First Aid Training Updates – What Employers Need to Know (2026)
Our first aid training courses have been updated for 2026 to reflect current clinical evidence and national best practice as laid down by the Resuscitation Council (UK). These updates strengthen early recognition of life-threatening conditions and prioritise rapid, effective intervention in workplace emergencies.
Early assessment and life-threatening bleeding
The primary survey has been updated to DR C ABCDE, placing Catastrophic Bleeding before airway and breathing. This reinforces the importance of immediate bleeding control using direct pressure, wound packing, or tourniquets — a critical change for higher-risk workplaces.
Improved recognition of medical emergencies
Assessment of response now uses ACVPU, with Confusion formally recognised as a red-flag symptom. Stroke recognition has also been strengthened, moving from FAST to BE-FAST, highlighting balance and eye disturbances as early warning signs. Heart attack guidance now better reflects how symptoms may present differently in women, including jaw pain, nausea, and breathlessness without chest pain.
CPR and AED updates
CPR guidance now places greater emphasis on recognising abnormal breathing, early 999 contact, and prompt AED use. AED pad positioning has been refined, including updated placement on the casualty’s left side. Guidance is also included for performing CPR on a casualty in bed when immediate movement is not possible. COVID-specific CPR adaptations have now been removed.
Children and babies
Paediatric guidance has been clarified to emphasise that taking action is always better than delay. Age definitions are clearer, choking management for babies has been updated and AED use in children is strongly encouraged — even if only adult pads are available.
Updated medical and injury management, key changes include:
- New guidance on button battery ingestion as a medical emergency
- Updated advice on anaphylaxis, including adrenaline nasal spray
- Revised asthma inhaler guidance, including MART inhalers
- Clearer differentiation and treatment guidance for heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Updated management of amputations, chemical burns and ice application times
- RICE has been revised to prioritise comfort rather than compression for sprains and strains
These updates ensure first aid training remains practical, current and aligned with the realities of workplace risk — supporting employers in meeting their duty of care and ensuring staff are prepared to act decisively when it matters.
