This qualification will allow learners to develop their knowledge and skills in basic life support to meet the needs of their role in work, or another setting, and allows progression into further first aid training. It is recommended for first-aiders in the workplace environment who have access to a defibrillator.

Learners gaining this qualification will know that cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation form an essential part of the chain of survival. The topics covered are regarded by Skills for Health as being important in maintaining good practice in the safe, prompt and effective administration of pulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation. The qualification means learners should be able to safely and effectively use an automated external defibrillation machine.

Topics include:

• The roles and responsibilities of a paediatric first-aider
• Assessing the scene of an incident and the casualty
• Managing an unresponsive casualty
• CPR and AED
• Dealing with a casualty who shows signs of life
• Effectively handing over the casualty.

In line with industry guidance, it is recommended that the learner re sits the course again after 3 years.