Tag Archives: automated external defibrillator (AED)

New guidance on AED training

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New requirements to ensure learners are assessed on the correct use of automated external defibrillators (AED) came into effect at the beginning of 2017.

Aimed at those delivering AED training as part of first aid at work or emergency first aid at work courses, the requirements will ensure learners are assessed on their ability to demonstrate how to place AED pads correctly and how to follow AED instructions.

Centres must also have at least 1 training AED available to allow for effective training and assessment, and learners must be assessed in groups that do not exceed a ratio of 4 learners per 1 AED. Adjustments to lesson plans are allowed as long as the 1:4 ratio is maintained and learners are not disadvantaged.

Likewise, centres running first-aid courses must ensure their tutors and assessors are sufficiently knowledgeable and competent in the use of an AED.

It is expected that that AED training will be delivered by centres as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

The specifications, as well as the relevant assessment paperwork for each of the qualifications referenced above, is available here .

First Aid Qualification Update – Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training

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In June, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced the requirement for all workplace first-aiders to be trained in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) from 31 December 2016. This is as a result of a change to the guidelines of the Resuscitation Council UK , which now state that when managing a casualty in need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a first-aider must request an AED .

To accommodate these changes and cover the use of an AED, Highfield will be amending the qualification specification and practical assessment pack for the following qualifications:

Centres running courses from 31 December 2016 will be required to assess learners in the use of an AED. However, this will be optional prior to this date.

We anticipate that the subject of using an AED will be covered in the CPR section of each qualification. Learners should be assessed on their ability to demonstrate the following skills:

  • place AED pads correctly
  • follow AED instructions

Additionally, please note, the following requirements must be met when delivering training on the use of an AED:

  • centres must have 1 training AED available for every 4 learners on a course. This does allow for adjustment to lesson plans so long as the ratio of 1:4 is maintained and centres ensure learners are not disadvantaged.
  • centres running first-aid courses must ensure their tutors and assessors are sufficiently knowledgeable and competent in the use of an AED

We shall keep you updated with any further updates we receive regarding these qualifications. In the meantime, if you require any further information, please contact your account manager.