DAC courses for the Outdoors

DAC Education

Courses for Outdoor Professionals

DAC Education

DAC Outdoor training courses in Suffolk

First aid outdoor training courses in Suffolk delivered by experienced outdoor professionals

If you work outside or are passionate about the great outdoors and thrive on adventure, our Outdoor first aid training courses are for you. We have worked with learners in Suffolk, Norfolk, across the UK and globally for many years. We use our extensive knowledge to deliver outdoor first aid, safety and leadership courses that prepare you for the unpredictable challenges of the wild.

Courses available
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"I defy anyone to find a better outdoor first aid course instructor than DAC. Straight to the point, hands on from the minute you arrive, highly informative and taught in an outdoor environment. Some fantastic tips that you won’t find in the usual first aid manuals but are highly practical and help you to actually remember things.”
One of our first aid trainers Dave Coyle
Andrew
16 hr Outdoor

Our Courses

Making the most of the outdoors

We believe everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors safely. That’s why DAC Education provides training in outdoor leadership, first aid, water awareness and expedition mental health.

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First Aid

1 and 2 day First Aid qualifications for any activities outdoors.

Canine First Aid

Accredited Dog First Aid for owners, dog professionals and working dogs.

Water Awareness

Working with people in and around water has its own hazards, be ready.

Mental Health courses

Equipping an Adventure leader with the skills to help a person struggling

Outdoor First Aid 16 hour (2 days)

Build real confidence in managing emergencies in the outdoors with our 16 Hour Outdoor Pursuits First Aid Level 3 (VTQ) course. Designed for instructors, leaders and professionals working in remote environments. This two-day qualification combines essential outdoor first aid theory with immersive, hands-on learning. All delivered in the stunning forest location of Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge. This outdoor first aid training is aligned with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Band 3 Statement of Good Practice, ensuring you meet recognised industry standards.

Led by an experienced expedition leader and search & rescue professional, our outdoor first aid training  course prepares you for real life scenarios where help may be delayed. With a strong focus on practical skills, extended outdoor simulations and remote area problem solving, it’s ideal for anyone responsible for safety in the field. We use actors on the final day of training to simulate real life emergency situations so you can really put your skills to practice and leave with confidence in your own abilities.

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Outdoor Fist Aid 8 Hour (1 Day)

Prepare for the unexpected with our Outdoor Pursuits 8 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ) course—an immersive, hands-on training experience designed specifically for those working or adventuring in outdoor, remote, or expedition environments. Taking place in the stunning outdoor setting of Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge, Suffolk, this one-day course is delivered under a parachute canopy and aligns with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Band 3 Statement of Good Practice, ensuring you meet recognised industry standards.

Led by a seasoned expedition leader and search & rescue expert, the course goes far beyond standard first aid training. You’ll gain practical skills tailored to situations where emergency support may be delayed, including primary and secondary care in outdoor conditions, adapting techniques for challenging terrain, and making critical decisions when minutes matter. Ideal for outdoor instructors, DofE supervisors, ecologists, and adventurous professionals, this course is CPD-certified, UK Resus Council-compliant, and designed to give you confidence where it counts most.

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Outdoor First Aid 8 Hour (1 Day)

Prepare for the unexpected with our Outdoor Pursuits 8 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ) course. An immersive, hands on training experience designed specifically for those working or adventuring in outdoor, remote, or expedition environments. Taking place in the stunning outdoor setting of Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge,Suffolk.

This one day course is led by a seasoned expedition leader and search & rescue expert and aligns with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) Band 3 Statement of Good Practice, ensuring you meet recognised industry standards.

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Not sure if you need the 8hr (1 day) or 16hr (2 day) outdoor first aid course?

Read about the differences in our blog post below to help you choose the right course.

8 Hour vs 16 Hour Outdoor First Aid: Which Course Do You Need?

Lowland expedition leader award for outdoor professionals - DAC
Lowland Expedition Leader (LEL) level 3

Our lowland leadership training course is a nationally recognised qualification designed for those who want to lead walking expeditions in lowland terrain. Whether you’re working with young people on DofE programmes, leading school groups or supporting outdoor learning initiatives, this course gives you the confidence, skills, and structure to lead safely and effectively. The course is delivered by experienced Mountain Leader-qualified tutors who combine expert guidance with real-world expedition experience.

Split into two main training blocks with time for consolidation between, the course blends theory, practical skills and group-led expedition tasks. Participants will cover navigation, group management, safety and risk assessment, expedition planning, and campcraft, all supported by ongoing mentoring to prepare for final assessment. It’s an ideal step for educators, youth workers, and outdoor professionals looking to formalise their expedition leadership skills. More information and dates

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DAC EFAW+F
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) plus Forestry level 3

Designed for forestry workers, land managers, tree surgeons, contractors, gamekeepers and anyone working in woodland or remote rural environments. A practical, hands on EFAW + Forestry First Aid course teaching essential life saving skills for those working in the forestry industry. Learn how to respond to traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, and incidents involving chainsaws, machinery, falling timber, vehicles, and difficult terrain.

This accredited one day, HSE compliant Level 3 qualification meets the needs of organisations whose risk assessment identifies the requirement for an emergency first aider in forestry or rural operations, without the time commitment of the full three day First Aid at Work course.

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DAC EFAW+F
Emergency First Aid at Work plus Forestry level 3

Designed for forestry workers, land managers, tree surgeons, contractors, gamekeepers and anyone working in woodland or remote rural environments. A practical, hands on Forestry First Aid course teaching essential life saving skills for those working in the forestry industry. Learn how to respond to traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, and incidents involving chainsaws, machinery, falling timber, vehicles, and difficult terrain.

This accredited one day, HSE compliant Level 3 qualification meets the needs of organisations whose risk assessment identifies the requirement for an emergency first aider in forestry or rural operations, without the time commitment of the full three day First Aid at Work course.

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Canine First Aid Level 2 (VTQ)

Our Dog First Aid Course is designed for anyone who owns or looks after dogs and wants the confidence to act quickly and effectively if an emergency occurs.

Whether you are a dog owner, dog walker or house or dog sitter wishing to give your professional status the confidence and peace of mind your clients deserve, this course provides practical, easy to understand training that focuses on real situations you may encounter in the Suffolk countryside.

During the course, you will learn essential dog first aid skills including how to assess a dog in an emergency, recognise signs of illness or distress and provide immediate care.

The training covers important topics such as checking vital signs, performing dog CPR, managing bleeding and wounds, dealing with choking incidents and recognising conditions such as heatstroke, shock or hypothermia. The aim is to give you the knowledge and confidence to stabilise an animal safely until professional veterinary care is available.

Read our blog about the launch of this course >>

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Astronomy for Outdoor Professionals

Give your clients a tour of the sky as well as the outdoors.
The Astronomy for Outdoor Professionals course is a unique one-day training designed to help outdoor leaders, nature educators, and experience providers bring the night sky into their work. Whether you’re guiding evening walks, hosting overnight camps, or leading bushcraft sessions, this course will give you the tools to add astronomy to your toolkit in a meaningful and engaging way.

Through a mix of hands-on learning, storytelling, and simple observational techniques, you’ll gain practical skills to identify constellations, use Polaris for navigation, spot planets with the naked eye, and explain celestial events with confidence. No telescopes or prior knowledge required — just a passion for the outdoors and a curiosity about the stars. More information and dates
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Expedition for Mental health Essential Skills

In remote and challenging environments, expedition leaders often play a crucial role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of their team. Our Expedition Mental Health training course equips outdoor and adventure professionals with the awareness, tools and confidence to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in the field, especially when professional support isn’t immediately available.

Grounded in decades of global expedition experience, this course offers practical strategies for managing distress, maintaining group cohesion and knowing when and how to escalate concerns. It is essential mental health training for anyone leading groups in isolated or high pressure environments, bridging the gap between adventure leadership and emotional first aid.

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Expedition Mental health Essential skills

In remote and challenging environments, expedition leaders often play a crucial role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of their team. Our Expedition Mental Health training course equips outdoor and adventure professionals with the awareness, tools and confidence to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in the field, especially when professional support isn’t immediately available.

Grounded in decades of global expedition experience, this course offers practical strategies for managing distress, maintaining group cohesion and knowing when and how to escalate concerns. It is essential mental health training for anyone leading groups in isolated or high pressure environments, bridging the gap between adventure leadership and emotional first aid.

Water Awareness

Our Water Awareness Training course is designed for outdoor leaders and educators who work near rivers, lakes and coastlines  without needing to enter the water. It focuses on recognising water hazards, managing group safety and reducing the risk of incidents in aquatic environments.

You’ll learn how to assess dynamic water margins, understand cold water risks and apply basic rescue principles from dry land. Whether you’re supervising walks, fieldwork or outdoor learning near water, this training course equips you with the practical knowledge to lead safely and confidently.

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