Care Certificate Standard 12 – Basic Life Support Course

Basic Life Support – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the principles of basic life support, focusing on recognising cardiac arrest, summoning emergency assistance and understanding the role of chest compressions. Learners explore the chain of survival, the differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, signs of cardiac arrest, agonal breathing and airway checks. The course also covers immediate response priorities and recognising when urgent help is needed. It takes 1 hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note:
This is an introductory Level 1 course providing theoretical awareness of basic life support. Online learning alone is not sufficient practical training for basic life support; in-person training with a qualified professional should be sought as appropriate. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to basic life support
• Survival rates and the chain of survival
• Understanding heart attacks and cardiac arrest
• Causes and signs of cardiac arrest
• Recognising when urgent assistance is required
• Calling for help and following the appropriate steps
• Understanding agonal breathing
• Checking the airway
• The purpose and importance of chest compressions
• Bringing the basic life support response steps together

Who is it for?
This course is intended for people working in health and social care or other settings where awareness of basic life support may be relevant. It is suitable for introductory learning, induction, refresher training and general knowledge development.

It may be particularly relevant to:
• Healthcare assistants
• Care workers and support workers
• Designated workplace first aiders seeking additional theoretical knowledge
• Social care workers
• Community support workers
• Personal assistants providing care
• Youth workers
• Volunteers in care settings and community organisations

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of the signs of cardiac arrest
• Understand the importance of acting promptly in an emergency
• Recognise the priorities involved in summoning assistance
• Develop knowledge of the chain of survival
• Understand the purpose of airway checks and chest compressions
• Recognise agonal breathing as a sign requiring urgent attention
• Build awareness of immediate-response principles and the limits of online-only training
• Support induction and ongoing knowledge development

What learners will be able to do
• Recognise signs that may indicate cardiac arrest
• Explain the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest
• Understand the importance of assessing immediate danger
• Identify when urgent assistance is needed
• Describe the steps involved in calling for help
• Explain the purpose of checking the airway
• Understand the role of chest compressions in basic life support
• Recognise the importance of following an appropriate emergency response
• Understand why practical training is important for developing basic life support skills

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz to assess their understanding of the course material. On successful completion, they receive a free CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded or printed. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. The course takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point. The certificate confirms completion of the online course and does not demonstrate practical competence in basic life support.