Understanding the New 2025 Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines — Why First Aiders Should Update Their Skills Now

In October 2025, the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) published the 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines, incorporating the latest evidence-based international resuscitation science and establishing updated best-practice standards for first aid and basic life support in the UK.

These guidelines will be implemented in the first aid training qualifications that Essential 6 deliver with effect from February 2026 and reflect contributions from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and European resuscitation partners.

What’s New in the 2025 Guidelines?

The updated guidance includes several important changes that directly affect workplace and community first aid practice:

New First Aid Chapter and Structured Assessment

For the first time, the guidelines include a dedicated section on first aid — recognising life-threatening conditions before full resuscitation is required and introducing a structured ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) to assessment.

Updated Emergency Response Priorities
Examples of updated guidance for first aiders include:

  • Immediate activation of emergency services (calling 999 for any unresponsive person before assessing breathing).

  • Escalating approaches to choking and life-threatening bleeding.

  • Revised first aid actions for conditions such as anaphylaxis, stroke, hypoglycaemia, chest pain, asthma, drowning, trauma and more.

Enhanced CPR and Defibrillation Practice

The basic life support guidance continues to stress high-quality chest compressions (100-120 per minute) and emphasises the role of ambulance call handlers in guiding bystanders through resuscitation.

Why This Matters to First Aiders

Even if your current first-aid certificate remains valid, these guideline changes will affect how emergencies should be recognised and managed in practice. First aiders who trained prior to these updates may not yet have covered:

  • The updated structured assessment (ABCDE) approach

  • Revised CPR and rescue sequence modifications

  • New emphases on chest compression quality, AED usage and emergency call strategy

  • Updated first-aid responses for key life-threatening conditions

Delivering effective first aid requires both knowledge and confidence. Without regular practice and refreshers, even skilled first aiders can experience skills fade and uncertainty in real emergencies.

Health & Safety Executive Recommendation: Annual Refreshers

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must ensure first aid provision is adequate and appropriate to workplace risk. While first aid certificates are valid for three years, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommends that qualified first aiders undertake an annual refresher training session to maintain competence.

An annual refresher helps first aiders to:

  • Reinforce lifesaving practical skills

  • Stay current with updated guidance and best practice

  • Boost confidence in responding under pressure

Why a 3-Hour Update Session Works

A focused, 3-hour first-aid update session strikes the right balance between depth and practicality. It provides:

  • Targeted review of first aid fundamentals (CPR, choking, unconscious casualty care)

  • Practical, hands-on reinforcement of critical interventions

  • Discussion of 2025 guideline updates in accessible language

  • Opportunity to ask questions and build confidence

Compared to a full requalification course (which is only required every three years), this update session is efficient and highly relevant for current certified first aiders.

Frequently Asked Questions – First Aid Updates & 2025 Guidelines

Do first aiders need to retrain when new Resuscitation Council guidelines are published?

First aiders are not required to immediately requalify when guidelines are updated; however, best practice is to update knowledge and skills as soon as practicable. The 2025 Resuscitation Council UK guidelines introduce changes to assessment and emergency response that first aiders should understand and practise to remain effective and confident.

My first aid certificate is still valid – do I still need refresher training?

Yes. Although first aid certificates are valid for three years, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommends annual refresher training. This helps first aiders maintain competence, confidence, and familiarity with current guidance — particularly when updates such as the 2025 guidelines are introduced.

What is covered in a 3-hour first aid update session?

A 3-hour update session typically includes:

  • CPR and AED practical refresher

  • Management of choking and unconscious casualties

  • Review of key first aid emergencies

  • Discussion of relevant updates from the 2025 Resuscitation Council UK guidelines

  • Practical scenario-based learning

It is designed specifically for already-qualified first aiders, not beginners.

Is a refresher the same as a full first aid requalification course?

No. A refresher session is not a replacement for the full requalification course, which must be completed every three years. A refresher is a shorter, focused session that helps first aiders stay competent and confident between qualifications.

Why is regular refresher training important for first aiders?

Research and training experience consistently show that first aid skills fade without practice, often within months. Regular refreshers:

  • Reinforce critical lifesaving skills

  • Improve decision-making under pressure

  • Increase confidence during real emergencies

  • Support employer compliance with HSE expectations

Who should attend a first aid update session?

Update sessions are suitable for:

  • Workplace first aiders

  • Appointed persons with first aid responsibilities

  • Care staff and support workers

  • Anyone currently holding a valid first aid qualification

How often should refresher training be completed?

The HSE recommends annual refresher training for qualified first aiders. Many organisations schedule a 3-hour update each year and a full requalification every three years to maintain a high standard of emergency response.

Next Steps

Whether you are renewing your skills, preparing for your requalification, or simply want to be confident in your ability to help in an emergency, we recommend booking a 2026 First Aid Update Session. Our experienced trainers will ensure you are both confident and competent with the latest evidence-based techniques.

Contact us today to arrange an annual refresher tailored to your team or organisation. 01803 26 66 66 or email us info@essential6.co.uk