The Outdoor First Aid (OFA) course is the most comprehensive first aid training for those in the outdoors. It covers various CPR and first aid skills and equips outdoor first aiders with the knowledge to apply first aid to specific injuries and illnesses. It is for those operating in situations where a number of hazards may be present within an outdoor environment. 

The Outdoor First Aid course is suitable for individuals or groups that undertake activities outdoors and enables employers to meet their first aid needs assessment. After completing an RLSS UK OFA course, candidates receive a Level 3 Outdoor First Aid qualification.  


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About the Outdoor First Aid (OFA) Course  
 

The RLSS UK Qualifications Level 3 Outdoor First Aid (OFA) qualification is two-days and covers a wide range of CPR and first aid skills, equipping the first aider to apply first aid to specific injuries and illnesses in an outdoor environment. 

The Outdoor First Aid qualification is accredited by Ofqual and Qualification Wales and is valid for three years from the date of assessment.  

The Outdoor First Aid course content can be covered within 16 hours and can be delivered in two days or split into smaller sessions over a 8-week period from the start of the course. The OFA course comprises practical and theoretical classroom work, including practical and multiple-choice theory assessments on CPR and first aid skills.  

Find an Outdoor First Aid (OFA) course near you 


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Download and print the Outdoor First Aid (OFA) qualification fact sheet using the button below. 


 
Prerequisites to complete an Outdoor First Aid Course  

Candidates must be a minimum of 16-years-old at the time of taking the Outdoor First Aid assessment, and no prior first aid knowledge is required.  
 


 
Who is the Outdoor First Aid Course Recommended For?  

Everyone! Individuals and organisations are advised to take an Outdoor First Aid course to provide and deliver first aid skills in an outdoor environment.  It is for those operating in situations where a number of hazards may be present. 


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Outdoor First Aid Course Content  

A range of subjects are covered within the Outdoor First Aid course, including:  

  • Understanding the role and responsibilities of an outdoor first aider
  • Understand the environmental factors that affect outdoor first aiders
  • How to manage an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally
  • How to manage a casualty who is in shock
  • How to assess an incident
  • How to recognise and assist a casualty who is choking
  • How to manage a casualty with a minor injury
  • How to manage an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally
  • How to manage a casualty with external bleeding
  • How to manage a casualty suffering from the effects of hot and cold
  • How to provide insulation and emergency shelter in the outdoors
  • How to perform a secondary survey
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with burns and scalds
  • How to provide first aid to a casualty with a suspected major illness
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with injury to bones, muscles, and joints
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with an eye injury
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with suspected head and spinal injury
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with a suspected pelvic injury
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with sudden poisoning
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with suspected chest injury
  • How to administer first aid to a casualty with anaphylaxis 


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Outdoor First Aid Assessment Criteria  

The RLSS UK Outdoor First Aid qualification is trainer assessed throughout the course and comprises of practical work and theoretical work (multiple-choice question paper). The Outdoor First Aid course assessment determines a learner’s ability to act safely, promptly, and effectively when an emergency occurs in the outdoors and to deal with a casualty. All assessment criteria must be met to pass an Outdoor First Aid course.  
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Renewal Process for an Outdoor First Aid Certificate  

To renew an Outdoor First Aid certificate, candidates must re-qualify by being assessed against all learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the qualification. A renewal is achieved by redoing the initial 16-hours of course content.   Shape 

 



RLSS UK Outdoor First Aid Qualification Specification  

Still have unanswered questions? Read our Outdoor First Aid FAQs page for the answers to common questions about the Outdoor First Aid qualification. 



Outdoor First Aid Qualification CPD Points

RLSS UK’s Outdoor First Aid (OFA) qualification offers candidates the following continual professional development (CPD):

CPD = 8 CIMSPA Points
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How to Book an RLSS UK Outdoor First Aid Course  

RLSS UK Outdoor First Aid courses are delivered by RLSS UK Approved Training Centres (ATCs) or Approved Training Providers (ATPs). ATCs and ATPs across the UK and Ireland run first aid courses regularly.  


 
Interested in Becoming an RLSS UK Outdoor First Aid Trainer Assessor?  

RLSS UK Trainer Assessors (TA) deliver RLSS UK First Aid qualifications at Approved Training Centres (ATCs) or Approved Training Providers (ATPs). If you are interested in becoming an ATP or a First Aid Trainer Assessor at an ATC, please visit our Become an Outdoor First Aid Trainer Assessor page to learn more about the prerequisites and how to apply. 

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RLSS UK’s Complete First Aid Essentials Qualification Suite