learners should have a level of English that allows them to:
- Understand verbal and written instructions
- Communicate effectively during assessments and group activities
- Complete written and practical assessments
- A minimum of CEFR Level B1 (Intermediate) or GCSE English grade 3/D or equivalent is recommended.
- Reasonable adjustments can be made for learners with specific language or learning needs, in accordance with awarding body policy.
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA):
Roles and Responsibilities of the Outdoor First Aider
- Understand legal obligations under UK first aid and outdoor safety regulations
- Recognise limitations of help in remote or wilderness settings
- Identify essential outdoor first aid equipment and supplies
- Maintain personal safety and infection control procedures in field conditions
- Understand responsibilities regarding casualty welfare, safeguarding, and communication
Incident Management in Remote and Outdoor Environments
- Conduct scene assessments for hazards, including weather, terrain, and wildlife
- Apply dynamic risk assessment and safe approach strategies
- Use basic incident management techniques suitable for lone workers or small teams
- Establish triage protocols if there are multiple casualties
- Communicate effectively with emergency services from remote locations
Casualty Assessment and Primary Survey in Outdoor Settings
- Perform a full primary survey using the DRABC protocol
- Conduct a secondary survey including SAMPLE history in outdoor scenarios
- Recognise and respond to life-threatening conditions in challenging environments
- Identify hidden or gradual onset symptoms (e.g. dehydration, exposure)
- Adapt assessments based on limited resources or communication barriers
Providing CPR and Using an AED in Outdoor Scenarios
- Deliver CPR to adults, children, and infants following current Resuscitation Council UK guidelines
- Demonstrate safe and practical use of an AED in adverse environmental conditions
- Modify resuscitation procedures for wet, cold, or uneven ground
- Prioritise resuscitation vs evacuation in remote environments
- Perform post-resuscitation monitoring and support until help arrives
Managing Outdoor-Specific Injuries and Environmental Conditions
- Treat common injuries: fractures, sprains, strains, wounds, burns, and head trauma
- Recognise and manage hypothermia, frostbite, and heatstroke
- Respond to altitude sickness and dehydration
- Provide first aid for bites, stings, and allergic reactions
- Use improvised dressings, splints, and evacuation tools when standard equipment is unavailable
Monitoring Casualties and Extended Care in Delayed Help Situations
- Monitor changes in vital signs and consciousness over time
- Provide prolonged care with limited resources and environmental challenges
- Understand decision-making around casualty evacuation vs staying put
- Maintain casualty comfort and psychological reassurance
- Record and report findings for handover to emergency medical personnel
The Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA) is designed for individuals who work, volunteer, or participate in activities in outdoor, remote, or challenging environments where immediate access to emergency medical assistance may be limited or delayed.
This course is ideal for:
- Outdoor activity instructors and leaders
(e.g. mountain leaders, climbing instructors, paddlesport coaches, hillwalking guides) - Forest school and bushcraft practitioners
(including educators running outdoor learning programmes) - Adventure, eco-tourism and expedition staff
(operating in rural, mountainous or remote international locations) - Scouts, cadets and Duke of Edinburgh leaders
(including adult volunteers responsible for youth safety in the field) - Rural workers, estate managers and countryside officers
(who operate in isolated areas with limited emergency services access) - Search and rescue volunteers and outdoor event marshals
(requiring rapid response capability in non-urban locations) - Outdoor enthusiasts and recreational adventurers
(such as hikers, cyclists, campers and wild swimmers seeking preparedness for remote incidents)
This qualification is particularly suited to those who need to demonstrate compliance with outdoor industry standards or fulfil the first aid requirements of national governing bodies such as Mountain Training, British Canoeing, or the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL).the confidence and skills to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies involving both paediatric and adult casualties.