John kneeling between two students, coaching them as they practise CPR on manikins

First aid training · Derry/Foyle

Would you know what to do?

Practical, encouraging first aid training with John Porter, shaped around your group and the situations you're likely to face.

Book a course Get a group quote

Courses

Training shaped around your group

Every course is built around the people in the room and what they're most likely to face. These are the usual starting points.

Overhead view of a group practising CPR and using training defibrillators on manikins

  • CPR and defibrillator (AED)

    Recognise a cardiac arrest, give good chest compressions and use a defibrillator with confidence.

    For: Anyone: clubs, community groups, families

    3 hours Book

  • First aid for the outdoors

    Looking after someone when help is a long way off, practised in realistic outdoor scenarios.

    For: Outdoor instructors, mountain rescue teams, youth leaders

    2 days Book

  • First aid for workplaces and care settings

    Built around the people you look after and the situations your team is most likely to meet.

    For: Social workers in children's homes, doctors' surgeries, organisations

    1 day Book

  • Community first responder training

    Training for volunteer responders, from the lead trainer of Heart of Foyle, Derry's local CFR group.

    For: CFR groups

    Evening sessions Book

  • Private groups

    Bring a group together and I'll shape a session around what you most want to know.

    For: Friends, families, clubs and anyone who wants to learn

    Half day Book
  • Not sure which?

    Tell me about your group

    Who's coming, where you work and what worries you most. I'll put the right course together.

    Get a group quote

How I teach

I always ask people, “Would you know what to do?”

My aim is for you to leave able to say yes. So I keep it practical, use everyday scenarios and make them as real as I can. Everything is explained plainly, and you'll get plenty of encouragement when you get it right.

Each course is structured around the students and the organisation: who you are, where you work, and what you're most likely to come across.

A student in blue gloves bandaging another student's hand during an outdoor session

Booking is simple

Get in touch

Call, email or use the form.

Tell me about your group

Who's coming and what you need.

Learn by doing

Hands-on, built around real scenarios.

John in an orange helmet, smiling, on a mountain rescue stretcher carry with a team behind him
Portrait of John Porter

About John

Ports First Aid · Rescue Emergency Care

Hi folks, I'm John Porter. Most people call me Ports.

I've spent more than 40 years in outdoor education, working as an instructor in several outdoor centres. Along the way I've travelled all over the world on extreme personal expeditions, and a few just for fun.

I've been teaching first aid for the last 18 years. My qualifications were gained on both sides of the border and are recognised by the HSE and PHECC. I'm also the lead trainer for Heart of Foyle, my local community first responder group in the city.

People I teach

  • Outdoor instructors
  • Mountain rescue teams
  • Social workers in children's homes
  • CFR groups
  • Doctors' surgeries
  • Youth leaders
  • Private groups

Recognised by

What people say

“John made it feel real without ever making it scary. Our whole team left knowing exactly what to do, and we've already had him back for a refresher.”
Claire M.Residential children's home, Derry
“Brilliant on the hill. Practical scenarios, plenty of encouragement, and he clearly knows the outdoors inside out.”
Declan O.Outdoor instructor, Donegal
Two smiling students after a practice session, one wearing an arm sling and head bandage

FAQ

Common questions

Can't see your question? Call me on 07753 963727.

Of course. I keep things practical and easy to understand, and I give plenty of encouragement when things get done right.

Yes, that's how I work. Courses are structured around the needs of your students and your organisation, using scenarios that are as real as possible.

I've taught first aid for 18 years. My first aid qualifications were gained in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and are recognised by the HSE and PHECC.

I'm based in Derry/Foyle and travel across the North West, including Donegal. I can come to your workplace, club or community hall, and I bring all the equipment.

Contact

Book a course or get a quote

Tell me a bit about your group and I'll get back to you. Or just pick up the phone.

Based in
Derry/Foyle, Northern Ireland
Call Book a course