Launching Training at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa
We were pleased to deliver one of our first Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses at our new Durham location, Bannatyne Health Club and Spa Durham.
The course brought together a highly active and experienced group of learners, including:
- An instructor and rider from The Bike Club
- A representative from The Reform Lab
- A self-employed personal trainer
- Additional personal trainers from local sports clubs
From the outset, it was clear this would be a dynamic and discussion-led day, shaped by real-world sporting environments.
First Aid for Active and High-Risk Settings
When working in gyms, studios, outdoor sports, and coaching environments, first aid needs can be very different from those in office-based roles. Learners on this course were responsible for supervising physically demanding activities, sometimes outdoors or at height.
While we always cover the full EFAW syllabus, we tailor delivery to suit the learners in the room. This ensures the training feels relevant, practical, and directly connected to the risks they face.
Throughout the day, we explored scenarios such as:
- A femoral artery bleed following a serious mountain bike accident
- Multiple injuries and possible spinal trauma after a fall from an indoor climbing wall
- A personal trainer witnessing a seizure in a gym setting
- The potential for anaphylaxis following skin treatments
These discussions encouraged learners to think through decision-making under pressure, scene management in busy environments, and communication with emergency services.
What the Course Covered
The Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work qualification equips learners to respond confidently in workplace emergencies. The course included:
- Roles and responsibilities of an emergency first aider
- Incident assessment and scene safety
- Adult CPR and safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Management of the unconscious casualty
- Choking emergencies
- External bleeding, shock, and wound care
- Recognition of medical conditions such as seizures and allergic reactions
Practical assessments were completed throughout the day, with learners demonstrating competence in CPR, AED use, choking management, and casualty care.
Making Training Relevant and Interactive
One of the key strengths of this session was the way learners contributed their own knowledge and experience. We believe first aid training works best when it is interactive — not just delivered, but discussed.
By using real-life examples from sport and fitness environments, learners were able to visualise how they would respond in their own workplaces. This approach helps information connect and remain memorable.
The atmosphere was positive, energetic, and supportive — serious when required, but relaxed enough to allow open conversation and shared learning.

Learner Feedback
Feedback from the group highlighted the value of the interactive and practical approach:
“Excellent course, thank you so much.” – Tim
“I found the course really helpful and interesting, especially with the discussion around real life incidents.” – Paige
“Great day, enjoyable way to learn these essential topics.” – Alison
“Fun and engaging course, made relevant to working as a personal trainer.” – Sarah
All learners successfully completed the qualification and left with the confidence to respond effectively in high-energy, sport-based environments.
Emergency First Aid Training in Durham
This course at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa demonstrates how first aid training can be tailored to specific sectors while still covering all essential content and assessments.
Looking to Book Training in Durham?
We run regular Emergency First Aid at Work courses at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in Durham, as well as on-site training across the North East. Contact us to secure your place or arrange a course tailored to your team’s environment.

