Last month saw us running a new outdoor first aid qualification; accredited and regulated by Qualification Network. Qualification Network is an Ofqual approved Awarding Body. No stranger to delivering outdoor first aid courses, we caught up with our director Andy Hart to discuss the new qualification and three reasons why you should complete you Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (RQF) with The Adventure Academy CIC.
First aid courses get a bit of a bad rep. I’m pretty sure that many people have experienced this. The classic example is a course delivered entirely by powerpoint. While a very useful tool, powerpoint has it’s limitations; painfully obvious when slide 105 rolls around and the learners are barely able to keep their eyes open. Coupled with the HSE’s removal of their accreditation process and the industry is now a potential minefield.
Our aim is to provide our clients with a high quality learning experience, to set their minds at ease by providing a qualification which is accredited and regulated. In a later article I’ll discuss exactly what the advantages to attending a regulated and accredited outdoor first aid course are. The long and short? The syllabus has been standardised and set by a national body, and the standard of delivery is verified.
1. A learner centred approach to Outdoor First Aid
The courses which I’ve felt that I learned the most from and particularly enjoyed have taken a learner centred approach. But what does this actually mean? Simply put, any situation which allows the learner to take control of their own, well, learning. This style encourages the learner to reflect on what they are learning and how they are learning it.
The advantage to this approach is that it encourages strong problem solving and skill development in learners. Not only will a learner be able to recognise signs and symptoms of a condition but they will also be able to apply the skills to the real world.
2. Relevant teaching locations
During the weekend of the course there were an unusually high number of accidents in Glasgow; well at least around Pinkston Paddlesport Centre, the venue for our course. Luckily these ‘casualties’ where actually candidates take part in a scenario based approach to learning. We carefully select our venues. The venues have comfortable classroom settings but also access to the outdoors. The comfortable classroom setting allows learners to be at ease. This affords candidates with the best opportunity to learner. Access to the outdoor environment is a vital component of our courses. I believe it allows for the most realistic scenarios.
3. Varied teaching methodology
Using a varied teaching methodology is always at the front of my mind. By mixing up the style learners stay interested.
I believe that these scenarios are a vital component of our outdoor first aid courses. They give the learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills. This included everything from diagnosing, providing immediate treatment to monitoring a casualty until medical help arrives. We believe this contextualisation helps to develop a learners practical skills and improves retention.
Practical workshops are another methodology we use. This allows learners the chance for skill development or to try new techniques or equipment in a relaxed and nurturing environment.
Finally we still use the traditional chalk and talk style albeit very infrequently. In some instances this style is preferential to impart knowledge. These sessions are always supported by the use of striking imagery, clear and concise diagrams or useful mnemonics.
By now I’d hope that you can see the advantages of booking an outdoor first aid course with The Adventure Academy CIC. Book an outdoor first aid course now.
Andy Hart is our executive director; he is responsible for our outdoor first aid courses and our Duke of Edinburgh Award programmes.