The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Outdoor First Aid (OFA) is a comprehensive training programme designed to equip learners with essential first aid knowledge and practical skills for managing medical emergencies in outdoor and remote environments. Outdoor activities often involve increased risks due to limited access to medical facilities, changing weather conditions, and challenging terrain. This professional diploma is developed in line with international health and safety standards to ensure effective and confident emergency response in outdoor settings.
This Outdoor First Aid certification course covers a wide range of topics, including casualty assessment, wound management, fractures and sprains, bleeding control, shock management, environmental injuries, and medical emergencies commonly encountered outdoors. Learners will also gain an understanding of risk assessment, incident management, communication with emergency services, and decision-making in remote locations.
Delivered through a flexible online learning format, the 30-hour professional diploma supports continuing professional development (CPD) and skill enhancement for outdoor instructors, adventure leaders, first aiders, safety officers, and individuals involved in outdoor activities or remote work environments. Upon successful completion, learners receive an OSHAA-certified professional diploma, enhancing professional credibility, employability, and confidence in handling outdoor first aid emergencies effectively
Program Highlights
Mandatory Unit
- Introduction to Outdoor First Aid and Legal Responsibilities (2 Hours)
- Risk Assessment and Scene Management in Outdoor Environments (3 Hours)
- Casualty Assessment and Primary Survey Techniques (4 Hours)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use (4 Hours)
- Management of Bleeding, Wounds, and Shock Outdoors (4 Hours)
- Treatment of Fractures, Sprains, and Soft Tissue Injuries (4 Hours)
- Environmental Emergencies: Hypothermia, Heatstroke, Dehydration, and Bites (4 Hours)
- Prolonged Casualty Care and Monitoring in Remote Settings (3 Hours)
- Emergency Evacuation Procedures and Communication Skills (2 Hours)
To ensure learners can successfully meet the academic and practical demands of this specialised programme, applicants are expected to meet the following entry requirements.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of enrollment.
- Educational Background: Minimum secondary education (high school certificate or equivalent) is required.
- Experience: No previous first aid or medical experience is required.
- English Language Proficiency: Learners must have basic to intermediate English language proficiency.
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Outdoor First Aid and Legal Responsibilities (2 Hours)
- Understand the scope and importance of outdoor first aid
- Recognise legal and ethical responsibilities of a first aider in outdoor settings
- Identify key regulations and compliance requirements for outdoor first aid provision
Risk Assessment and Scene Management in Outdoor Environments (3 Hours)
- Conduct effective risk assessments specific to outdoor environments
- Manage emergency scenes safely and efficiently to protect casualties and responders
- Prioritise actions to minimise hazards in remote and natural settings
Casualty Assessment and Primary Survey Techniques (4 Hours)
- Perform comprehensive casualty assessments under outdoor conditions
- Conduct primary surveys to identify life-threatening conditions
- Adapt assessment techniques to limited resources and challenging environments
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use (4 Hours)
- Demonstrate CPR techniques aligned with international guidelines
- Operate AED devices confidently during emergencies
- Integrate CPR and AED use in outdoor rescue scenarios effectively
Management of Bleeding, Wounds, and Shock Outdoors (4 Hours)
- Identify and control different types of bleeding in remote settings
- Apply appropriate wound care and dressing techniques outdoors
- Recognise and manage shock considering environmental factors
Treatment of Fractures, Sprains, and Soft Tissue Injuries (4 Hours)
- Identify common musculoskeletal injuries encountered outdoors
- Apply immobilisation and support methods, including improvised techniques
- Provide effective pain relief and care tailored to outdoor conditions
Environmental Emergencies: Hypothermia, Heatstroke, Dehydration, and Bites (4 Hours)
- Recognise signs and symptoms of environmental emergencies
- Administer correct first aid treatments for hypothermia, heatstroke, dehydration, and bites
- Implement prevention strategies to reduce environmental risks
Prolonged Casualty Care and Monitoring in Remote Settings (3 Hours)
- Manage casualties when evacuation is delayed or prolonged
- Monitor vital signs and observe changes in casualty condition over time
- Provide ongoing care and reassurance until advanced medical help arrives
Emergency Evacuation Procedures and Communication Skills (2 Hours)
- Plan and execute safe evacuation strategies in outdoor environments
- Use effective communication techniques to coordinate rescue efforts
- Understand the importance of teamwork and clear information exchange during emergencies
This course is designed to prepare learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide effective first aid in outdoor, remote, and challenging environments where access to immediate medical help may be limited.
What This Course Is For:
- To learn how to respond to injuries and medical emergencies outdoors
- To build confidence in assessing and managing casualties in remote locations
- To understand risk assessment and emergency decision-making in outdoor settings
- To develop skills in treating bleeding, fractures, shock, and environmental injuries
- To improve safety and emergency preparedness during outdoor activities
- To support professional development in outdoor, adventure, and safety-related roles
- To gain an OSHAA-certified Outdoor First Aid qualification
