ABOUT THIS COURSE
Cardiac arrest kills thousands of people each year in the UK. Knowing how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator correctly can make the difference between life and death. The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Adult Basic Life Support and AED (RQF) gives individuals and teams nationwide across England and Wales the skills to act fast and act effectively when it matters most.
Delivered by National Training Hub — a Qualsafe registered centre (No. 907979) — this practical, regulated qualification is ideal for workplace first aiders, community volunteers, and anyone who wants the confidence to respond to a cardiac emergency.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This course is suitable for anyone who has a specific interest or responsibility for emergency response — at work, in the community or as a volunteer. It is particularly relevant for:
- Appointed workplace first aiders and first aid coordinators
- HR managers and business owners wanting to upskill their workforce
- Employees in offices, warehouses, retail, hospitality and leisure settings
- Community volunteers and members of sports clubs or associations
- Anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency
- Staff required to hold a BLS qualification as part of their role
Entry requirements: No formal prior first aid knowledge required. Learners must be at least 14 years old and able to perform practical tasks at floor level.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Assess an emergency situation safely and conduct a primary survey of an adult casualty.
- Recognise when CPR is needed and perform adult CPR to the correct technique, including chest compressions at the correct rate and depth.
- Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) safely and effectively, including correct pad placement.
- Understand key CPR and AED considerations including pad placement and special circumstances.
- Place an unresponsive adult in the recovery position and monitor their breathing.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This focused, practical course is delivered in approximately 2.5 guided learning hours — short enough to fit into a working day without significant disruption. Training is entirely hands-on, using adult resuscitation manikins and AED training devices.
You will be assessed across three practical scenarios during the course. There are no written tests — assessment is observed and recorded on a Pass or Fail basis by your trainer throughout the session.
- Adult CPR and safe use of an AED
- CPR and AED considerations
- Unconscious casualty management
On successful completion, you will receive a Qualsafe certificate valid for 3 years. Although valid for 3 years, both the UK Health and Safety Executive and the Resuscitation Council UK recommend annual CPR refresher training to maintain competence.
ACCREDITATION & CERTIFICATION
This qualification is awarded by Qualsafe Awards — the UK's largest Awarding Organisation for First Aid qualifications, regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and Qualifications Wales.
Qualification: Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Adult Basic Life Support and AED (RQF) · 2.5 Guided Learning Hours · Certificate valid for 3 years · Annual CPR refresher recommended by HSE and Resuscitation Council UK. Every certificate can be verified online through the Qualsafe Awards portal.
National Training Hub is a Qualsafe registered centre (Centre No. 907979).
WHY CHOOSE NATIONAL TRAINING HUB?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need any previous first aid knowledge?
No. There are no formal entry requirements. You simply need to be at least 14 years old and able to perform practical tasks at floor level. Our trainers guide you through everything step by step.
How long is the certificate valid?
Your Qualsafe certificate is valid for 3 years. We recommend attending an annual CPR refresher — as advised by the HSE and Resuscitation Council UK — to keep your skills sharp between renewals.
Does this course cover AED use?
Yes. Safe and correct use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is a core part of this qualification. You will practise pad placement and work through the full AED process using training equipment.
Can you deliver this at our workplace?
Yes. We deliver on-site CPR and AED training nationwide across England and Wales for businesses, schools, charities and community groups. Contact us to book a date that suits your team.
Is this the same as a full first aid course?
No. This qualification focuses specifically on adult CPR and AED use, plus managing an unconscious casualty. If you need a broader workplace first aid qualification, we also offer the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) courses.