Please note: this course is also available as an e-ILS blended learning option and as a half-day ILS recertification course for candidates with an expiring ILS certificate.
Course Overview
Resuscitation Consultancy Medical Services (RCMS) is a registered Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) course centre, authorised to deliver Immediate Life Support (ILS) training in accordance with the latest UK Resuscitation Guidelines.
The ILS course provides essential knowledge and hands-on skills in:
- Early recognition and treatment of the deteriorating patient
- Prevention of cardiopulmonary arrest
- High-quality CPR and use of AEDs or manual defibrillators
- Basic airway manoeuvres and adjuncts
- Effective communication, leadership and teamwork during emergencies
All participants receive a comprehensive ILS manual before attending the course to support pre-course study and knowledge development.
On successful completion, delegates receive a Resuscitation Council UK ILS certificate, valid for one year, and typically gain 5 CPD hours / 5 CME points (where applicable).
e-ILS and ILS Recertification Options
In addition to the standard one-day ILS course, we offer flexible training formats to suit different learning needs and certification requirements:
e-ILS (Blended Learning):
- Candidates complete the core theory online — including videos, lectures and interactive quizzes — before attending a face-to-face practical session focused on skills application and emergency scenarios.
- Ideal for clinicians who prefer a flexible learning approach or need to minimise time away from clinical duties.
ILS Recertification (Half Day):
- Designed for clinicians who already hold a valid ILS certificate and need to renew their qualification.
- Evidence of current or recently expired certification is required before attending.
- The half-day format provides a focused refresher on essential skills, teamwork and the latest RCUK guidance.
Learning Outcomes
Delegates who successfully complete the Immediate Life Support (ILS) course will be able to:
Clinical Skills
- Identify the causes of cardiopulmonary arrest and understand key strategies for early prevention.
- Recognise and manage the deteriorating patient using the structured ABCDE approach.
- Perform high-quality CPR and deliver safe and effective defibrillation (manual and/or AED).
- Carry out basic airway manoeuvres and use airway adjuncts appropriately.
Non-Technical Skills
Apply essential non-technical skills, including:
- clear communication
- leadership
- teamwork
- task delegation
to support an effective resuscitation attempt and early team response.
Course Length:
At least 1 day
Course Assessment:
Assessment is continuous throughout the course
Course Structure & Programme
The ILS course uses a combination of teaching methods to maximise learning, confidence and practical competence. Training is delivered through a mix of lectures, interactive workshops, hands-on skills stations and scenario-based role-play.
Practical Stations:
- The ABCDE approach to structured patient assessment and treatment
- Initial resuscitation and defibrillation(manual and/or AED)
- Airway management techniques and use of basic airway adjuncts
- Targeted skills training tailored to clinical roles
- Cardiac arrest simulations – immersive “teach and test” scenarios reflecting real-world emergencies
Lectures
- Understanding the causes and prevention of cardiac arrest
- Overview of the ILS/ALS algorithm including early recognition and effective team roles
Duration: 1 full day (or half day for ILS recertification)
Assessment: Continuous practical evaluation throughout the course
Immediate Life Support (ILS) Training FAQs
An Immediate Life Support (ILS) course, approved by the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to recognise and manage patient deterioration and medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest.
Our ILS courses are designed for registered healthcare professionals who may be required to respond to or lead in medical emergencies. This typically includes Nurses, doctors, paramedics, operating department practitioners, dentists, and other clinicians. The course is also suitable for senior students looking to develop their clinical emergency care skills.
An ILS certification demonstrates that you are trained to manage emergency situations safely and effectively in line with RCUK guidance. It helps improve patient outcomes, supports clinical governance, and is often a requirement for working in acute, hospital, community, or dental settings.
ILS certification is normally valid for one year. To maintain competency and keep up to date with current RCUK guidelines, we recommend attending an ILS recertification course before your certificate expires.
Assessment is through continuous observation and structured scenarios. Participants are assessed against the RCUK learning outcomes, including practical resuscitation skills, ABCDE assessment, teamwork, and communication during emergencies.
We recommend that learners already hold a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or equivalent experience in clinical practice. If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, please contact our team and we’ll be happy to advise.
We can deliver ILS training at your workplace for groups, or at selected training venues depending on demand. Please contact us to discuss on-site training or upcoming course dates.
Basic Life Support (BLS) focuses on CPR, AED use and initial emergency response.
Immediate Life Support (ILS) includes ABCDE assessment, airway management, manual defibrillation, team leadership and management of the deteriorating patient. It is a more advanced clinical course aligned with RCUK guidelines.
ILS teaches early recognition, ABCDE, defibrillation and initial resuscitation skills.
ALS is a more advanced course covering ECG interpretation, advanced airway skills, drug management and leading a full arrest team.
ILS is ideal for clinicians who need immediate response skills without full ALS certification.
Yes. The ILS course covers airway manoeuvres and simple adjuncts such as OPA/NPA, along with safe ventilation techniques.
Assessment is continuous. Instructors provide feedback throughout the day to help candidates meet the RCUK outcomes. In rare cases where a participant does not meet the required standard, additional training or reassessment can be arranged.
Candidates receive an official RCUK ILS manual before attending. Those attending the e-ILS version must also complete online videos and quizzes in advance.
The ILS course typically provides 5 CPD hours or 5 CME points, depending on your profession’s requirements.
Yes. e-ILS is an official RCUK pathway and is fully recognised. It combines online theory with practical in-person training.
For Further Course Information
For full details on Immediate Life Support (ILS) training, including official guidelines, course standards and additional resources, please visit the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) website:
👉 https://www.resus.org.uk/training-courses/adult-life-support/ils-immediate-life-support
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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