16-hr Outdoor First Aid – 2024

Suitable for all outdoor sports – Official & Approved

WhenCourseCostStatus
Sat/Sun
10&11
May 2025
Leysin, CH16 hour Outdoor First Aid, BASI/BAIML, MTUK etc250.- CHFconfirmed
Wed/Thu
4/5
April 2025
Le Châtelard16 hour Outdoor First Aid, BASI/BAIML, MTUK etc250.- CHFconfirmed
Sat/Sun
7&8
June 2025
Leysin, CH16 hour Outdoor First Aid, BASI/BAIML, MTUK etc250.- CHFPROV

Bed & Breakfast, Leysin

If you want to stay in our B&B, please ask directly as it’s not open for public bookings when we’re running a course.

Other Courses

We are delighted to introduce courses that cater specifically to recreational enthusiasts. These courses maintain the same high standard of training found in our other programs but are designed for individuals who engage in skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and other mountain activities. Participants will gain valuable knowledge about essential equipment to carry, accident management, and casualty support. These courses are especially beneficial for clubs, families, and groups of friends seeking to acquire the skills needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable mountain experience.

First Aid for mountain bikers, hikers and climbers & First Aid for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers

Discover an Outdoor First Aid course set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, designed for outdoor enthusiasts and individuals pursuing awards such as BASI Ski Instructor, Mountain Leader, Mountain Guide, International Mountain Leader, and more. This two-day program equips participants with essential skills to handle a wide range of First Aid emergencies, instilling confidence in their ability to respond promptly, safely, and effectively, especially in situations where immediate professional medical assistance may not be readily available.

Ian, a highly experienced instructor, also conducts these winter courses in Verbier, specifically tailored for trainee instructors in the BASI Gap program, preparing them comprehensively for their roles on the slopes.

In addition to the Outdoor First Aid course, we offer the option to renew your certifications for “First Aid at Work” and “Emergency First Aid at Work.”

Ian brings a wealth of expertise to the table as an International Mountain Leader (IML). He has served as the former director of the British Association of IMLs and currently holds the prestigious position of President of UIMLA, representing the profession to the UIAA and the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR). Ian plays a pivotal role in collaborating with MountainSafety.info to develop an international knowledge base for best practices in mountain safety, particularly in avalanche rescue. He is also a member of the ICAR Avalanche Rescue Commission (AVACOM).

Read more about our work with MountainSafety.info here.

current course status , email [email protected] for booking

outdoor first aid courses

This Level 3 qualification, recognized under the Regulated Qualifications Framework by Ofqual, is ideal for individuals who frequently engage in outdoor activities such as skiing, climbing, or trekking. It is especially relevant for professionals working in outdoor fields, as it aligns with the criteria set by NGB (National Governing Body) providers like Mountain Training UK, BASI, BAIML, and others.

Our courses are held at various locations, including Leysin, Switzerland, and Chamonix, France, providing flexibility to cater to your specific needs. We typically organize courses on-demand, tailored for small groups and adaptable to your preferred location.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for all outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Accredited by Mountain Training UK, BAIML, BASI, BHPA, and more.
  • Endorsed by Forest Schools Associations.
  • Continuous practical assessments conducted by the instructor each day, complemented by daily written assessments.
  • No prior experience is required, making it accessible to the general public.
  • Available for private groups and on-site sessions.
  • Courses offered in picturesque locations, including Leysin, Switzerland, and Chamonix, France.

Choose our Level 3 outdoor qualification to enhance your skills and knowledge for safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures, whether you’re an avid enthusiast or a professional in the field.

Here’s a guide on selecting an outdoor first aid training provider:

  1. Official Website: Look for providers with an official website rather than relying solely on social media posts. A professional website often indicates a legitimate and established organization committed to providing quality training.
  2. IOL Criteria: Ensure that the provider meets the criteria set by the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) – Good Practice Code. This code mandates that trainers possess outdoor qualifications and training. This ensures that the trainers have the necessary expertise and knowledge specific to outdoor environments.
  3. Alpine Registration: Verify that the provider holds the appropriate registration or accreditation to deliver training in Alpine environments. This accreditation ensures that the training is tailored to the unique challenges and conditions of mountainous regions.
  4. Professional Outdoor Experience: Confirm that the trainers have significant professional outdoor experience. This is not only a requirement by IOL but also a crucial factor for the quality of training. Trainers with real-world experience can provide practical insights and context that is invaluable for outdoor first aid.

By following these guidelines, you can choose an outdoor first aid training provider that offers reputable and effective training tailored to outdoor environments, ensuring you are well-prepared for emergencies in the great outdoors.

Le Châtelard

This location is close to the border crossing on the Martigny-Chamonix road. We do not provide lunch at this venue but we do provide tea, coffee & biscuits. We recommend you bring you own lunch, there is a microwave to reheat food.

Leysin

We have three locations in Leysin, the yourte, a full-size classroom and our own B&B. We provide a light lunch and refreshments when we’re in Leysin.

We run B&B Chalet Epicea in Leysin, please ask for a price! (For course dates, the B&B is not available on the normal booking system because we hold the rooms for students so contact us directly).

If you have a van/motorhome then there’s a site right alongside one of the classrooms we use. It’s 10.- CHF per night per person with electrical supply and services.

PLACE DES FEUILLES – CAMPING-CAR AREA

subjects include

  • First Aid Equipment
  • Assessment of the situation
  • Prioritising treatment
  • Environmental factors
  • Moving a casualty
  • Shock (including Anaphylaxis)
  • Fractures and spinal injuries
  • Control of bleeding
  • Head injuries
  • Poisoning
  • Sprains and strains
  • Hypothermia
  • Frostbite
  • Heat exhaustion

Background

International Mountain Leader & First Aid Trainer

I’m an International Mountain Leader and First aid Trainer. I left the UK in 1999 to live and work in Europe. Since 2003 we’ve lived in Switzerland.  We are based in Leysin in the Swiss Alps where we also run the Epicea B&B providing accommodation for our clients.

I’m the president of the international body the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). I work with MountainSafety.Info, a collaboration between Manuel Genswein, IFMGA, and the UIAA to promote best practices in areas such as avalanche rescue. I’m a delegate to the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) and member of the Avalanche Commission of ICAR

We’re based in Leysin in the Swiss Alps where we have our own Bed & Breakfast with comfortable rooms.

Ian Spare, International Mountain Leader

SKILLS

  • UIMLA International Mountain Leader.
  • Royal Geographical Society Off-Site Safety Management Trainer
  • Éducateur sportif / Carte professionnelle n° 03819ED0125 (France)
  • Registered with the Italian Government (registration)
  • President, Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA)
  • Former director, British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML)
  • Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award scheme award leader, supervisor and assessor
  • European Avalanche School, Professional Diploma
  • Level 3 Award in Education and Training (QCF)
  • Approved First Aid Instructor (Ofqual regulated).
  • Approved Safeguarding Instructor (Ofqual regulated).
  • Approved First Aid for Mental Health Instructor (Ofqual regulated).

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