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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
How many first aiders does my business need?
This depends on your workplace size and risk level. A calculator is provided to help you decide, please find this here.
What is the difference between Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work?
Emergency First Aid at Work is a one-day course covering essential skills.
First Aid at Work is a three-day course covering a wider range of scenarios and is usually required in higher-risk industries.
Is paediatric first aid mandatory in schools and nurseries?
Yes. Under the EYFS framework, early years providers must have staff with valid paediatric first aid training.
Are community sessions suitable for children?
Yes! We passionately believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn life-saving skills, and that includes young people. While most of our regulated qualifications are suitable for learners aged 14 and above, we also offer a range of community and internally certificated courses designed especially for younger participants.
These shorter and highly practical sessions introduce essential first aid skills in a fun and engaging way, making them ideal for schools, youth groups, and community organisations. Our trainers are experienced in adapting their delivery to suit younger audiences, ensuring that children learn safely, confidently, and at a level appropriate to their age.
What are my legal duties as an employer?
All employers have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 to provide suitable first aid cover in the workplace. This includes trained personnel, appropriate equipment, and clear procedures for managing illness or injury at work.
The exact level of provision depends on your environment and should be based on a First Aid Needs Assessment. You can quickly assess your workplace requirements using the Qualsafe First Aid Calculator:
👉 https://www.qualsafeawards.org/calculator/6a90a34cd974f7072f3994dd2bbb65d3
For further guidance, the HSE publication L74: First Aid at Work – Guidance on Regulations provides clear and practical advice on what the law requires. You can find it here:
👉 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l74.htm
Our team can also assist you in carrying out a needs assessment and selecting the most appropriate training for your staff, helping you meet your legal duties with confidence.