Posted By cakey Hi, I've been asked whether there is an outdoor first aid course that would be suitable for park rangers that would also fulfil the requirements of a First Aid at Work course. My understanding is that gaining the 'outdoor' course would not replace the requirement to obtain the 'at work' course. In other words the priority would be to gain the 'at work' qualification and if possible also gain a separate 'outdoor' course. Are there any outdoor courses available which include the 'at work' requirement. It gets even more confusing when there are HSE approved outdoor courses available. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you Cakey

Posted By Tabs I haven't seen the outdoors training, but I guess it includes things like hypothermia, drowning, poisoning, etc. The guidance from HSE (see their pages) is that a basic FA@W course is required, but that additional training should then be provided to suit the additional or job specific risks. I would tend to think that four days outdoors training actually includes the FA@W requirements anyhow - but it is whether the provider is licenced by HSE as a provider, and whether the course has been approved.

Posted By ClaireL Yes there are. I did one, though it was years ago and I can't remember the name. I think Plas y Brenin do a first aid course that includes outdoor topics and is HSE approved. http://www.pyb.co.uk/courses/first-aid.php#2 An outdoor type course will look at issues like hypothermia but also looks at ways of stabilising an injured person on steep and rough terrain. An outdoor survival weeekend I did also looked at protocol for helicopter rescue, makeshift stretchers etc. For an outdoor ranger I would say both types of courses would be beneficial.

Posted By Stuart Hamilton I undertook a first aid a work course quite a few years ago now, it was provided with an outdoor bias, ie scenarios used were those relevent to the outdoors. It was a very good course, we were out on a beach dealing with a cold casualty dragged from the sea, then we were dealing with a climber who had fallen over a fence, broken an arm and become tangled in the fence - so we were dealing with syllabus topics but in a very practical way. Very few major first aid incidents take place in a nice square room with plenty of lighting and heat. The company was called Bigfoot Adventure not sure if they still trade, but is was probably the most interesting first aid course I have been on, and I have held my HSE certificate since 1989. I would guess this is a better approach rather than paying for additional modules and arranging the extra time away - but I guess it all hinges on the outcome of the first aid risk assessment and the best options available from your identified provider. As FAW trainer/assessor, I try to building in practical scenarios where I can, have you ever tried to follow the resuscitation protocol when the causalty is lying in a doorway or the casualty has collpsed whilst dressed up as the company mascot, wearing a large furry suit ? I guess if I was delievering your training session I would take them out into the park area they look after and set up some incidents that they might reasonably come across. Having said that there is not quite as much time to do this on a refresher course as there might be on a full 4 day course. It also depends on how well the candidates pick things up and therefore allow some time for these incidents. What ever happens I hope they enjoy the course Stuart

Posted By cakey Thank you for all the responses.