Level 3 Outdoor First Aid
The Level 3 Outdoor First Aid (RQF) course is designed for those who may need to provide first aid in outdoor or remote settings where professional medical help isn't immediately available. It offers a safe, systematic approach to handling emergencies in rural outdoor environments, and is regulated by ITC First, meeting the Institute for Outdoor Learning's Statement of Good Practice for Outdoor First Aid Training at Band 3.
Description
Level 3 Outdoor First Aid
Course Overview
The Level 3 Outdoor First Aid (RQF) course is designed for individuals who may need to provide first aid in outdoor or remote environments, where professional medical help may not be immediately accessible. The course provides a safe and systematic approach to first aid and covers the practical skills needed to deal with emergencies that may occur in rural outdoor settings. The qualification is regulated by the highly recognised awarding body, ITC First, and meets the requirements for the Institute for Outdoor Learning Statement of Good Practice for Outdoor First Aid Training at Band 3.
Course Duration
The course is a 16-hour qualification completed over 2 days of practical training, where you will learn skills to practise and apply in an outdoor setting.
Who is the course suitable for?
The course is suitable for those working in the following sectors:
- Outdoor Guides and Instructors
- Duke of Edinburgh Leaders and Students
- Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- Scout Leaders
- Outdoor Sport and Expedition Leaders
- Mountain Leaders
- Rescue Workers
- Outdoor Activity Organisations
- Adventurers and Campers
Course Description
The Level 3 Outdoor First Aid qualification covers the following content:
- Roles and responsibilities of the first aider
- Minimising risk in an outdoor emergency
- Safe accident procedures, including primary and secondary casualty survey
- Safe airway positions
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and use of AEDs
- Dealing with choking
- Managing a casualty in seizure
- Treatment for bleeding and shock
- Dealing with catastrophic bleeds and use of tourniquets, military dressings and haemostatic dressings
- First aid for burns and scalds
- Appropriate first aid kits and outdoor equipment
- Managing fractures and dislocations in the outdoors
- Managing pelvic injuries
- First aid for sprains, strains and soft tissue injuries
- Serious head injuries, including concussion, compression and fractured skull
- Managing a casualty with a suspected spinal injury
- First aid for chest injuries, including broken ribs and open chest wounds
- First aid for eye injuries
- First aid for poisoning
- Dealing with a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Medical emergencies, including heart attack, strokes, diabetes and asthma
- Hypothermia and hyperthermia
- First aid for bites, stings, and outdoor-related infections such as Lyme’s Disease
- Triage and incident management
Assessment
Students are assessed continuously through tutor observation of practical first aid skills in real-life scenarios, ensuring a supportive and friendly learning environment. There are no written exams; assessment is based on your ability to demonstrate first aid techniques through interactive, scenario-based activities throughout the day.
Certificates
Upon completing the course, you will receive a digital certificate no later than two weeks after the course end date. The certificate is valid for three years, and the qualification is renewed by completing another Level 3 Outdoor First Aid training course.