Why attend this course?

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. When it does, every second matters.

Defibrillators (AEDs) are proven to save lives. They are an invaluable addition to health and safety provision for your employees.

If you already have a defibrillator, it’s important that your employees know where it is and are comfortable and confident to use it. Download our free defibrillator location resources.

Defibrillators are simple to operate and can be used by anyone, with no prior training. However, training employees in how use a defibrillator will make sure they are familiar with the device, so they are able to act quickly and confidently when it really counts. Crucially, employees will also learn how to do CPR – a critical part of the chain of survival.

You can send employees to a scheduled course, or book one of our trainers to come to your premises to train a group. Find out about on-site training options.

Who should attend?

If you are interested in furthering your emergency first aid skills, or already take part in an organised first aid scheme, then this course would suit you.

If you are a health care worker, this course will serve as a basic module, and can be used to show annual CPD training in CPR and defibrillator use for your Primary Care Trust.

You do not need any previous first aid knowledge to attend a defibrillator course.

Candidates need a basic command of English (defined as Level 2). While we are often able to provide support to people who do not have English as a first language, our ability to do so is limited by the time available and the number of people who require assistance. We may be able to make special arrangements if requested in advance. Please contact us if you need any guidance.

Course duration

Three hours.

Topics covered

This course teaches the essential skills for using a defibrillator, and gives students the confidence to know what to do in an emergency.

Course content:

• Chest pains
• Communication and casualty care
• Getting to know the defibrillator (any type)
• Managing an emergency
• Operating the defibrillator
• Resuscitation (CPR)*
• Role of the first aider
• Treatment of an unresponsive casualty

*We’ve started bringing rescue breaths back into our training.