The new Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Guidelines have been released, bringing important updates to CPR, first aid, paediatric life support and overall emergency response. These evidence-based guidelines align with global recommendations from ILCOR and the ERC, forming the framework for how first aid and resuscitation will be taught going forward.
First Stop will begin integrating these updates throughout 2025, ahead of full adoption across all regulated training from January 2026.
What’s New in the 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines?
Key changes apply to:
- Education & CPR training delivery
- Adult Basic Life Support
- Paediatric Life Support
- First Aid (NEW dedicated chapter)
- Drowning response
- AED pad placement
- Life-threatening bleeding management
- Hypoglycaemia & anaphylaxis updates
This overview highlights the most important updates first aiders and workplaces should be aware of.
Resuscitation Education Updates
- Resuscitation teaching recommended from age 4–6, refreshed annually in schools.
- Focus on hands-on practice, scenarios & interactive learning tools.
- Training should be tailored to risk environment (sport, workplace hazards, childcare etc.).
Why this matters:
- ~115,000 Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests annually; most occur at home.
- Survival improves drastically when CPR begins early.
- Paediatric arrests remain less common (~750–800 yearly).
Ethical Considerations
- Earlier conversations encouraged around future wishes and emergency decisions.
- Families can be offered the option to remain during resuscitation where appropriate.
- Clear documentation such as ReSPECT forms recommended.
Adult CPR & Basic Life Support – Important Changes
If someone is unresponsive: call 999 immediately.
Assessment of breathing can continue while connected to the call handler, who will guide CPR if required.
Updated adult CPR technique:
- Chest compressions 100–120/min at 5–6cm depth
- Minimal interruptions
- Add rescue breaths if trained (30:2)
- If untrained → compression-only CPR is encouraged
CPR on a bed
If moving someone delays treatment, begin CPR on the bed, remove pillows and kneel beside the casualty.
AED use
- Pads placed as shown — ensure the left pad sits under the armpit.
- After 3 unsuccessful shocks, move the right shoulder pad slightly more central over the chest.
Drowning response update
- Give 5 rescue breaths first, then compressions, due to oxygen-deprivation onset.
Paediatric Life Support – Major Update
Children typically arrest due to respiratory failure rather than cardiac cause, so oxygen restoration is critical.
New paediatric CPR sequence (trained responders):
✔ 5 rescue breaths first
✔ 15:2 compression to breath ratio
Additional updates:
- New infant CPR technique uses thumb-encircling method, replacing two-finger compressions.
- AEDs can be used on all ages, including infants.
- Paediatric AED pad placement updated:
- Front pad left of midline
- Rear pad placed centrally on back
First Aid — New Chapter in 2025 Guidelines
First aid is now officially recognised as the first link in survival.
ABCDE approach introduced:
Airway – Breathing – Circulation – Disability – Exposure
Key changes in first aid management:
- Catastrophic bleeding now higher priority
- Direct pressure → tourniquet/wound packing if needed
- Amputated parts should be wrapped damp, sealed & placed on (not in) ice
- Hypoglycaemia applicable beyond diabetics
- Children may take ½ tsp sugar under tongue if responsive
- Anaphylaxis
- If two autoinjectors used → second dose in opposite leg
Book First Aid Training — First Stop Scotland
At First Stop, we deliver up-to-date, engaging and practical first aid training fully aligned with the latest Resuscitation Council UK guidance.
We offer:
⭐ Individual course bookings in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Dundee
⭐ On-site group training for businesses & organisations
⭐ CPR, Paediatric First Aid & Emergency First Aid courses
⭐ Includes 2025 guideline updates & scenario-based training
📌 Book online via our website
Secure your place today — build confidence, save lives.
