Prepare your workforce to handle medical emergencies effectively in the demanding wind energy sector with our certified GWO BST First Aid Module. Delivered at South West Maritime Academy, this comprehensive 1-day BST module provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to recognise life-threatening injuries and administer crucial first aid in wind turbine generator (WTG) environments.
From managing severe trauma and suspension trauma to operating Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in confined nacelles, our First Aid Initial Training (FA) combines theoretical understanding with realistic practical simulations. Gain the valuable, industry-recognised certification needed for onshore and offshore site compliance across the UK and Europe.

GWO First Aid Details
Booking Info
Cromhall Quarry, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA.
Already hold a GWO First Aid certificate?
Looking for the GWO First Aid Refresher (FAR)?Life-Saving Skills at South West Maritime Academy: GWO First Aid Module
In remote onshore wind farms or isolated offshore turbine platforms, technicians and engineers are often the first and only immediate line of medical defence. The GWO Basic Safety Training First Aid Module is specifically designed to bridge the critical gap between an initial incident and the arrival of professional emergency medical services.
Our training equips delegates to independently assess, prioritise, and administer life-saving care under high-pressure conditions. Rather than delivering generic first aid, this module concentrates directly on the unique physical hazards of modern wind turbines—including vertical rescue logistics, electrical risks, confined space navigation, and emergency evacuation protocols.
1. Primary Survey & Life-Saving Action
Learn to rapidly assess, recognise, and prioritise critical medical emergencies using structured primary response techniques.
- Systematic Assessment: Executing Primary Survey protocols (C-A-B-C) in a wind turbine generator (WTG) environment.
- Immediate Intervention: Administering CPR and operating Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
2. Turbine-Specific Trauma Management
Practical interventions tailored to the specific mechanical, electrical, and structural hazards of wind turbines.
- Trauma & Suspension: Managing severe bleeding, crush injuries, shock, fractures, and suspension trauma.
- Environmental Injuries: Treating burns, electrical contact injuries, hypothermia, and heat exhaustion.
3. Secondary Survey & Casualty Care
Conducting detailed physical assessments to identify non-immediately fatal injuries and maintain vital stability.
- Secondary Assessment: Performing head-to-toe examinations and continuous vital signs monitoring.
- Ongoing Care: Providing structured first aid until the casualty is handed over to the next level of care.
4. Emergency Communication & Evacuation
Facilitating seamless casualty extraction and external medical response coordination in remote locations.
- Calling for Assistance: Effectively calling for advanced help and transmitting structured medical SITREPs.
- Evacuation Prep: Understanding limitations as a basic first aider and facilitating safe casualty evacuation.
5. Legislation & First Aider Boundaries
Understanding regulatory frameworks, first aid kits, and legal responsibilities in onshore and offshore wind energy.
- Legal Frameworks: Complying with international first aid legislation and emergency action plans.
- Responsible Action: Recognising first aider limitations and ensuring safe, ethical intervention.
Complete BST Training Package
Need all mandatory GWO certifications for full onshore or offshore site access? Book our comprehensive 4.5-day BST package:
Full Pathway Package:
GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) PackageThe SWMA Advantage: Realistic Wind Industry First Aid
At South West Maritime Academy, we deliver hands-on exercises and simulations that replicate real-world wind turbine emergencies rather than standard classroom lectures.
Based at our dedicated facilities in South Gloucestershire, delegates train with operational safety gear, realistic trauma simulation kits, and AED trainers. Our instructors ensure you leave fully prepared to handle emergencies confidently within WTG towers.
Entry Requirements and Target Audience
This GWO First Aid course is designed for anyone working, or seeking employment, in the onshore and offshore wind energy sector. It provides wind turbine technicians, site managers, rope access specialists, and maintenance crews with essential medical response capabilities.
The module involves practical scenarios including CPR drills and casualty positioning on the floor. Full attendance and active participation across all practical exercises are required to receive GWO certification.
- Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- Physical Health: Candidates must be in good physical health and capable of practical first aid exercises.
- WINDA Registration: Delegates must register on the GWO WINDA database and obtain a WINDA ID prior to course commencement.
- Prior Experience: No formal medical prerequisites are required for the initial 1-day course.
Contact & Accommodation Support
Corporate & Group Enquiries
Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com
Monday – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00
Local Accommodation
There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre, to suit everyone's budget.

