ZRF Course Outline

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​​Course Elements

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The training is delivered in three interactive parts, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience

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• ​Expedition First-Aid & CPR​

• Zodiac Rescue Skills: Land & Water

• Pre-Course Learning Component
   

*Please note: You will not be driving a Zodiac during this course.

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​Expedition First-Aid & CPR (2 days)

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The Expedition First-Aid & CPR component builds the practical skills and confidence required to manage common expedition injuries in remote environments. We've teamed up with a wilderness first-aid specialist for this element. The focus is on simple, proven approaches that work under pressure, and on developing a calm, systematic way of thinking when things go wrong. Training follows recognised wilderness medicine standards and is framed for expedition operations, giving you the tools to stabilise and monitor a patient until professional medical care is available.

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​Key topics:
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• Personal preparedness and scene safety for expedition staff.

• Patient Assessment System with structured primary and secondary surveys.

• Basic life support, including CPR, AED use and simple airway management.

• Managing common expedition injuries such as sprains, fractures, wounds, spinal concerns and head injuries.

• Environmental issues including hypothermia, heat illness, drowning and allergic reactions.

• Common medical problems on trips, including asthma, diabetes and chest pain.

• Hands-on practice with splinting, wound care and packaging patients for evacuation.

• Assessment, documentation and communication suited to expedition operations.

• Building confidence to stabilise and monitor a patient until the ship’s doctor or higher-level care is available.

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Zodiac Rescue Skills: Land & Water (2 days)

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Over 2 days, we work through training and scenarios both on and off the water. The course moves between practical water-based rescue work (prepare to get wet) using Zodiacs, and land-based skills that support safe operations. Participants spend time in each environment, building a well-rounded set of rescue competencies in a controlled and supportive setting.

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Water-based training includes:

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• Self-rescue skills and techniques for assisting single/multiple person-overboard situations.

• Working with Zodiac capsize scenarios, self-rescue and passenger recovery methods.

• Team-based rescues and communication strategies that support safe operations on the water.

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Land-based training includes:

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• Understanding expedition equipment, correct use, limitations and considerations for different environments.

• Personal rescue equipment and its uses, including throw bags, slings and other essentials. 

• Best practice for safe driving preparation, both solo and paired, with a focus on decision-making and situational awareness.

• Packaging and moving a patient across uneven or difficult terrain, including transferring them safely into and out of a Zodiac.

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Across both environments, the emphasis is on simple, reliable skills that hold up under pressure, helping you work safely, support your team and build genuine capability in a rescue environment.​​

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*Please note: You will not be driving a Zodiac during this course.

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Pre-Course Learning Component ​

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Before arriving at the course, you’ll be required to read and understand material relating to the Expedition Firs-Aid & CPR course element. You will also be asked to complete a short online component to equip you for the Zodiac Rescue Skills: Land & Water course element. This material introduces key concepts that underpin safe expedition decision-making, helping you arrive prepared and ready to get the most from the in-person, hands-on training days. 

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Expedition First-Aid & CPR

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• Wilderness First Aid Pre-course Handbook  ​

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​This handbook prepares you for days 1 and 2.

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Zodiac Rescue Skills: Land & Water

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• Exploration of heuristic traps in decision-making.

• A detailed review of essential terminology.

• Analysis of causal factors in accidents and incidents.

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This pre-course learning component covers key ideas, terminology and concepts related to days 3 and 4.

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Practical Course Information​​

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Once you have booked

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Once you have booked a place on the Zodiac Rescue & First-Aid course, you will receive a confirmation email, followed by a Practical Information email with all essential pre-course details. This will include information such as meeting times, exact locations, transport information, what to bring, and what to expect during the training. Please note that this information is provided after booking.

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Arrival and Departure

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The ZRF course is delivered over four full days of training. To maximise instructor contact time, participants will need to arrive in the afternoon or early evening the day before the course begins. Departure is the evening of the final training day. The specific arrival and departure times will be included in your Practical Information email and will apply to all participants.

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Facilities

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Training takes place both outdoors and indoors. We spend time on the water, on the beach, in green areas, and in classroom spaces at the EGA venue. 

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Accommodation

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Accommodation is included for 4 nights, with arrival the evening before the course begins and departure on the afternoon of the final day. Staying together on-site keeps everyone close to the training area and makes the daily logistics straightforward.

You’re welcome to arrange your own accommodation off-site, although we encourage participants to stay with the group because we believe that sharing the same space helps build a stronger team dynamic.

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Full details about the accommodation and what to bring will be included in your Practical Information email.​

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Personal Equipment

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Participants will need to bring either a wetsuit or a drysuit for the water-based training days. These sessions involve time in the water and practical rescue scenarios, so having your own well-fitting suit ensures comfort, mobility, and effective learning. A detailed gear list will be provided after booking.

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Certification

 

Successful completion of the course leads to two different certificates.

 

• EGA's Training Certificate, outlining the content covered. This certificate supports your personal development and can be useful when applying for roles or demonstrating ongoing professional training.

• R3-issued Wilderness First Aid certificate.

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Prepare Yourself for the Unpredictable