Field Expedition Fundamentals, including Outdoor First Aid Certification
Event
This is a 3-day course composed of two modules. The first part (Module I) is a certified, UK-standard 16h outdoor first aid training, and the second part (Module II) is a comprehensive introduction to field expedition planning, logistics, and safety management for biological research.
April 21st, 2026
BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face)
This is a 3-day course composed of two modules. The first part (Module I) is a certified, UK-standard 16h outdoor first aid training, and the second part (Module II) is a comprehensive introduction to field expedition planning, logistics, and safety management for biological research.
Module I: Outdoor First Aid (16 hours)
The Outdoor First Aid course certification is designed for anyone working outdoors and especially people working in remote locations where getting immediate assistance is unlikely. This course will be provided by qualified instructors based in the UK with several years of experience and has been originally designed for instructors, teachers, and group leaders working in remote areas or outdoor locations. It is also suitable for people travelling or working in remote locations. This 2-Day Outdoor First Aid course goes beyond the recommendations of the HSE 2-Day Outdoor First Aid course, and the certificate is valid for 3 years. This course is very practical and uses scenario training to reinforce learning which builds real confidence and empowers candidates to act when emergencies arise.
Module II: Introduction to Field Expeditions for Biologists (full day)
The second module focuses on the practical planning, logistics, and operational management of biological field expeditions. This module begins with a specialised expedition medicine session linking the first-aid foundation to an expedition setting. Then it addresses the critical operational aspects that determine expedition success and safety: developing robust Standard Operating Procedures, vehicle and transport logistics, terrain-specific planning, food and water management, navigation and communication systems, working with local communities, and emergency situation planning and insurance.
This is a practical, discussion-based module that uses case studies and group exercises to develop competence in expedition risk assessment and operational planning. Participants will gain the tools and frameworks needed to plan safe, effective fieldwork in remote locations, whether in tropical forests, deserts, mountains, polar regions, or coastal environments. This will be an excellent opportunity for participants to apply these frameworks to their own expedition plans and engage in discussions about team management, decision-making protocols, and emergency response strategies.
PROGRAM
Day 01 | April 21, 2026 (9h-18h)
● What is outdoor first aid?
● Responsibilities of the first aider
● First Aid Equipment
● Priorities of treatment
● Summoning help
● Environmental factors
● Primary assessment
● Secondary assessment
● Resuscitation techniques
Day 02 | April 22, 2026 (9h-18h)
● Moving a casualty
● Heart attack
● The use of AED Machines
● Shock (including Anaphylaxis)
● Fractures and spinal injuries
● Head injuries
● Choking
● Bleeding/bandaging
● Eye injuries
● Poisoning
● Chest injuries
● Abdominal injuries
● Sprains and strains
● Asthma
● Diabetes
● Hypothermia
● Frostbite
● Heat exhaustion
● Bites and stings
● Minor injuries
● Burns
● Epilepsy
● Scenarios
● Basic hygiene in First Aid
Day 03 | April 23, 2026
Morning (9-13h):
Expedition Medicine
● Prolonged field care, expedition-specific medical issues
● Medical kit design, prescription medications
Field Expedition Fundamentals
● Risk management, SOPs, and incident analysis
● Transport, vehicles, and field logistics
● Food, water, and camp management
Afternoon (14-18h):
Operations & Planning
● Navigation, communication systems, terrain considerations
● Local communities, evacuation planning, insurance
Practical Exercises
● Expedition planning scenarios and risk assessment
● SOP development workshop and Q&A
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
Instructors
Coordination
Duarte V. Gonçalves | CIIMAR; BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Bárbara Santos | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
First Aid Exeter/Bristol
First Aid Education Ltd (Company No. 10467562 of England and Wales registry), headquartered in Bristol, are professional training providers specializing in accredited first aid qualifications. They deliver a comprehensive range of practical courses, including Emergency First Aid at Work, Pediatric First Aid, and specialized Mental Health support. Their curriculum focuses on scenario-based learning and hands-on skill development to ensure participants can respond effectively to medical emergencies. They offer both public sessions and private group training.
Duarte V. Gonçalves | CIIMAR; BIOPOLIS/CIBIO
Evolutionary biogeographer, integrating genetic and spatial modelling approaches to understand biodiversity patterns and inform conservation in climate-sensitive and data-poor regions, with stronger focus in drylands and herpetofauna. Duarte has extensive field experience in remote and logistically challenging regions.
Cláudio Quintaneiro | Expedition and Wilderness Medicine physician
A specialist and Consultant in Internal Medicine, and senior emergency physician, with extensive experience in intensive care and pre-hospital emergency medicine (VMER). He holds the International Diploma in Expedition and Wilderness Medicine and the International Diploma of Mountain Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Alongside his clinical career, he has regular practical experience in alpinism, winter mountain climbing and canyoning, including leading groups in mountainous environments. His combination of frontline emergency medicine, critical care expertise, formal mountain medicine training, and hands-on expedition leadership provides a rare experience-based foundation for expedition and wilderness medicine in Portugal.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course offers a total of 24 vacancies, distributed into two main groups. Selection will be based on the candidate's profile and institutional affiliation.
12 vacancies for PhD Students from the BIODIV Doctoral Programme - FCUP
12 vacancies: Other participants (Internal or External Researchers/Students)
Priority Ranking
Candidates will be ranked within their respective profile according to the following order of priority:
▪ Lead Researchers/Students: Those leading or organizing field expeditions in remote locations.
▪ Frequent Fieldworkers: Researchers and students who work frequently in the field as part of their core activities.
▪ General Profile: Other students and researchers interested in the topic.
The selection process will determine the 24 eligible candidates.
To aid in selection, please write a small text detailing your fieldwork profile, and plans in terms of future coordination or participation in fieldwork and this course will assist those goals.
REGISTRATION
Deadline: March 31, 2026
To apply fill the FORM
The outcome of your application will be announced by April 8th.
Once selected, the following fees apply:
● BIODIV PhD Students (FCUP) and BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO Members: Free of charge.
● Other Students: €250
● Other External Participants (Researchers, etc.): €350
Accommodation and meals are not included.
Important Note: Registration fees cover the course materials and the 16h Outdoor First Aid Certification.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants will be evaluated before obtaining the certification of the 16-hour Outdoor 1st Aid, valid for 3 years, and be awarded a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.
CONTACT
Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)
+351 252 660 425