Emergency Outdoor First Aid | RQF Level 3

The RQF Level 3 Emergency Outdoor First Aid Course is a specialised program tailored for individuals involved in outdoor activities, expeditions, or remote environments where immediate medical assistance might be limited. This comprehensive training equips participants with advanced first aid skills specifically designed for outdoor emergencies.

Key components of the course typically include:

1. Assessment and Remote Incident Management: Participants learn to assess and manage emergencies in remote settings, emphasising quick and effective responses based on injury severity and environmental conditions.
2. Trauma Care and Wilderness Injuries: Extensive training covers treating injuries common in wilderness settings, such as fractures, dislocations, hypothermia, bites, stings, and environmental emergencies like altitude sickness.
3. Remote Medical Emergency Procedures: Understanding and managing medical emergencies unique to remote environments, including heat-related illnesses, allergic reactions, and dehydration, are emphasised.
4. Evacuation and Improvised Care: Participants are trained in evacuation procedures and improvising care with limited resources, such as creating splints from available materials or handling evacuation logistics in remote locations.
5. Scenario-Based Training: Practical scenarios simulate real outdoor emergencies, enabling participants to apply their skills and decision-making in situations commonly encountered in remote or wilderness settings.
6. Equipment Utilisation and Environmental Adaptation: Training on using specialised outdoor first aid equipment and adapting first aid techniques to suit the challenges of remote environments.
7. Communication and Decision Making: Emphasis is placed on effective communication and decision-making in isolated settings, ensuring a coordinated response and proper prioritisation of actions.

This course aims to provide advanced skills and preparedness for managing emergencies in remote or wilderness settings. It's beneficial for outdoor instructors, expedition leaders, adventure guides, or anyone engaging in outdoor activities where immediate medical help might be limited.

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The RQF Level 3 Emergency Outdoor First Aid Course typically incorporates various delivery methods tailored for immersive learning in outdoor environments:

1. Practical Demonstrations: Hands-on sessions demonstrating wilderness first aid techniques, including treating injuries and medical emergencies in outdoor scenarios.
2. Scenario-Based Training: Simulated outdoor emergencies to replicate real-life situations, allowing participants to apply skills and decision-making in realistic settings.
3. Field Exercises: Outdoor activities focusing on wilderness-specific injury management, navigation, and effective communication during emergencies.
4. Classroom or Theoretical Learning: Theoretical modules covering foundational knowledge, including wilderness-specific injuries, environmental considerations, and evacuation procedures.
5. Group Discussions: Interactive sessions to debrief scenarios, discuss best practices, and share experiences in outdoor emergency management.
6. Equipment Usage Training: Instruction on utilising specialised outdoor first aid kits, tools, and improvising resources in remote settings.

The course blends theoretical learning with extensive practical applications to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to manage emergencies effectively in outdoor environments.

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Module 1 Introduction

Module 2 What is outdoor first aid?

Module 3 First aid equipment

Module 4 Summon assistance

Module 5 Monitoring

Module 6 Scene survey

Module 7 Primary survey

Module 8 Secondary assessment

Module 9 Resuscitation and AED

Module 10 Disorders of respiration

Module 11 Wounds and bleeding

Module 12 Hypovolaemic shock

Module 13 Course closure

The outcomes from the RQF Level 3 Emergency Outdoor First Aid Course include:

1. Advanced First Aid Skills: Participants gain advanced knowledge and practical skills to manage a wide range of injuries and medical emergencies in remote or wilderness settings.
2. Effective Assessment and Response: Enhanced ability to assess situations and respond appropriately to emergencies, considering environmental challenges and limited resources.
3. Trauma and Wilderness Injury Management: Proficiency in treating wilderness-specific injuries like fractures, hypothermia, bites, stings, and altitude-related conditions.
4. Remote Medical Emergency Handling: Skills to manage medical emergencies in isolated settings, including heat-related illnesses, allergic reactions, and dehydration.
5. Scenario-Based Training Experience: Practical exposure to simulated outdoor emergencies, refining decision-making, improvisation, and communication skills in remote environments.
6. Adaptability and Equipment Utilisation: Competence in adapting first aid techniques and utilising specialised outdoor first aid equipment in challenging outdoor conditions.
7. Preparedness and Confidence: Increased preparedness and confidence to handle emergencies in remote or wilderness environments, ensuring better safety for oneself and others.

Successful completion leads to an RQF Level 3 certification, validating proficiency in managing outdoor emergencies where immediate medical assistance might be limited.

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The RQF Level 3 Emergency Outdoor First Aid Course is ideal for outdoor guides, wilderness instructors, adventure leaders, expedition professionals, and enthusiasts engaged in remote outdoor activities. It's beneficial for those operating in settings where access to immediate medical help might be limited, such as hiking, camping, mountaineering, or remote expeditions. This course is tailored to equip individuals involved in outdoor pursuits with advanced skills and preparedness to manage emergencies effectively in remote or wilderness environments.

Continuing studies after the RQF Level 3 Emergency Outdoor First Aid Course might include:

1. Advanced Wilderness Medicine: Further specialised training in treating complex wilderness injuries, tropical medicine, or prolonged care in remote areas.
2. Outdoor Leadership and Risk Management: Courses focusing on leadership in outdoor settings, risk assessment, and managing groups in challenging environments.
3. Search and Rescue Training: Learning specialised skills for search and rescue operations in wilderness or remote locations.
4. Emergency Response and Disaster Management: Courses covering broader emergency response strategies and disaster management in remote or challenging terrains.
5. Outdoor Education and Instruction: Programs focusing on teaching outdoor skills, environmental education, and experiential learning methodologies.
6. Medical or Paramedic Studies: Pursuing higher education in medical fields like paramedicine, emergency medicine, or nursing for a more comprehensive understanding of medical care in various contexts.

These pathways offer opportunities to deepen knowledge and expertise in outdoor emergency care or related fields, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.

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