Basic Life Support (BLS) – Highfield Level 3 Award in Adult Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation (RQF)

This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to respond confidently and effectively in life-threatening emergencies.

Suitable for health and social care professionals, family carers, and members of the public, the course combines theory and practical learning to develop essential life-saving skills. Learners will gain an understanding of how to assess an emergency situation, manage an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally, respond to an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally, and safely use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Through hands-on practical training and realistic scenarios, delegates will develop the confidence to take appropriate action in an emergency while awaiting the arrival of emergency services.

This Highfield-accredited qualification is ideal for anyone wishing to gain recognised life-saving skills and the confidence to act when it matters most.

This course is delivered through a combination of interactive learning, trainer-led discussion, practical demonstrations, and realistic scenario-based activities to ensure learners develop both the knowledge and practical skills required to respond effectively in an emergency.

Learners will be assessed throughout the course using a knowledge-based quiz designed to reinforce key learning points and assess understanding of Basic Life Support principles, emergency procedures, and the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Delegates will also participate in practical scenarios that simulate real-life emergency situations, allowing them to apply their knowledge and develop confidence in responding appropriately.

Practical competence will be assessed through observation of learners demonstrating key life-saving skills, including managing an unresponsive casualty, performing CPR, placing an individual in the recovery position, and the safe use of an AED. Learners must demonstrate that they can carry out these skills safely and effectively in accordance with current resuscitation guidelines.

Successful completion of the course requires learners to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence in Basic Life Support techniques.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, and no previous experience is necessary.

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care professionals.
• Care Assistants and Support Workers.
• Healthcare Assistants.
• Family members and informal carers supporting a loved one at home.
• Members of the public wishing to gain essential life-saving skills.
• Individuals requiring refresher training in Basic Life Support.

Delegates must be 18 years of age or over to attend this course.

As this course includes practical CPR and AED training, delegates should be physically able to participate in practical activities, including kneeling on the floor and performing chest compressions on training manikins.

If you have any medical conditions, injuries, mobility concerns, or are pregnant, please inform the trainer before the course so that appropriate guidance and reasonable adjustments can be discussed where possible.

Delegates are required to wear comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe footwear suitable for practical activities.

A willingness to participate in practical exercises, scenario-based learning, and practical assessments is essential to successfully complete the qualification.

Basic Life Support (BLS) – Highfield Level 3 Award in Adult Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation (RQF) course covers the essential knowledge and practical skills required to respond effectively in life-threatening emergencies, including:

• Understanding the Chain of Survival.
• Assessing an emergency situation and ensuring scene safety.
• Assessing a casualty's level of responsiveness.
• Opening and maintaining a casualty's airway.
• Checking for normal breathing.
• Managing an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally.
• Placing an individual in the recovery position.
• Recognising when CPR is required.
• Performing effective Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Understanding the role of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Safety considerations when using an AED.
• Correct placement of AED pads.
• Following AED voice prompts accurately.
• Delivering a shock safely using an AED.
• Combining CPR and AED use effectively.
• Differences when using an AED on a child.
• Recognising signs of life and ongoing casualty care.
• Handover procedures and communication with emergency services.

Practical training and realistic scenarios are used throughout the course to develop learners' confidence and competence in applying life-saving skills in emergency situations.

The aim of this course is to provide learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to recognise and respond effectively to life-threatening emergencies using Basic Life Support techniques and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Through a combination of theory and practical training, learners will develop the ability to assess an emergency situation, manage an unresponsive casualty, perform effective CPR, and safely use an AED in accordance with current resuscitation guidelines. The course is designed to equip learners with the skills needed to take prompt, safe, and appropriate action while awaiting the arrival of emergency services.

Upon successful completion, learners will have the confidence and competence to provide potentially life-saving assistance in both workplace and community settings.

Following successful completion of this course, learners may wish to further develop their first aid knowledge and practical skills through additional training, including:

• Emergency First Aid at Work.
• First Aid at Work.
• Paediatric First Aid.
• Advanced First Aid and Use of an AED.
• Basic Life Support Refresher Training.
• Health & Social Care Mandatory Training.

For those working within health and social care, this qualification supports compliance with training requirements and contributes towards ongoing professional development. For family carers and members of the public, it provides valuable life-saving skills that can be applied in everyday situations and emergencies.

As recommended by Highfield, this qualification is valid for 3 years, although annual refresher training is encouraged to help maintain confidence, knowledge, and practical competence in Basic Life Support and AED use.

Learners are encouraged to continue practising their skills and keep up to date with current resuscitation guidelines and best practice.

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

• Assess an emergency situation and identify potential dangers.
• Assess a casualty's level of responsiveness.
• Open and maintain a casualty's airway.
• Check for normal breathing.
• Place an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally into the recovery position.
• Recognise when cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required.
• Perform effective CPR in accordance with current resuscitation guidelines.
• Understand the role of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the Chain of Survival.
• Identify safety considerations when using an AED.
• Correctly apply AED pads and follow AED voice prompts.
• Safely deliver a shock using an AED.
• Combine CPR and AED use effectively with minimal interruptions.
• Recognise differences when using an AED on a child.
• Identify when a casualty shows signs of life and provide appropriate ongoing care.
• Communicate effectively with emergency services and provide an accurate handover.

Upon successful completion, learners will have the confidence and practical skills to respond appropriately to life-threatening emergencies and provide potentially life-saving assistance while awaiting the arrival of emergency services.

This course is suitable for anyone who may be required to respond to a life-threatening emergency, whether in a professional role, community setting, or within the home.

It is particularly beneficial for:

• Health and Social Care professionals.
• Care Assistants and Community Carers.
• Support Workers.
• Healthcare Assistants.
• Senior Care Staff and Team Leaders.
• Residential and Nursing Home Staff.
• Domiciliary Care Workers.
• Personal Assistants and Personal Carers.
• Family members and informal carers supporting a loved one at home.
• Members of the public wishing to gain life-saving skills.
• Individuals requiring refresher training in Basic Life Support and AED use.

This course is ideal for anyone who wants to develop the confidence and competence to respond quickly, safely, and effectively in an emergency, potentially saving a life while awaiting the arrival of emergency services.