Outdoor Pursuits 8 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)

1-Day Practical Outdoor First Aid Course

The Outdoor Pursuits 8 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)™ is a practical one-day first aid course designed specifically for outdoor pursuits, adventure activities and environments where access to the emergency medical services may be delayed or more difficult.

The course develops essential first aid knowledge and practical skills while considering the additional challenges of dealing with illness or injury in the open air, away from the facilities and immediate assistance normally available in a conventional workplace.

It is an excellent option for outdoor professionals, activity leaders, volunteers and individuals who require a recognised one-day outdoor first aid qualification.

Institute for Outdoor Learning – Band 2

The Outdoor Pursuits 8 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)™ is aligned with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Outdoor First Aid Statement of Good Practice – Band 2, One Day.

Course content is specifically selected and adapted to be appropriate and relevant to an outdoor environment.

For those whose role or governing body requires a more extensive two-day qualification, we also offer the Outdoor Pursuits 16 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)™, aligned with IOL Band 3.

Who Is This Course Suitable For?

This course is particularly suitable for:

• Outdoor instructors and activity leaders
• Walking and trekking leaders
• Outdoor education staff
• Adventure activity providers
• Climbing and mountaineering personnel
• Kayaking, canoeing and watersports personnel
• Cycling and mountain biking leaders
• Camping and expedition personnel
• Scout, Guide and youth group leaders
• Outdoor clubs and voluntary organisations
• Individuals regularly participating in outdoor and adventure activities

First Aid Away From Immediate Emergency Support

Providing first aid outdoors can present challenges that are very different from dealing with an emergency in a conventional workplace.

The course considers how to manage an incident where Emergency Medical Services (EMS) may not be easily accessible, including:

• Scene safety
• Initial casualty assessment
• The Chain of Survival
• ABCD approach
• Recovery position
• Infection-control barriers and face shields
• First aid equipment
• Managing an emergency away from immediate EMS support
• Deciding whether a casualty should be moved

The Stop – Think – Act approach encourages learners to assess both the casualty and the surrounding environment before taking action.

CPR, AED & Choking Emergencies

Practical training includes essential lifesaving skills such as:

• Adult CPR
• CPR handover
• Compression-only CPR
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use
• Conscious adult choking
• Unconscious adult choking

Learners have opportunities to practise these skills during the course, helping develop confidence in responding to a life-threatening emergency.

Bleeding & Injury Management

The course covers the recognition and initial management of injuries that may occur during outdoor pursuits, including:

• Types of bleeding
• Serious external bleeding
• Internal bleeding
• Strains and sprains
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Fractures
• Head injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Injury assessment

Particular consideration is given to casualty management where professional medical assistance may take longer to reach the scene.

Medical & Environmental Emergencies

Outdoor environments can expose participants to changing weather conditions and other factors that can complicate illness and injury.

The course therefore includes:

• Allergic reactions
• Heat-related emergencies
• Cold-related emergencies
• Shock
• Asthma
• Epilepsy and seizures

Learners also develop an understanding of secondary care and ongoing casualty assessment, which can be particularly important when waiting for further medical assistance.

Practical & Theoretical Assessment

The 8-hour programme combines underpinning knowledge with practical training relevant to outdoor pursuits.

Learners complete practical and theoretical assessments to demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply the skills covered during the course.

The emphasis is on developing the confidence, practical ability and decision-making skills required to respond effectively when an emergency occurs outdoors.

Optional Pre-Course Learning

Learners may choose to complete the ProTrainings FirstAidPlus online course before attending.

This is recommended but not mandatory and provides an opportunity to broaden the range of first aid subjects studied in addition to those covered during the one-day practical course.

Course Duration & Certification

Duration: 8 hours over 1 day

Qualification: Outdoor Pursuits 8 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)™

IOL Alignment: Institute for Outdoor Learning Outdoor First Aid Statement of Good Practice – Band 2, One Day

Course Type: Practical classroom and scenario-based training

Assessment: Practical and theoretical assessment

Certification: ProTrainings Level 3 (VTQ) certification

Course content has been independently certified as conforming to recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines and includes a Certified CPD Statement alongside the ProTrainings certificate.

Outdoor First Aid Training in Scotland

Delivered by Vital Signs Scotland as part of our Outdoor & Expedition First Aid Training provision, the Outdoor Pursuits 8 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)™ provides practical first aid training for people working, leading or participating in outdoor and adventure activities.

From walking, climbing and cycling to watersports, outdoor education and expeditions, the course focuses on developing practical emergency-response capability for environments where professional help may not be immediately available.

Group and in-house Outdoor Pursuits First Aid training is available across Scotland for outdoor centres, activity providers, schools, colleges, clubs, charities and other organisations.

Saving Lives Through Training | Emergency Preparedness Specialists