OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Outdoor First Aid (OFA)

OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Outdoor First Aid (OFA)

The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Outdoor First Aid (OFA) is a specialized programme designed to prepare learners for managing medical emergencies in outdoor and remote environments. Unlike traditional first aid courses, this diploma focuses on the unique challenges faced when immediate medical support is not readily available. Over thirty hours of structured learning, participants will gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge to respond effectively to injuries, illnesses, and emergencies that occur in outdoor settings such as hiking trails, campsites, sporting events, and rural workplaces.

Learners will explore a wide range of topics including environmental hazards, trauma care, wound management, and emergency evacuation procedures. The course emphasizes scenario-based training, enabling participants to practice decision-making and problem-solving under realistic outdoor conditions. In addition, learners will study the impact of weather, terrain, and limited resources on first aid delivery, ensuring they are prepared to adapt their skills to challenging environments. By combining classroom instruction with practical exercises, the diploma builds confidence and competence in handling emergencies where professional medical assistance may be delayed.

This programme is suitable for individuals working or volunteering in outdoor, recreational, or community settings, as well as professionals in safety, education, and adventure tourism. It is designed to be accessible to learners with varying levels of prior experience, ensuring that everyone leaves with the ability to provide effective first aid in outdoor contexts. By the end of the diploma, participants will have developed the technical skills, situational awareness, and leadership qualities needed to respond responsibly to emergencies, making them valuable contributors to safer outdoor activities and environments.

Course Overview

Awarding Body

OSHAA

Duration

30-Hours 

Study Mood

Online

Assessment

Assignments Based

Course Study Units

  1. Introduction to Outdoor First Aid and Legal Responsibilities (2 Hours)
  2. Risk Assessment and Scene Management in Outdoor Environments (3 Hours)
  3. Casualty Assessment and Primary Survey Techniques (4 Hours)
  4. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use (4 Hours)
  5. Management of Bleeding, Wounds, and Shock Outdoors (4 Hours)
  6. Treatment of Fractures, Sprains, and Soft Tissue Injuries (4 Hours)
  7. Environmental Emergencies: Hypothermia, Heatstroke, Dehydration, and Bites (4 Hours)
  8. Prolonged Casualty Care and Monitoring in Remote Settings (3 Hours)
  9. Emergency Evacuation Procedures and Communication Skills (2 Hours)

Entry Requirements

  • Minimum age: Minimum age of 18 years.
  • Educational background: A basic level of education (secondary school or equivalent) is required.
  • Language proficiency: Proficiency in English language for reading, writing, and communication.
  • Work experience: Prior outdoor or safety-related experience is helpful but not mandatory.

Who Can Enroll

This course is designed for individuals who want to strengthen their ability to respond to emergencies in outdoor environments.

  • Outdoor activity leaders and instructors
  • Teachers and school staff involved in field trips
  • Adventure tourism and hospitality professionals
  • Workplace safety officers in rural or remote areas
  • Community volunteers and caregivers
  • Sports coaches and event organizers

Course 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills to manage medical emergencies in outdoor and remote settings. It focuses on practical training, environmental awareness, and confidence-building to ensure participants can act quickly and responsibly when professional medical help is not immediately available.

The diploma is delivered through a blend of classroom instruction, scenario-based exercises, and practical outdoor training. Learners engage with structured modules that cover both theoretical and applied aspects of outdoor first aid, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

No, prior first aid training is not required. The course is designed to be accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including education, hospitality, and community roles. However, those with previous first aid knowledge will find the outdoor-specific focus particularly valuable.

The programme prepares learners to respond to a wide range of emergencies including fractures, sprains, burns, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, allergic reactions, and trauma injuries. It also covers evacuation procedures and managing emergencies when resources are limited.

Learners receive structured study materials, practical guidance, and case studies. Resources include detailed explanations of outdoor hazards, step-by-step emergency protocols, and scenario-based exercises to ensure comprehensive learning.

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