Where to Get Defibrillator Training Certified UK

How-To Guides
Written By Elwyn Davies

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are compact, user-friendly devices designed to deliver an electric shock to a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Each minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by approximately 10 %.

Despite this, in the UK fewer than 2 % of out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrests receive an AED shock before ambulance arrival.

UK legislation does not mandate AED installation, but employers must conduct a first‑aid needs assessment under the Health and Safety (First‑Aid) Regulations 1981. This assessment may identify the need for workplace AEDs. Training providers—including St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, and Resuscitation Council UK—offer various AED courses tailored for different settings.

This article guides you through:

  • Who should train with AEDs in the UK

  • Types of AED certification available

  • Course content, duration and accreditation

  • Cost and accessibility

  • Selecting the most suitable training for your organisation

Who Needs AED Training in the UK?

AED training is relevant for a wide range of individuals and organisations in the UK. While the law does not currently require formal AED training for every person, several groups are advised—or in some cases required, to receive certification.

Workplace First Aiders

In workplaces, employers must comply with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. This includes conducting a first-aid needs assessment to determine appropriate equipment and training. For higher-risk environments, such as construction or manufacturing, first aiders often undertake additional AED training. Many courses combine Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW) with AED use (britishredcross.org.uk).

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare workers, including GPs, nurses, and paramedics, are usually required to undertake regular AED and resuscitation training. Courses such as Immediate Life Support (ILS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) are regulated by the Resuscitation Council UK and recognised by professional bodies like the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) (resus.org.uk).

Schools, Sports Clubs, and Community Groups

In educational settings, guidance from the Department for Education encourages schools to have AEDs on site and ensure staff are trained to use them (gov.uk). Many sports clubs and community groups also undertake AED training due to increased risks associated with physical activity. Community groups often access training through local ambulance trusts or charities like the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Types of AED Training Available

In the UK, AED training is delivered in several formats to suit different learning preferences and organisational needs. Options range from basic community courses to professional healthcare qualifications.

Face-to-Face Public Courses

Several national providers offer open public courses suitable for individuals and small teams. These are classroom-based, instructor-led sessions covering AED use alongside CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Major providers include:

  • St John Ambulance: Offers dedicated AED courses and AED modules as part of first aid programmes (sja.org.uk).

  • St John Ambulance Cymru: Provides courses in Wales specifically tailored to local community needs (sjacymru.org.uk).

  • British Red Cross: Offers a standalone 4-hour AED training course, suitable for all workplace environments (redcross.org.uk).

On-Site Group Training

Businesses and large organisations often prefer on-site group sessions. Trainers visit the premises and adapt scenarios to the workplace environment. St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, and private providers like First Aid Training Co-operative (firstaidtrainingcooperative.co.uk) deliver these sessions, often accommodating up to 12 participants per course.

Online and E-Learning Courses

For basic awareness, online options are available:

  • e-Lifesaver by Resuscitation Council UK offers interactive online AED training for individuals (resus.org.uk).

  • ProTrainings and Human Focus provide online CPR and AED certification suitable for workplaces requiring theoretical knowledge without practical assessment (protrainings.uk).

Professional Resuscitation Courses

Healthcare professionals and advanced first responders can access certified ILS (Immediate Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) courses through Resuscitation Council UK. These include comprehensive modules on AED use, advanced airway management, and team resuscitation dynamics (resus.org.uk).

Course Content, Duration & Certification

AED training courses in the UK vary in content, duration, and certification type depending on the training level and provider. However, most courses follow Resuscitation Council UK guidelines to ensure consistency.

Course Content

Typical AED courses include:

  • Cardiac Arrest Recognition: How to identify a person in cardiac arrest.

  • Basic Life Support (BLS): CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants.

  • AED Use: Safe operation of automated external defibrillators, including pad placement and shock delivery.

  • Choking Management: Techniques to assist choking casualties.

  • Recovery Position: Placing a breathing but unconscious person in a safe position.

  • Maintenance Awareness: Basic checks on AED readiness and consumables like batteries and pads.

Higher-level courses (such as ILS and ALS) also cover advanced airway management, ECG recognition, and team leadership in emergencies (resus.org.uk).

Duration

  • Basic AED Awareness: Usually 1-2 hours (e-learning formats).

  • Standard AED Courses: Typically 3-4 hours in person (redcross.org.uk).

  • Integrated First Aid and AED Courses: 1-3 days depending on course (e.g. FAW + AED).

  • Professional Courses (ILS/ALS): 1 day (ILS) or 2–3 days (ALS).

Certification

Upon completion, learners receive a certificate of attendance or competence. Key points include:

  • Validity: Most AED and first aid certificates are valid for three years.

  • Accreditation: Courses are often accredited by bodies like the Resuscitation Council UK, First Aid Industry Body (FAIB), or meet CPD standards.

  • Renewals: Refresher courses are available and recommended before certification expiry.

Cost Comparison & Accessibility

AED training in the UK is generally affordable, with a range of options to suit different budgets and organisational sizes. Costs vary by course type, delivery method, and location.

Typical Pricing

  • Public Classroom Courses: Prices range from £60 to £120 per person for a 3–4 hour course (sja.org.uk).

  • On-Site Group Training: Flat-rate fees typically start at £400 to £600 per session, covering up to 12 participants (firstaidtrainingcooperative.co.uk).

  • E-Learning: Basic online AED awareness courses cost between £20 and £30 per person, with some platforms offering discounts for bulk registrations (protrainings.uk).

Advanced resuscitation courses (ILS/ALS) are more expensive, ranging from £150 to £500 per person due to higher content complexity and professional accreditation (resus.org.uk).

Volume Discounts and Subsidies

Many providers offer:

  • Group Discounts for on-site bookings.

  • Charity Subsidies: Some community organisations may access free or reduced-cost training via schemes from the British Heart Foundation or local ambulance trusts.

Geographic Coverage

  • Nationwide Availability: St John Ambulance and British Red Cross operate across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

  • Regional Providers: Organisations like St John Ambulance Cymru serve Wales specifically.

  • Remote Access: Online training options provide UK-wide coverage, suitable for remote workers or geographically dispersed teams.

Did You Know?
The UK government aims to expand public access to defibrillators by providing match-funding schemes for community organisations (gov.uk).

Choosing the Right AED Course

Selecting the correct AED training depends on the individual’s role, the organisation’s needs, and the desired certification level.

Workplace Requirements

For workplaces, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends matching training to the outcome of a first-aid needs assessment. Many employers opt for a First Aid at Work course with an AED module to meet broad first aid obligations (hse.gov.uk).

Community and Low-Risk Settings

In community groups, schools, and sports clubs, shorter standalone AED courses are usually sufficient. Options like the British Red Cross AED course offer basic CPR and defibrillation skills without requiring a full first aid qualification (redcross.org.uk).

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare staff must meet professional competency standards. Courses such as Immediate Life Support (ILS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) are appropriate, especially where care responsibilities include response to cardiac arrest (resus.org.uk).

Online vs In-Person

  • In-Person Courses: Recommended where practical skill assessment is needed, especially for workplace compliance.

  • Online Learning: Suitable for refresher knowledge, awareness-raising, or for remote teams where in-person training is impractical.

Accreditation

When choosing a course, check for recognised accreditation:

  • Resuscitation Council UK for clinical settings

  • First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) or CPD certification for general workplace training

  • RoSPA endorsement where applicable

Real-World Observation
Many workplaces install AEDs but fail to place adequate signage, making devices hard to locate during an emergency. Clear signage and staff familiarity are essential alongside formal training.

Wrapping it Up

AED training in the UK is widely available, accessible to individuals, workplaces, and community groups. Whether you require basic CPR and AED skills or advanced clinical resuscitation training, established providers offer flexible options to meet regulatory standards and personal competency goals.

Summary of Next Steps

  • Assess Your Needs: Use your workplace or community setting to determine the appropriate training level.

  • Choose a Reputable Provider: Prioritise providers accredited by the Resuscitation Council UK, British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, or recognised professional bodies.

  • Book a Course: Consider in-person training for practical skills or e-learning for introductory awareness.

  • Plan for Refresher Training: Most certificates remain valid for three years, with earlier refreshers recommended for confidence retention.

  • Maintain AED Readiness: Pair training with regular AED checks and visible placement to maximise emergency preparedness.

AED training equips individuals and organisations with the essential skills to respond confidently in cardiac emergencies, contributing to improved survival rates in the UK.

Sources

Elwyn Davies
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