Safety Training Awards (STA), the awarding organisation of STA, is pleased to announce the launch of two new qualifications: the STA Level 3 Award in Outdoor Emergency First Aid and the STA Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid.

These qualifications are a valuable addition to STA’s first aid offering, developed in response to member feedback and the growing need for outdoor-specific training.

The STA Level 3 Award in Outdoor Emergency First Aid is a one-day, eight-hour course suited to those working in environments where help is close by – such as school trip leaders, sports coaches, and outdoor activity instructors. The more comprehensive STA Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid runs over two days and is designed for those operating in more remote or higher-risk outdoor settings, including expedition guides, forest school teachers, and mountain leaders.

Delivered fully face-to-face, both qualifications meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. They also align with the Institute for Outdoor Learning’s Statement of Good Practice – Band 2 for the Emergency course and Band 3 for the full Outdoor First Aid – ensuring alignment with national standards and best practices.

“This has been a much-requested addition from our members,” said Helen Done, STA’s Qualifications and Business Development Manager. “It reflects our commitment to broadening STA’s first aid qualifications to meet a wider range of needs. It’s exciting we can now offer outdoor-specific training within the STA framework, and give ATCs, tutors, and learners more choice and convenience from one awarding organisation.”

These qualifications also form part of a wider expansion of STA’s first aid portfolio this year. Coming soon are two further certifications: Activity Emergency First Aid and Activity First Aid – which will introduce blended learning options for the first time at STA.