Course Overview
The CPR & AED Awareness course is a practical three-hour training programme designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise a cardiac emergency, perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, early recognition, calling for emergency assistance, high-quality CPR and prompt use of an AED can all play an important part in giving the casualty the best possible chance of survival.
Throughout the course, learners take part in practical activities designed to build confidence in recognising cardiac arrest, performing CPR and safely using an AED until professional medical assistance arrives.
What You’ll Learn
- Recognising an unresponsive casualty
- Checking for normal breathing
- Recognising cardiac arrest
- Calling and communicating with the emergency services
- The chain of survival
- Performing effective adult CPR
- Correct hand positioning for chest compressions
- Delivering effective chest compressions
- Providing rescue breaths
- Understanding what an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) does
- Preparing a casualty for AED use
- Correct placement of AED pads
- Following AED voice and visual prompts
- Delivering a shock safely when advised
- Continuing CPR following defibrillation
- Safety considerations when using an AED
- Managing a choking casualty
- Responding confidently until further medical assistance arrives
Practical CPR and AED training
CPR is a practical skill. Watching a demonstration or reading about the technique isn’t the same as having the opportunity to practise it yourself.
Our CPR & AED Awareness course therefore places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Learners practise chest compressions and CPR using resuscitation manikins and gain practical experience of using an AED training device.
Learners are guided through the process of recognising cardiac arrest, calling for emergency assistance, starting CPR, preparing and applying an AED and following the device’s instructions.
The aim is to remove some of the uncertainty people may feel about using a defibrillator and help learners understand that modern AEDs are designed to provide clear instructions throughout an emergency.
Our CPR and AED training reflects recognised UK resuscitation practice. Further information about CPR and defibrillation is available from Resuscitation Council UK.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
CPR & AED Awareness training is suitable for anyone who wants to develop the confidence and practical skills to respond to a cardiac emergency.
It can be particularly useful for employees working in workplaces where an AED is provided, as well as organisations wishing to give a wider group of employees basic life-saving skills rather than limiting CPR and AED awareness to designated workplace first aiders.
The course can also be suitable for community groups, sports clubs, schools, gyms and other organisations where people may benefit from knowing how to recognise cardiac arrest, perform CPR and use an AED.
No previous first aid experience is required.
Confidence to use an AED
AEDs are designed so that members of the public can use them during a cardiac emergency, but people can still feel hesitant about using one if they have never seen or handled the equipment before.
During the CPR & AED Awareness course, learners have the opportunity to become familiar with an AED training device and practise following its instructions in a controlled environment.
Training covers preparing the casualty, positioning the pads, ensuring nobody is touching the casualty during rhythm analysis and shock delivery, and immediately continuing CPR when instructed.
By practising these steps, learners can develop greater confidence in taking action rather than simply waiting for someone else to respond.
Why learn CPR and how to use an AED?
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally. Immediate action is essential.
Knowing how to recognise cardiac arrest, call for emergency assistance, start CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can give someone the best possible chance of survival while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.
AEDs are designed to be used by members of the public and provide clear instructions to guide the rescuer through each stage. However, having the opportunity to practise using an AED can help remove uncertainty and give people greater confidence to act during a real emergency.
Our CPR & AED Awareness training gives learners the opportunity to practise these essential life-saving skills in a safe and supportive environment, helping them understand what to do, why it matters and how to respond when every second counts.
CERTIFICATION OPTIONS
Choose the certification route that works for you.
Acumen Approved Certification
This course is delivered as an Acumen Approved Course.
The content is designed around recognised CPR and AED principles and provides learners with practical opportunities to develop and demonstrate essential life-saving skills.
Following successful completion of the course, learners receive an Acumen Safety Solutions certificate of completion.
This course is intended as practical CPR and AED awareness training and is not delivered as a regulated first aid qualification.
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Details
Duration: 3 hours
Delivery: Classroom training
Location: At your workplace or an arranged training venue
Assessment: Practical assessment and knowledge assessment
Certification: Acumen Approved Course
Previous experience: None required
