About lakes first aid
Who are we?
Lakes First Aid is small first aid training business owned by Ross & Sue Wallace that has been operating since 2009. We offer first aid courses to individuals, groups & businesses in Cumbria, the North West and across the UK. We employ two full-time trainers and pride ourselves in having a large professional network of associate trainers with many years of experience in training.
Ross (Partner & centre manager)
Ross brings over 30 years of experience in the outdoor sector and training industry, with a strong background in staff development, team building, and leadership training. Throughout his career in outdoor adventure, he has taken on numerous hands-on roles in rescue and emergency care, including serving as a Surf Lifeguard, a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, and an active member of Mountain Rescue in Snowdonia.
Now based in the Lake District, Ross co-runs Lakes First Aid with Sue while also teaching a variety of outdoor activities. He previously owned and operated his own outdoor activity business for 10 years and served as the National Training Manager for Outward Bound UK. Additionally, Ross has lectured as an associate at the University of Cumbria.
In addition to running two businesses, Ross works as an associate trainer for several leading training organisations, serves as a trustee for Active Aid (a professional trainer network), and leads a local Scout Troop.
Ross is passionate about helping people grow into confident, capable world citizens—whether by teaching life-saving first aid skills, fostering personal confidence, or empowering individuals through outdoor experiences.
Sue (Partner & Operations manager)
Sue is the unsung hero of Lakes First Aid managing the operations, bookings, logistics and marketing for the business whilst trying to keep the team in check. She is also a full time mum managing daily family logistics & operations (girl power!).
Sue has exceptional knowledge and understanding of the business and brings over 25 years experience of working in the health sector with children and adults as an Occupational Therapist. Sue also ran a private occupational business which provided dedicated services to children as part of a three-person Paediatric Occupational Therapy team.
Luke (Lead trainer)
Luke is a full-time member of our training team and is invaluable to the success of our business delivering hundreds of courses with great humour and professionalism. Working with Luke often feels more like a being with a family member than a work colleague!
His first aid training career started in the wind turbine industry teaching technicians not to fall off and what to do if they ever did! He has taught for over 15 years within the field of outdoor adventure and over 8 years in first aid training.
Luke is enthusiastic about all aspects of the outdoors and particularly passionate about bushcraft, canoeing & mountaineering having recently completed his (aspirant) Mountain Instructor Training course. He is an active member of Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit and a deputy team leader for Penrith Mountain Rescue Team.
ABOUT our associates
All our associate trainers hold a wealth of knowledge and skills from their varied and diverse backgrounds in Training, Paramedic, Health or Mountain Rescue settings. You can expect our trainers to be prompt, have excellent communication skills and deliver high quality practical courses. All trainers are members of our professional trainer network Active Aid and maintain current knowledge in the field of rescue & emergency care.