Basic Life Support & AED
Course Overview
Basic Life Support (BLS) & AED training provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond effectively to life threatening emergencies where a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Early recognition, high-quality CPR, and prompt use of a defibrillator can significantly improve survival outcomes following cardiac arrest.
This course focuses on immediate life-saving actions, including assessing an unresponsive casualty, delivering effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) safely and confidently. Learners also develop an understanding of their role during an emergency, personal safety considerations, and the importance of calling emergency services without delay, in line with guidance from the General resuscitation Council UK and the British Heart Foundation.
The training is suitable for a wide range of settings, including health and social care, workplaces, education, community organisations, and any environment where emergency response skills may be required.
Course Details
- Duration: Typically 3 hours (can be adapted)
- Delivery: In-house
- Certificate: Certificate of attendance
- Validity: Recommended refresher every year, or in line with organisational policy
- Group size: Flexible, tailored to your organisation
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care staff
- Support workers and care assistants
- Workplace first responders
- Education and childcare staff
- Community and voluntary organisations
- Individuals responsible for emergency response
No prior life support training is required.
Learners who need a regulated workplace qualification may also wish to consider Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work, depending on organisational requirements.
Why This Basic Life Support & AED Training Is Important
In cases of cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation significantly reduces the chance of survival. Immediate action by trained individuals can save lives while emergency services are on their way.
This training supports learners to:
- Recognise cardiac arrest quickly
- Start CPR without delay
- Use an AED safely and effectively
- Maintain life-saving interventions until professional help arrives
The course reflects recognised UK best practice, including principles promoted by the Resuscitation Council UK .
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the role and priorities of a responder during a life-threatening emergency
- Assess an emergency situation safely
- Recognise when a casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally
- Demonstrate effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Demonstrate the safe and effective use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Understand infection prevention and personal safety during life support
- Recognise when and how to call emergency services
- Continue life-saving care until professional help arrives
These skills also support progression onto Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work training.
Course Content
The course typically covers:
- The principles of basic life support
- Assessing an unresponsive casualty
- Airway and breathing checks
- Adult CPR techniques
- Safe and effective AED use
- Team response and communication
- Infection control and personal safety
- When to stop CPR and handover to emergency services
How the Course Is Delivered
Training is delivered by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors using clear instruction, practical demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Sessions are interactive and designed to build confidence, with opportunities for learners to ask questions and practise skills.
Certification & Validity
Learners receive a recognised certificate of attendance on completion, which is valid for 3 years.
Annual refresher training is strongly recommended to maintain confidence and skill competence, particularly for those working in care or working environments. Online theory only refresher is also available via our elearning portal.
In-House & Bespoke Training
Prima Cura Training offers tailored Basic Life Support & AED training to meet the needs of specific sectors, including health and social care, education, and workplaces. Course content can be adapted to align with organisational emergency procedures, risk assessments, and policies.
This course is often delivered alongside Basic First Aid or First Aid in Care Settings to create a broader emergency response programme.
Course Location & Service Areas
We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue, tailored to your needs and schedule. This flexible approach removes the need to send staff off-site for essential learning.
Our experienced trainers deliver courses across Manchester and Greater Manchester, supporting organisations throughout the North West.
We also provide on-site training throughout England, covering major cities, towns, and regions nationwide, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.
Wherever and however the training is delivered, all sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors and meet the same high standards.
FAQs
Is this the same as Emergency First Aid at Work?
No. This course focuses specifically on life support skills such as CPR and AED use. Emergency First Aid at Work covers a broader range of first aid situations and is a regulated qualification.
Is this course suitable for non-clinical staff?
Yes. The course is suitable for anyone who may need to respond to a life-threatening emergency, with no medical background required.
Does the course include practical CPR and AED use?
Yes. Delivered face-to-face, learners practise CPR and AED use under instructor guidance. Online sessions use demonstration and scenario-based learning.
Do learners receive a certificate?
Yes. All learners receive a certificate of attendance on completion.
Related Courses
Book or Enquire
To book Basic Life Support & AED training or to discuss a tailored option for your organisation, please get in touch by using the enquiry form on this page or contact us directly. We’re happy to advise on delivery options, group sizes, and suitability for your setting.
