Basic Life Support (BLS)
A sharp, practical three-hour course on the skills that save lives: the primary survey, CPR, using an AED, the recovery position and helping a choking casualty.
About the course
The life-saving essentials, hands-on
Basic Life Support strips first aid back to the interventions that matter most in the first minutes of an emergency. Every delegate practises on manikins and an AED trainer. By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Explain the first aider’s role and the three aims of first aid
- Work through the primary survey (DRCABCDE) in the correct order
- Give effective CPR and use an AED, for adults, children and infants
- Recognise and respond to choking at any age
- Place someone in the recovery position and recognise a suspected spinal injury
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Four areas cover the complete chain, from the first aider’s role and the primary survey to CPR, choking and the recovery position.
The role of the first aider
- What first aid achieves, and the three aims of first aid
Primary survey: DRCABCDE
- Why a structured primary survey matters
- Danger, response and catastrophic bleeding
- Airway, breathing and circulation
- Disability (ACVPU, FAST) and exposure
CPR, defibrillation and choking
- Heart attack versus cardiac arrest
- Giving effective CPR and using an AED
- CPR technique — differences by age
- Recognising and responding to choking, including infants and children
Recovery position and spinal injury
- When and how to use the recovery position
- Suspected spinal injury
Please note: this 3-hour course combines well with our other half-day and short courses to make best use of your training day.
Keep exploring
Related courses
Not sure this is the right level? These courses cover the same ground at different depths — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your workplace or setting, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Basic Life Support (BLS) course?
It runs as a half day – 3 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 12 delegates per session — we keep practical groups smaller so everyone gets hands-on time.
Is there a practical element?
Yes — delegates practise the techniques hands-on during the course, guided by the trainer.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. We recommend refreshing every year.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, home care, GP & dental practices, hospitals & clinics, sports clubs. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Basic Life Support training to your setting
Delivered on-site at your workplace or setting, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our first aid training range. Also explore mandatory training and clinical training.