Basic Life Support (Resuscitation) Course

Basic Life Support (Resuscitation) – Online Course

Course overview
This online Level 1 Basic Life Support course introduces the essential principles of responding to a suspected cardiac arrest. Learners develop an understanding of early recognition, emergency communication, the Chain of Survival and the role of chest compressions while waiting for professional medical assistance. The course takes approximately one hour, is CPD accredited and includes an online multiple-choice assessment. A digital certificate is available immediately after successful completion.

Please note: This is an introductory resuscitation awareness course that develops theoretical knowledge of basic life support. It does not replace practical CPR instruction, regulated qualifications or additional role-specific training that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to Level 1 resuscitation and basic life support
• The Chain of Survival
• Understanding cardiac arrest and its causes
• Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest
• Differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack
• Agonal breathing and its significance
• Calling emergency services and requesting assistance
• Checking the airway
• The principles of effective chest compressions
• Bringing the emergency response steps together
• Understanding the importance of prompt action during cardiac emergencies

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for individuals who need introductory resuscitation awareness as part of their work, induction or refresher training. It may be particularly relevant to:
• Healthcare professionals
• Care workers and domiciliary carers
• Social care and support staff
• Administrative staff working in healthcare settings
• Teachers and other education professionals
• Community workers and volunteers
• Workplace first aiders
• Employees across different sectors who may need to recognise and respond to a cardiac emergency

Healthcare and social care organisations can also use the course to support staff awareness and help employees understand their responsibilities when a cardiac emergency occurs.

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of the signs of cardiac arrest
• Understand the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack
• Learn the importance of activating emergency assistance promptly
• Develop knowledge of the Chain of Survival
• Understand the purpose and principles of chest compressions
• Recognise agonal breathing and its relevance during an emergency
• Improve awareness of the initial steps in a resuscitation response
• Support workplace induction and refresher training
• Gain a CPD-accredited digital certificate following successful assessment

What learners will be able to do
• Recognise signs that may indicate cardiac arrest
• Explain the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack
• Describe the importance of the Chain of Survival
• Understand when emergency services should be contacted
• Identify the significance of agonal breathing
• Understand the purpose of checking the airway
• Explain the role of chest compressions in basic life support
• Recognise the importance of a prompt and coordinated emergency response
• Understand when additional assistance and further training may be required

Is this training a legal requirement?
There is no single UK law requiring every employee to complete Level 1 Basic Life Support training. However, employers have duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to manage workplace risks and provide appropriate information, instruction and training. In healthcare and social care, resuscitation training needs may depend on staff responsibilities, clinical roles, workplace policies and risk assessments. Resuscitation Council UK guidance and relevant Care Quality Commission expectations may also inform training arrangements. This awareness course does not automatically fulfil every workplace’s practical resuscitation training requirements.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online multiple-choice test at the end of the course. Successful completion provides an instant digital CPD-accredited certificate. The course takes approximately one hour and is delivered entirely online, allowing learners to study on a phone, tablet or computer. Access is provided immediately after enrolment.