EXPEDITION GUIDE ACADEMY
Zodiac Rescue & First-Aid Course (ZFA)
​
Elevate Your Professional Skills in Expedition Operations
​
About the Course
​​​
The ZFA course is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and understanding needed to operate safely and effectively in expedition environments. Through a mix of practical first-aid training and Zodiac-focused rescue exercises, you’ll build the confidence and skills to respond competently when things don’t go to plan.
​
Recognising the unpredictable nature of expedition guiding, the ZFA course goes beyond standard requirements, helping you develop a deeper understanding of expedition first aid, communication, and professional readiness during real-world emergencies.
​
You’ll complete an internationally recognised first-aid component delivered by our partners at R3 Norway, an SRI-certified training provider. Their program follows Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative Standards and includes Red Cross CPR certification, ensuring your skills are valid and transferable across the industry.
Location: Denmark & New Zealand
Language: English Proficient
Age: 18+
Previous experience: None required
Who is the course for?
Expedition guides of all experience levels who want to strengthen their confidence in emergency response, group coordination, and practical water-based rescue skills. A great fit for those who enjoy being challenged, developing new strengths, and stepping slightly outside their comfort zone in a supportive learning environment.
​​​
Format: Online & in-person​
Duration: 4-days + pre-course learning​
Price: TBC
Course Structure
​
The training is delivered in three interactive parts, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience:
​
Pre-Course Material (Online)​
-
Exploration of heuristic traps in decision-making.
-
A detailed review of essential terminology.
-
Analysis of causal factors in accidents and incidents.
​
Expedition First-Aid
-
Emphasis on personal preparedness for expedition staff.
-
Practical training in managing common expedition injuries, including sprains, fractures, wounds, and hypothermia.
-
Red Cross CPR skills focused on remote-environment application and decision-making.
-
Systematic patient assessment tailored to expedition operations.
-
Building confidence in stabilising and monitoring a patient until higher-level care is available.
​
Land-Based & Water-Based Training
-
Hands-on experience with Zodiac capsize and performing self-rescue and group rescues.
-
Developing strategies for managing single and multiple swimmers.
-
Gaining insights into personal strengths and limitations in rescue scenarios.
-
Focus on zodiac preparation and safe driving practices.
-
Techniques for package and backboard transportation during expeditions.
​
Additional Course Details
​
Target Audience:
This training is exclusively available to professional expedition companies, ensuring tailored content that addresses specific operational needs.
​
Practical Experience:
Participants should be prepared for intensive hands-on training, including time in the water and scenarios designed to push them beyond their comfort zones.
​
Prepare Yourself for the Unpredictable
