One of the pilot programme photographs showing instructors and learners actively engaged in a practical training scenario.
A new evidence-informed approach to developing instructors in emergency response and safety-critical environments
Many emergency response instructors are highly experienced operators. They possess extensive technical knowledge, operational credibility and years of practical experience.
But teaching effectively requires more than operational expertise alone.
Recognising the important role instructors play in shaping operational performance, Outreach Rescue has launched the Emergency Response Instructor Development Programme — a five-day immersive programme designed to help instructors develop the knowledge, skills and judgement required to deliver high-quality training in safety-critical environments.
Developed by Outreach Rescue in collaboration with Dr Loel Collins of the University of Edinburgh, the programme combines over 35 years of specialist rescue training experience with contemporary research into learning, coaching and performance development.
The programme explores how people learn practical skills, how instructional decisions influence operational outcomes, and how instructors can create learning environments that improve engagement, retention and adaptability.
Throughout the course, delegates examine topics including:
- Adult learning in practical skills environments
- Learning transfer and retention
- Instructional methods and degrees of instructor direction
- Constructive alignment of learning outcomes, delivery and assessment
- Feedback and performance improvement
- Risk-informed training design
- Assessing competence in complex operational environments
Delivered using the same principles it teaches, the programme combines evidence-informed theory with contextualised practical delivery and structured reflection.
The programme is suitable for experienced operators moving into instructional roles, current instructors seeking to refine their practice, and training managers responsible for developing instructional capability within their organisations.
Alongside the programme launch, Outreach Rescue has also published a new white paper by Technical Training Manager Greg Cain exploring the thinking behind the programme and the role instructional practice plays in developing operational competence.
Learn More
Explore the programme, download the white paper or register your interest in future course dates: