Optimal First Aid

23/07/2025

Be honest… your last First Aid course was boring, wasn’t it?

Same old routine:

❌ Ice breaker that made you cringe
❌ Instructor who “used to be in the secret service”
❌ Two tired-looking Resus Annies

And at least one dog used as an excuse to leave early…

Let’s change that.

At Optimal First Aid, we believe Workplace First Aid should actually stick.

✅ Real-world, hands-on training
✅ Advice on kits, equipment, and procedures
✅ Full post-course support — not just a certificate and a goodbye

👉 Intrested to see what great First Aid training really looks like?
Read the blog: Workplace First Aid That Actually Sticks ⬇️

📩 Let’s chat!

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Workplace First Aid doesn’t have to be boring. Discover how we deliver engaging, compliant training with real post-course support.

14/07/2025

The First Person on Scene (FPOS) course bridges a critical gap between basic first aid and full-blown trauma care where it’s built for professionals who operate in high-risk, time-critical environments.

So, who’s it for?

Security professionals & CP teams

Remote & lone workers

Forestry & arb crews

Outdoor instructors & guides

Maritime & offshore crews

Media, production & expedition teams

If you’re working where waiting isn’t an option, FPOS should be on your radar.

At Optimal First Aid, we don’t teach textbook first aid. We deliver bespoke, scenario-led training in Devon and across the UK, built around the real risks you face.
And we’ve been doing it for 15+ years, with instructors who’ve lived what they teach.

Want to know more?
Check out the FPOS course here ⬇️

https://www.optimalfirstaid.co.uk/fpos-course/

Let’s talk about how it fits into your training plan.

Discover why the FPOS course is the go-to choice for professionals needing advanced first aid skills in high-risk, remote, and challenging environments

06/07/2025

Our next FREC 3 – First Response Emergency Care Level 3 course is running 08–12 September 2025 in Newton Abbot:

Easy access – Newton Abbot, just off the A38, handy for Exeter, Plymouth, and across the Southwest.

Venue: Kingdom Business Centre, Newton Abbot

Dates: 08–12 September 2025.

Spaces are limited.

Train with people who’ve been there and done it.

https://www.optimalfirstaid.co.uk/frec3-course-first-response-emergency-care/

30/06/2025

11 years today since I left the Armed Forces.

Today marks over a decade since I stepped out of uniform.
Since then, I’ve poured my focus into something with just as much purpose: Optimal First Aid.

This past year has been our most productive yet, delivering Outdoor & Remote First Aid Training and First Responder courses to those working in challenging, often high-risk environments.

And that’s exactly why I started this business.

From serving with the Parachute Regiment, to mentoring roles in Riyadh, and leading PSD teams in Kurdistan, it’s been one hell of a journey, built on resilience, purpose, and no small amount of graft.

What began as a new chapter has grown into a clear mission:
To deliver real-world training that prepares people for the environments they actually operate in - not ticking boxes.

To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you.

To those walking a similar path, keep going. Civvy Street isn’t the end of the mission. It’s just a new operation.

www.optimalfirstaid.co.uk

25/06/2025

Working in forestry, arboriculture or remote land management?

Your first aid training should be as tough and tailored as the job.

Our Forestry First Aid Training courses are designed specifically for:

✅ Tree surgeons

✅ Forestry workers

✅ Remote or high-risk outdoor teams

What makes us different?

HSE-compliant and +F certified

Delivered by instructors with real operational experience

Available nationwide – at our venue or yours

Whether you're in Devon, Cornwall or Carlisle, we’ve got you covered.

Book or learn more:

https://www.optimalfirstaid.co.uk/forestry-first-aid-f-course-devon/

24/06/2025

Looking to Collaborate with Security Teams & High-Risk Organisations in the North West

If you’re operating in security, close protection, or high-risk environments, we want to work with you.

My team at Optimal First Aid are here to collaborate, not just deliver training. We are looking to work alongside you to make sure your teams are trained with genuine lifesaving skills, not just a certificate.

We’re already working with teams across the North West, providing FREC 3 training that’s built for real-world challenges.

✅ Real instructors with real operational experience
✅ Training tailored to your sector
✅ Courses in Manchester or on-site with you

Let’s have a chat about how we can support your team.

Deliver professional FREC 3 first aid training at your Manchester venue. Veteran-led, operationally experienced instructors bring accredited, real-world medical training to your team. Request a bespoke quote today.

23/06/2025

Is basic first aid enough for your team?

Too many organisations still rely on outdated first aid training and ticking boxes whilst leaving their teams dangerously underprepared.

High-pressure environments like security, forestry, construction, and remote work need more than just the basics.
If you are a security manager, employer, or safety officer relying solely on the Emergency First Aid at Work course or even the traditional 3-day First Aid at Work as the gold standard for your team’s training, it is time for a wake-up call.

That’s why we’re pushing for a shift towards bespoke first aid training that’s practical, scenario-based, and built around the realities of your industry.

Catastrophic bleeds to trauma management and real-world incidents just don’t follow a neat sometime softened lesson plan. Neither should your first aid training.

Read the full article: https://www.optimalfirstaid.co.uk/bespoke-first-aid-training/

Optimal First Aid, veteran-led, experienced, and committed to making sure “good enough” isn’t good enough anymore.

Discover why bespoke first aid training is essential for security teams, arborists, and other high-risk sectors. Go beyond basic compliance

22/06/2025

Our next FREC 3 – First Response Emergency Care Level 3 course is running 08–12 September 2025 in Newton Abbot:

Easy access – Newton Abbot, just off the A38, handy for Exeter, Plymouth, and across the Southwest.

Venue: Kingdom Business Centre, Newton Abbot

Dates: 08–12 September 2025.

Spaces are limited.

Train with people who’ve been there and done it.

https://www.optimalfirstaid.co.uk/frec3-course-first-response-emergency-care/

FREC 3 – 8th to 12th September

Join us this 8th–12th September for the Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3) at the Kingdom Business Centre, Newton Abbot.

Whether you're in security, remote work, outdoor adventure or events, FREC 3 is the essential stepping stone into the world of professional prehospital care.

✅ Regulated & nationally recognised
✅ Meets SIA licence requirements
✅ Taught by seasoned frontline pros
✅ Packed with realistic, hands-on scenarios

Venue: Kingdom Business Centre, Newton Abbot
Dates: 8–12 September 2025
Book your place: info@optimalfirstaid.co.uk | 07762 082310

Sharpen your skills. Step up your capability.

16/06/2025

Outdoor First Aid Course – Includes Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).

Two certificates. One course.
Ideal for outdoor professionals, instructors, group leaders, or anyone needing Outdoor First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work in one go.

Course Cost: £175
• Practical, hands-on training
• Recognised by national governing bodies (ML, RCI, BC, etc.)
• Perfect for outdoor, remote, and high-risk environments
•
Book your place today
Location: Princetown, Dartmoor.
Dates: 25th & 26th June

Join our 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course in Devon & Cornwall. Ideal for outdoor professionals. Practical, NGB-aligned training

13/06/2025

16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Course – Princetown, Dartmoor |  Outdoor First Aid Training in Devon

Join us in Princetown, Dartmoor for a highly practical 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course. This essential course is designed for outdoor professionals, instructors, expedition teams, group leaders, and anyone who works or adventures in remote or rugged environments.

Fully accredited and meets requirements for all major National Governing Body (NGB) awards, including Mountain Leader (ML), Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), British Canoeing (BCU), BASI and more.

What’s included:

• 16 hours of outdoor first aid training, delivered over 2 days
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certification included at no extra cost
• Optional Paediatric First Aid certificate available (EYFS compliant)
• Dual certification for both outdoor and workplace environments
• Taught by experienced outdoor medical professionals
• Certificates valid for 3 years

Location: Princetown Community Centre, Tavistock Road, Princetown, Dartmoor, PL20 6QE

Duration: 2 days (16 hours total)

Booking: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/optimalfirstaidltd/1613047

Suitable for:

• Mountain Leaders
• Forest School Leaders
• Climbing Instructors
• Canoe and Kayak Guides
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Leaders
• Outdoor Activity Instructors
• Expedition and Adventure Leaders

Book your space today and be confident you’ve got the skills to handle emergencies in remote environments.

Visit www.optimalfirstaid.co.uk or call 07762 082310 for more information.

08/06/2025

Another brilliant bit of feedback from a recent course! 👊🏻

As a trainer, there's no better feeling than hearing that your sessions stick not just in the brain, but in the memory for all the right reasons.

✅ Hands-on exercises
✅ Engaging discussions
✅ Real-world relevance

That’s what Optimal First Aid is all about.

Mission: To have clients leave a course with an understanding, not a tick in the box.

This was William’s second course with us.
I love it when people come back for more.

If you're looking to upskill in first aid or trauma response (and want it delivered with experience, energy and clarity), you know where to find us.