Why Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Is Important?
Cardiac arrest is one of the most time-critical medical emergencies. When it occurs outside hospital, survival depends on early recognition, prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and rapid access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
In the UK, ambulance services attend an estimated 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year. Survival rates remain low, particularly where early intervention is delayed or not provided.
Basic Life Support (BLS) training equips individuals with the knowledge and practical skills required to respond immediately and effectively. This includes recognising life-threatening emergencies, initiating CPR, using an AED safely, and supporting airway management until advanced care arrives.
Regular training helps people develop the confidence to act quickly and apply these skills effectively when they are needed most.
This course provides a structured and practical introduction to these essential life-saving skills.
Course Overview
This Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course is designed for individuals and teams who may be required to provide immediate life support prior to the arrival of emergency services.
Training is delivered by practising clinicians and focuses on the recognition of cardiac arrest, initiation of effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the safe use of an AED. Emphasis is placed on practical application to ensure skills can be performed confidently in real-world situations.
Suitable for healthcare, dental, care and workplace environments where immediate response to medical emergencies may be required.
Course Length:
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
Course Assessment:
Assessment takes place throughout the course using practical observation and supervised skills practice.
Learning Outcomes
Delegates who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of attendance and will be able to:
- Recognise cardiac arrest and understand the principles of the chain of survival
- Carry out a structured initial assessment of a collapsed patient
- Perform effective Basic Life Support (BLS), including high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely and appropriately
- Manage choking in both conscious and unconscious casualties
- Assess and manage the unconscious patient, including safe positioning and recovery position
All skills are taught in line with current Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) guidance.
Who Is This Course Suitable For?
This course is suitable for healthcare professionals, dental teams, care providers, schools, businesses and organisations where staff may be expected to respond to a medical emergency. It is also appropriate for anyone who needs practical Basic Life Support and AED training as part of their professional responsibilities or annual workplace training requirements.
Course Structure and Programme
Teaching combines demonstration, supervised practical skills and realistic emergency scenarios, allowing delegates to build confidence before applying what they have learned in structured exercises.
All candidates receive a training pack including medical emergency flow charts and action plans for use following the course.
The programme covers:
- Recognition of cardiac arrest and the principles of the chain of survival
- Recognition of acute coronary syndromes and chest pain
- Structured patient assessment and initial management
- Effective teamwork and communication during medical emergencies
- Management of choking, including back blows and abdominal thrusts
- Assessment and management of the unconscious patient, including recovery position
- Delivery of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including rate, depth and recoil
- Safe and effective use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Use of resuscitation equipment, including oxygen where appropriate
- Scene safety and risk awareness during resuscitation
- Basic maintenance and readiness checks of resuscitation equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Previous Basic Life Support training is not required. The course is suitable for both first-time delegates and those attending as part of their annual refresher training. All practical skills are taught and practised under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Basic Life Support focuses on recognising cardiac arrest, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and managing choking. First Aid courses cover a wider range of injuries and medical conditions, including bleeding, burns, fractures and minor illnesses. The most appropriate course depends on your role and workplace requirements.
Yes. Successful delegates receive a Certificate of Attendance on completion of the course. Depending on your professional role, the certificate can be used as evidence of annual Basic Life Support training and may support CPD and workplace compliance requirements.
There is no written examination. Assessment takes place throughout the course using practical observation and supervised skills practice, allowing instructors to confirm that delegates can demonstrate the techniques taught during training.
No. All training equipment is provided, including manikins and AED training devices. For onsite courses, training can also incorporate your organisation’s own emergency equipment where appropriate to help delegates become familiar with the equipment they use in practice.
Yes. Basic Life Support and AED training can be delivered onsite for hospitals, GP practices, dental surgeries, care providers, schools, businesses and other organisations. Courses can be arranged at a time and location that best suits your team.
Yes. Course content follows current Resuscitation Council UK guidance and is reviewed to reflect changes to national recommendations. Training is delivered by practising clinicians with current clinical experience.
Basic Life Support and AED training is generally renewed every 12 months to help maintain practical skills and remain familiar with current Resuscitation Council UK guidance. Some employers or professional bodies may specify their own renewal requirements.
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Contact Details
Whether you’d like to discuss your training requirements, book a course, or get expert advice, our friendly clinical team would love to hear from you.
Phone: 0333 0122 999
Email: info@rcmstraining.co.uk
Resuscitation Consultancy Medical Services Ltd
86 Forest Walk
Buckley, Flintshire
CH7 3AR
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed