Accredited & Regulated First Aid Training in the North West | Paradigm First Aid

A Personal Reason Behind Every Course

My journey to creating Paradigm First Aid Training began when I was just 19 with a personal experience that showed me the importance of accredited first aid training. Based in Ormskirk and serving the North West, I am passionate about teaching life-saving skills — from Emergency First Aid at Work to Paediatric and Mental Health First Aid courses — to workplaces, schools, and individuals.

When I was 19 years old, I woke up in the early hours to the sound of my dad being violently sick. I could hear my mum’s voice filled with panic as she spoke on the phone downstairs. I quickly realised she was speaking to the emergency services.

As I stepped out of my bedroom, I saw my dad collapse. He was having a heart attack. That morning, he died in front of his family at just 43 years old.

That experience has stayed with me ever since — not only because I lost my father, but because I felt the deep guilt of not knowing how to help him. I didn’t have the knowledge or skills that might have made a difference.

From Experience to Purpose

My career began in the world of apprenticeships — teaching, assessing, and coaching for a national training provider for 15 years. During that time, I developed essential skills as a teacher, assessor, and people development coach. I also achieved several qualifications, including Level 5 Teaching, Assessing, and Learning & Development.

Alongside my full-time role, I began delivering First Aid courses in my own time. I loved knowing that every learner I trained could one day help save a life — something I wasn’t able to do at 19. That realisation inspired me to take a new path and create Paradigm First Aid Training Ltd.

I wanted to combine my professional expertise with my personal mission: to help others feel confident and capable in saving lives. Today, I truly love what I do — and I know that my passion for delivery helps learners feel engaged, capable, and empowered.

Why “Paradigm”?

Paradigm means a typical example, pattern, or model of something.

For me, first aid itself is a paradigm — a logical pattern and process to apply in a moment of crisis. Through my training, I teach practical models, clear steps, and the confidence to act quickly when it matters most.

“I will teach you the models and theories to apply in a situation to help save somebody’s life.”
— Martin Copeland, Director of Paradigm First Aid Training Ltd