22/01/2026
🟢 Basic Life Support – Key Updates for First Aiders (UK)
The Resuscitation Council UK has updated its Basic Life Support guidance to support first aiders to act quickly, confidently and safely in emergencies:
✅ If someone is unresponsive – call 999 immediately
• Always assume it could be a cardiac arrest
• The call handler will help you check breathing and talk you through CPR step‑by‑step
✅ Adult CPR – keep it simple
• Start chest compressions immediately
• Push hard and fast: 100–120 compressions per minute, 5–6 cm deep
• Minimise pauses
• If trained, give 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths
• If not trained or unsure → compression‑only CPR is absolutely OK
✅ Defibrillators (AEDs)
• Use an AED as soon as one is available
• AEDs are safe and talk you through what to do
• Anyone can use an AED – no training required
✅ Children and babies (first aid level)
• Cardiac arrest is usually linked to breathing problems
• Give 5 rescue breaths first, then start CPR
• CPR ratio (if trained): 15 compressions to 2 breaths
• Infant CPR technique updated – use the two‑thumb, encircling hands method if able
✅ Drowning casualties
• Start with 5 rescue breaths first, then CPR
• Early oxygen makes a big difference
💙 Key message for first aiders:
Early action saves lives. Don’t worry about being perfect — doing something is far better than doing nothing.
📅 These updates will be fully included in UK first aid training from January 2026 [resus.org.uk]