BASIC FIRST AID

Health, Safety & First Aid · Level 2

Basic Life Support & AED

A practical, focused programme that equips learners with the immediate, life-saving skills needed to respond to cardiac arrest and other critical emergencies — effective CPR across all age groups, safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator, and confident management of an unresponsive casualty until professional help arrives.

Duration
2–3 Hours
Level
QNUK Level 2
Aligned
RCUK Guidelines
Entry
No Prerequisites
Course Overview

Basic Life Support & AED

Duration
2–3 hours
Accreditation
QNUK Level 2 Basic Life Support & Safe Use of an AED
Aligned With
Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) Guidelines
Pre-requisites
  • None required.
  • Suitable for learners aged 16+.
  • Learners must be able to kneel, perform chest compressions, and complete practical tasks.
Curriculum

Basic Life Support & AED syllabus

The programme builds the core response capability required to act decisively in the critical first minutes of an emergency — when rapid, competent intervention has the greatest impact on survival.

01

Primary Survey (DRABC)

  • D — Danger: Ensure the area is safe for yourself, the casualty and others.
  • R — Response: Check if the casualty responds to voice or touch.
  • A — Airway: Open and maintain the airway.
  • B — Breathing: Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
  • C — CPR / Call for help: If not breathing normally, call 999 or the Regional Emergency Line and begin CPR immediately.
02

Core Life Support Skills

  • Understanding the chain of survival
  • Scene assessment and safety
  • CPR for adults, children and infants
  • Compressions-only CPR vs standard CPR
03

AED Training

  • Safe operation of an AED
  • Pad placement
  • Shock protocols
  • AED troubleshooting and safety considerations
04

Airway & Breathing

  • Airway obstruction (choking) — adult, child and infant
  • Recovery position application
  • Managing unresponsive casualties
05

Additional Content

  • Post-resuscitation care
  • When and how to hand over to emergency services
  • Documentation and incident reporting
Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  • Perform effective CPR for adults, children and infants
  • Use an AED safely and confidently
  • Recognise and manage choking across age groups
  • Conduct a primary survey and respond to cardiac arrest
  • Stabilise an unresponsive casualty and place them in the recovery position
  • Communicate effectively with emergency responders
Assessment

How you’re assessed

Assessment is continuous and practical throughout the session:

I

Continuous Practical Assessment

Ongoing evaluation of life-support and AED skills as they’re performed.

II

Instructor Observation

Direct observation of skill performance against the required standard.

Who Should Attend

Built for any workplace needing rapid-response capability

This course suits anyone who may be first on the scene of a medical emergency — no prior experience needed. Typical settings include:

Offices and corporate teams Public-facing and retail staff Security personnel Leisure, fitness and events Education and childcare settings Community and voluntary groups

Related courses & guidance

Need a fuller workplace qualification, or want to verify the awarding standards behind this course?

First Aid at Work QNUK Guidance

Continue Your Journey With Us

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our programmes, or speak with our team, simply use the buttons below. Whether you’re an individual learner or an organisation seeking accredited, UK‑aligned training, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the process.

QNUK FIRST AID AT WORK VIGILANT DEFENDER