Basic Life Support & AED Training
Learn the practical skills needed to recognise cardiac arrest, perform effective CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely and confidently.
Our Basic Life Support & AED course is a practical half-day Level 3 qualification designed for people who may need to respond to a life-threatening emergency at work, within the community or as part of a voluntary role.
Learners spend plenty of time practising CPR and using AED training devices, building the confidence to act quickly when every second matters.
Course Description
Basic Life Support (BLS) focuses on the immediate actions that can help keep someone alive following a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergency until professional medical help arrives.
This practical course gives learners the opportunity to develop and practise essential resuscitation skills, including recognising an unresponsive casualty, performing high-quality CPR and safely using an Automated External Defibrillator.
Training is delivered in line with current UK resuscitation guidance and focuses heavily on hands-on practice rather than simply watching demonstrations or presentations.
Learners use dedicated CPR manikins and AED training devices throughout the course so that they become familiar with the equipment and actions they may need to use in a real emergency.
No previous first aid qualification is required.
Candidates need a suitable level of English to understand the course content and complete the required assessments. Reasonable adjustments may be available where appropriate, so please contact us before the course if you would like to discuss any individual learning requirements.
Need broader workplace first aid training? Take a look at our Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work courses.
What are the different learning methods for this course?
Face-to-face Learning — Our Fave!
Basic Life Support & AED Training is delivered as a practical half-day face-to-face course at your workplace or venue.
There is a strong emphasis on hands-on learning.
Learners practise CPR repeatedly, use AED training devices and work through realistic scenarios designed to build confidence and reinforce the correct response to a cardiac arrest.
We want learners to leave knowing not only what to do, but feeling confident enough to actually do it.
Basic Life Support & AED Training
Level 3 · Half Day
On-Site Courses:
from £645
Who should attend?
This course is ideal for people who may need to provide emergency first aid within their workplace, including):
No previous first aid training is required.
If your organisation requires designated workplace first aiders, this course should not be used as a replacement for Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work where those qualifications are identified through your first aid needs assessment.
Call one of our training experts on 0208 402 8232 or email info@frontlinetraning.co.uk
What topics are covered on a First Aid at Work Course?
The course focuses on the practical skills required to respond to a cardiac arrest and use an AED safely, including:
Learners spend a significant part of the course actually practising these skills using CPR manikins and AED training devices.
Assessment and Certification
Assessment
Learners are assessed through practical assessments during the course.
This includes demonstrating effective Basic Life Support and the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator.
Our trainers provide plenty of opportunities to practise before assessment, with coaching and feedback throughout the session.
The aim isn’t simply to pass an assessment — we want every learner to leave feeling confident that they could respond effectively to a real cardiac arrest.
Certification
Successful learners receive a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification in Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation.
The qualification route we currently deliver is valid for three years.
Regular refresher training is strongly recommended because CPR and other practical resuscitation skills can deteriorate when they are not regularly practised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Basic Life Support & AED course?
The course is delivered as a half-day practical session. Most of the training time is spent developing and practising CPR and defibrillator skills rather than sitting through lengthy theory presentations.
Do I need any previous first aid training?
No. The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as existing first aiders who want additional practice or a recognised qualification in Basic Life Support and AED use.
Will I actually practise using a defibrillator?
Absolutely. Learners use dedicated AED training devices throughout the course and practise combining defibrillator use with CPR in realistic scenarios. We strongly believe that people become more confident using an AED when they have actually handled and practised with one.
Is Basic Life Support & AED the same as Emergency First Aid at Work?
No. Basic Life Support & AED is a focused course concentrating primarily on resuscitation, CPR and defibrillator use. Emergency First Aid at Work covers a broader range of workplace first aid emergencies, including choking, bleeding, seizures and shock, and is designed for people acting as workplace emergency first aiders. If you’re unsure which qualification your organisation needs, contact us and we’ll help.
How long is the qualification valid for?
The Level 3 qualification we currently deliver is valid for three years. However, regular refresher training is strongly recommended because practical CPR skills can deteriorate without repeated practice.
Can you deliver BLS & AED training at our workplace?
Yes. We specialise in on-site group training and bring the manikins, AED training devices and other equipment directly to your workplace. This makes it easy to train teams together and can also allow scenarios to be made more relevant to your working environment.
“Excellent Emergency First Aid at Work course.”
As someone who struggles with traditional learning methods, I felt the delivery was very inclusive and I felt very comfortable asking questions to support my understanding. Mary was engaging and knowledgeable. Overall, a thoroughly well spent day. Thank you. Kirsty Walkington