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 deterioration, initiating CPR, using an AED safely, and supporting airway management until advanced care arrives.
By improving confidence and competence in these core interventions, BLS training plays a critical role in strengthening the early response to cardiac arrest and improving patient outcomes.
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.
Courses can be delivered on-site at your location or arranged at one of our RCMS training venues, depending on your requirements.
Suitable for healthcare, dental, care and workplace environments where immediate response to medical emergencies may be required.
Course Length:
At least 2-2.5 contact hours
Course Assessment:
Continuous assessment throughout the session
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.
Course Structure and Programme
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, including 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
Basic Life Support & AED Course – Frequently Asked Questions
This course is ideal for anyone who may be required to provide life-saving support in an emergency, including dental professionals, healthcare workers, care staff, first responders, workplace First Aiders and members of the public. No prior medical experience is required.
Yes. This course meets the Basic Life Support training needs of dental teams, primary care clinicians and other healthcare professionals. It aligns with Resuscitation Council UK guidance and supports CPD and clinical governance requirements.
Yes. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance confirming that you have completed Basic Life Support and AED training and demonstrated the required skills. This certificate is suitable for CPD records and compliance audits.
The course duration is approximately 2 to 2.5 contact hours, depending on group size and participation. It includes a mix of short teaching sessions, demonstrations and hands-on practical training.
There is no written exam. Assessment is continuous and practical, based on your participation in the session and your ability to demonstrate key life support skills during the course scenarios.
No. All training equipment, including manikins, AED trainers and resuscitation kits, is provided. If you are part of a clinical team, we may also incorporate your own practice equipment to increase familiarity and relevance.
You will learn how to:
- Assess an emergency using a structured A–E approach
- Perform high-quality adult CPR
- Use an AED safely and effectively
- Manage choking, unconsciousness and cardiac arrest
- Use emergency resuscitation equipment such as oxygen and oral airways (where appropriate)
- Manage the scene and communicate effectively as part of a team in an emergency
Training can be delivered at your workplace or clinical practice on a date and time to suit your team. We can also arrange open courses at our training centres on request.
Yes. The course follows Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) standards for adult Basic Life Support and AED use, incorporating current best practice for emergency response in both healthcare and community settings.
Resuscitation Council UK recommends that BLS and AED skills are updated at least once a year to keep knowledge and performance current. This course is suitable for both initial training and annual refreshers.
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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