About DTMK

At DTMK Training Services, we believe first aid knowledge should be practical, confidence building, and accessible to everyone. We want every learner to leave our courses with the skills and self-confidence to act quickly in an emergency, whether at work, at school, or at home.

We are a family business with professional standards. Our team includes qualified teachers, vocational assessors, and clinically experienced trainers. Being family run means we are personally invested in the quality of every course we deliver. Our qualifications are awarded through Qualsafe, ensuring compliance with Ofqual regulation and guaranteeing nationally recognised standards.

We offer training both at our venues in Milton Keynes and in company, with blended learning options available for those who prefer to complete part of their study online. As a fully insured training provider, we deliver a wide range of courses. Our workplace, paediatric, and specialist qualifications meet national requirements, while our shorter community sessions make lifesaving knowledge accessible to families and local groups.

Our aim is simple: to help turn bystanders into lifesavers.

Meet Your Trainers

Christopher Cook

Head of Learning and Development

Experience and Expertise

Christopher Cook has more than 30 years of experience in first aid, emergency care, and education. He began his journey with St John Ambulance in 1990, progressing from Cadet to qualified First Aid Instructor. Building on this foundation, he later advanced into formal emergency care training, gaining experience through hospital and community placements across Accident and Emergency, Stroke, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Surgical, and Community Nursing settings. These placements formed an essential part of his development towards qualifying as Emergency Ambulance Crew.

After gaining his qualification, Christopher built extensive frontline experience before becoming an approved instructor in both emergency ambulance training and operational driving. This marked the point where his focus shifted firmly towards education and the professional development of others.

For more than 15 years, he has specialised in teaching workplace first aid, clinical skills, and pre-hospital emergency care. Now Head of Learning and Development at DTMK Training Services, Christopher combines real-world experience with evidence-based teaching to help develop the next generation of health and emergency care professionals.

Ellen Cook

Clinical Lead and Internal Quality Assurance

Experience and Expertise

Ellen Cook is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years’ experience across emergency, hospital, and community care. Starting with St John Ambulance before qualifying as a nurse, she went on to work in Clinical Decisions, A&E, and as a GP Practice Nurse, building a strong foundation in both acute and community healthcare.

Alongside her frontline nursing, Ellen is trained under the NMC’s Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment, supporting and assessing student nurses in practice. At DTMK Training Services, she leads on Clinical Quality and Internal Quality Assurance, ensuring every course meets the highest professional standards.

James Cook

Trainer / Assessor

Experience and Expertise

James is a student paramedic with hands-on experience in first aid and emergency response. His commitment to safety has been recognised by the Royal Life Saving Society after helping save the life of a teenager at his local leisure centre.

Alongside his pre-hospital training, James is qualified across pool, open water, and beach lifeguarding, and also teaches young people as a Rookie Lifeguard Instructor. Trained in safeguarding, he brings an engaging, supportive teaching style that helps learners build confidence to act in emergencies.

Frequently asked questions

Before Your Course During Your Course Certification Workplace Requirements Practicalities Blended Learning

Do learners need any previous experience to join a first aid course?

No. Our courses are designed for complete beginners as well as those refreshing their knowledge. Everything you need will be provided.

Do I need to bring photo ID?

Yes. For our accredited courses, learners must present valid photo ID (such as a driving licence or passport) at the start of training. This is an Awarding Organisation requirement and certificates cannot be issued without it.

What should I wear or bring to my course?

All of our courses require active participation. Training is practical and involves working with fellow learners, and on some courses, trained role-play actors.

You should be prepared to spend time kneeling and lying on the floor. Some modules cover severe injuries and catastrophic bleeding, which may be messy and realistic.

We ask everyone to:

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for kneeling and working on the floor
Choose clothing that maintains dignity when practising in groups
Check your joining instructions carefully before the course

Do I need to be physically fit to attend?

A basic level of fitness is required, as you must demonstrate skills such as CPR and emergency procedures. Certification depends on this.

Reasonable adjustments can be made - please let us know in advance if you have a medical condition or disability that may affect participation.

What if English is not my first language?

You may bring and use a hard-copy bilingual dictionary. Test papers are only in English, but you can use your dictionary alongside spoken multiple-choice assessments.