Two Days on the Heath: A 16‑Hour IOL Band 3 Outdoor First Aid Course in Wiltshire (£175)

WESTBURY WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE

Two Days on the Heath: A 16‑Hour IOL Band 3 Outdoor First Aid Course in Wiltshire (£175)

A two‑day, 16‑hour Institute of Outdoor Learning–accredited course that gives outdoor leaders a nationally recognised Band 3 first‑aid qualification through hands‑on training and realistic outdoor scenarios.

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Two Days on the Heath: A 16‑Hour IOL Band 3 Outdoor First Aid Course in Wiltshire (£175).

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Westbury
Operator
The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team
Category
Workshop

Adventure brief

Two Days on the Heath: A 16‑Hour IOL Band 3 Outdoor First Aid Course in Wiltshire (£175)

Join the most engaging first aid course in Wiltshire, designed for outdoor leaders and instructors. Over two consecutive days you work in the great outdoors with professional instructors to gain a nationally recognised Band 3 qualification through practical assessments and scenario‑based training.

Situated in the rolling English countryside near Westbury, Wiltshire offers more than scenic landscapes — it’s a training ground for preparedness in remote outdoor settings. The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team delivers a standout Outdoor First Aid - 16 Hours course designed specifically for outdoor leaders and instructors who regularly lead groups into the wild or isolated environments. This course isn’t your typical classroom session; it unfolds across two full days of immersive, hands-on training that builds confidence and competence through realistic outdoor emergency scenarios.

This 16-hour IOL Band 3 qualification is nationally recognized and tailored for those tasked with safety during remote adventures, whether that’s leading Duke of Edinburgh Award groups, Forest School sessions, or mountain expeditions. Participants gain practical skills in managing urgent health crises far from immediate medical support, covering everything from CPR for all ages to treating shock, fractures, burns, and hypothermia.

What sets this course apart is the emphasis on real-world application: participants engage in active assessments under the guidance of seasoned instructors, deepening their understanding of practical first aid techniques in varied outdoor conditions. The comprehensive manual provided supports ongoing learning and the qualification remains valid for three years.

The course takes advantage of Wiltshire’s diverse natural settings — expanses of woodland, chalk hills, and streams offer authentic terrain to practice emergency response. This is essential training for leaders who work within two hours of emergency assistance, requiring swift decision-making and effective casualty management.

The Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team’s commitment to quality education and safety makes them a vital resource for the region’s outdoor community. With dedicated, expert instructors and a focus on applied skills, this course strengthens the backbone of outdoor leadership in southern England. Whether you guide youth groups, work as an outdoor instructor, or want to be prepared for backcountry emergencies, this training is an invaluable investment.

Route Schematic

Course itinerary at a glance

Stops outline the flow of the two‑day course from check‑in to final assessment.

  1. Check‑in at Roundwood

    Morning registration and briefing take place at the meeting point near Brokerswood Holiday Park before practical sessions begin.

  2. Core skills & practical drills

    Instructor‑led sessions cover assessment and prioritisation, CPR for adults, children and infants, bleeding control, shock management, and basics of moving casualties during hands‑on practice.

  3. Outdoor scenarios & assessments

    A series of staged, outdoor scenarios test skills in realistic conditions and incorporate the practical use of outdoor equipment and first‑aid kits.

  4. Debrief and certification

    Final practical assessments conclude with feedback; successful participants receive the IOL Band 3 first aid certificate.

This course is intended for leaders and instructors who work in remote settings (up to two hours from help); the training includes outdoor practical scenarios and may require physically handling casualties during assessments.

What the day feels like

What the two days feel like

Across two consecutive days (the calendar date is the first day) you move between instructor‑led demonstrations, small‑group practical drills and staged outdoor scenarios. Sessions run from 09:00 to 17:30 and include regular practical assessments, an in‑depth first aid manual for each participant and training in using first‑aid kits and outdoor equipment to manage casualties until help arrives.

A nationally recognised Band 3 qualification

ACCREDITATION

A nationally recognised Band 3 qualification

This 16‑hour Institute of Outdoor Learning (IOL) Band 3 course leads to a nationally recognised first aid certificate—valid for three years—designed specifically for people working in outdoor and remote settings.

Hands‑on skills and real scenarios

PRACTICAL TRAINING

Hands‑on skills and real scenarios

Delivered in the open, the course emphasises practical assessments and outdoor scenarios so participants practise CPR, bleeding control, casualty movement and other core skills where they will use them.

Built for outdoor leaders and instructors

WHO IT'S FOR

Built for outdoor leaders and instructors

Geared toward DofE leaders, Forest School leaders and outdoor instructors (including mountain leaders and equivalents), the syllabus focuses on incidents in remote environments—up to two hours from help.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course is built for—and who should seek other options.

1
DofE leadersAn appropriate Band 3 qualification for DofE supervisors who need a nationally recognised first aid certificate tailored to outdoor incidents.
2
Forest School leadersCourse content focuses on outdoor‑relevant injuries and child‑specific issues, meeting the needs of Forest School practitioners.
3
Outdoor instructors (Mountain Leaders, SPA, HMLs)Designed for instructors operating in remote or water‑based settings, the syllabus covers casualty movement, hypothermia, drowning/poisoning responses and use of outdoor equipment.
4
Leaders working in remote settingsTargeted at those who may be up to two hours from further help; the course develops skills to manage a broad range of injuries and illnesses until medical care arrives.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

The course is run in the great outdoors and makes practical use of outdoor equipment and first‑aid kits; participants receive an in‑depth first aid manual as part of the course materials.

Course materials & equipment

An in‑depth first aid manual is provided to each participant; training includes use and maintenance of first‑aid kits and practical application of outdoor equipment in scenarios.

On‑course practice

Practical assessments are integrated throughout the two‑day course so learners repeatedly apply skills in realistic, outdoor situations.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the course and when does it run each day?

The course totals 16 hours delivered over two consecutive days. Sessions run from 09:00 to 17:30 on each day.

Where is the meeting point?

Participants meet at Roundwood (near Brokerswood Holiday Park), BA13 4EH.

Who is this course suitable for?

It is suitable for DofE leaders, Forest School leaders and outdoor instructors (including Mountain Leaders, SPA, HMLs) who work in remote settings up to two hours from help.

Is the qualification recognised and how long is it valid?

The course is accredited through the Institute of Outdoor Learning and leads to a nationally recognised first aid qualification; the First Aid Certificate is valid for three years.

Will there be practical assessments and outdoor scenarios?

Yes. Practical assessments are built into the course and it incorporates a variety of outdoor scenarios to cement learning and allow participants to practise skills in realistic conditions.

What skills will I be able to perform after the course?

Participants will be able to assess and prioritise incidents; manage unconscious casualties; perform CPR for adults, children and infants; respond to choking; control bleeding and shock; treat burns, eye injuries, fractures and soft‑tissue injuries; recognise and manage hypo‑ and hyperthermia; deal with poisoning and electric shock; and maintain first aid records and kits.

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  • Verified: 2026-09-12T12:11:32.032Z

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Two Days on the Heath: A 16‑Hour IOL Band 3 Outdoor First Aid Course in Wiltshire (£175)