Outdoor activities bring adventure, enjoyment, and connection with nature, but they also come with unique risks. Whether you’re a professional guide, outdoor instructor, or a keen enthusiast, being prepared to manage emergencies in remote or challenging environments is crucial. The QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (OFA) provides comprehensive training tailored to the demands of outdoor settings, helping you respond confidently and effectively when it matters most.
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid is a regulated qualification designed to equip learners with practical first aid skills specifically for outdoor and wilderness environments. This course covers how to assess and manage injuries and illnesses when professional medical help may be delayed, focusing on the unique challenges posed by outdoor conditions such as uneven terrain, weather extremes, and limited resources.
Being prepared for emergencies in outdoor settings is not just a legal or professional requirement—it can save lives. The QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid offers essential knowledge and skills for anyone leading or participating in outdoor activities. Equip yourself with the confidence to manage accidents and medical emergencies when far from immediate help.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (OFA):
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (OFA), 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 |
| QC14026-1 | Principles of Outdoor First Aid and Risk Assessment | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14026-2 | Managing Trauma and Injury in Outdoor Settings | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14026-3 | Medical Emergencies and Illness Management | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14026-4 | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and AED Use | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14026-5 | Environmental Injuries and Conditions | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC14026-6 | Evacuation Procedures, Communication and Legal Issues | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (OFA):
To enroll in the QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (OFA), following are requirement:
Minimum Age
- Learners must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the course.
Educational Background
- There are no formal academic qualifications required to enrol.
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills are necessary to understand course materials and complete assessments effectively.
Experience
- No prior first aid or medical experience is required.
- The course is suitable for beginners and those seeking to enhance their existing first aid knowledge specifically for outdoor environments.
Language Proficiency
- Learners should have sufficient proficiency in English to:
- Understand verbal instructions and safety guidelines
- Participate actively in practical exercises and discussions
- Comprehend written materials and complete any required assessments
- A minimum of CEFR B1 (Intermediate) English level or equivalent is recommended.
- Reasonable adjustments can be made to support learners with additional language or learning needs.
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (OFA):
Principles of Outdoor First Aid and Risk Assessment
- Understand the scope and importance of outdoor first aid
- Assess scene safety in remote or challenging environments
- Apply risk assessment and risk management techniques
- Prioritise casualty care according to outdoor scenarios
- Understand legal and ethical responsibilities in outdoor first aid
Managing Trauma and Injury in Outdoor Settings
- Identify types of trauma: fractures, dislocations, wounds, burns, head and spinal injuries
- Control bleeding and manage shock in outdoor conditions
- Immobilise fractures and apply appropriate dressings and splints
- Recognise and treat soft tissue injuries
- Adapt treatment for remote or wilderness contexts
Medical Emergencies and Illness Management
- Recognise and respond to medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, and allergic reactions
- Manage common illnesses that can occur outdoors
- Understand signs and symptoms requiring urgent care or hospital referral
- Provide supportive care until professional help arrives
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use
- Perform effective CPR on adults, children, and infants
- Understand the chain of survival in remote settings
- Operate an AED safely and confidently
- Recognise when and how to escalate emergency response
Environmental Injuries and Conditions
- Identify and manage hypothermia, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration
- Treat bites, stings, and poisoning caused by plants, insects, and animals
- Understand prevention and first aid for frostbite and sunburn
- Adapt first aid techniques to adverse weather and terrain
Evacuation Procedures, Communication, and Legal Issues
- Plan and execute casualty evacuation and safe transport methods
- Use communication tools effectively to call for emergency assistance
- Maintain casualty records and incident reporting
- Understand legal considerations including consent, duty of care, and safeguarding
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid is ideal for individuals who work or spend significant time in outdoor, remote, or wilderness environments where access to immediate medical assistance may be limited. This course is especially suitable for:
- Outdoor instructors, guides, and activity leaders
- Adventure sports coaches and trainers
- Forest school practitioners and environmental educators
- Volunteer rescue teams and mountain leaders
- Youth group leaders and camp organisers
- Employees working in rural, remote, or isolated locations
- Outdoor enthusiasts who want to be prepared for emergencies
- Anyone responsible for the safety of groups during outdoor activities
This qualification equips learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to confidently manage accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies in outdoor settings, ensuring safety and wellbeing until professional help can be reached.