Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Course
Key Features
Of this Automated External Defib - AED Course:
- Covers the complete UK AED qualification including theory, practical use, maintenance, and post-incident procedures
- Suitable for any workplace environment where an AED may be present, from offices to industrial sites
- Includes recognition of cardiac arrest, safe pad placement on adults and children, and integration with CPR
- Covers legal responsibilities, record-keeping, and AED programme management in the workplace
- Delivered to current Resuscitation Council (UK) and HSE-aligned standards
Course Date Availability
Automated External Defib - AED training at the following 4 centres. Prices from £145 per person :
| Training Centres | Next Available Dates |
|---|---|
| Bristol | 7th Oct 2026 |
| Cambridge | 22nd Jul 2026 |
| Milton Keynes | 21st Jul 20264th Dec 2026 |
| Reading | 26th Nov 2026 |
Course Information
Overview:
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course provides delegates with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate an AED in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. In 2026, AEDs are increasingly common across UK workplaces, and the ability to respond quickly and correctly can make the difference between survival and permanent harm. This qualification covers the full range of responsibilities from recognising the need for defibrillation, through correct pad placement and device operation, to post-use checks and reporting. It is designed for anyone who may be first on scene or who has responsibility for an AED in their workplace.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for:
- First aiders and appointed persons
- Health and safety officers
- Facilities and estates staff responsible for AEDs
- Team leaders and supervisors in any sector
- Anyone designated to respond to medical emergencies at work
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- How to recognise cardiac arrest and decide when to use an AED
- Safe and correct AED pad placement on adults, children and infants
- Step-by-step operation of semi-automatic and fully automatic AEDs
- Integration of AED use with high-quality CPR and rescue breaths
- AED maintenance, pre-use checks and post-incident procedures
- Legal duties, documentation and workplace AED programme responsibilities
Course Agenda
Overview:
The course combines short theory sessions with extensive hands-on practice using training AEDs. Delegates work through realistic workplace scenarios in small groups, with assessment taking place continuously through observation and a final practical test. Typical duration is one day.
Key Modules Covered
What you will learn:
- The chain of survival and the role of the AED
- Anatomy and physiology of the heart relevant to defibrillation
- Recognition of shockable and non-shockable rhythms
- AED device types, controls, voice prompts and safety features
- Correct pad placement, skin preparation and troubleshooting
- Adult, child and infant protocols including energy levels
- Combining AED use with CPR, including minimising interruptions
- Post-use device checks, pad replacement and incident reporting
- Workplace AED placement, signage, storage and maintenance programmes
Private Courses On-site
Automated External Defibrillation (AED) training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.
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Accreditation & Next Steps
What you will achieve as a result:
On successful completion delegates receive a certificate confirming they have met the requirements of the UK AED qualification. The qualification remains valid for three years. Refresher training is recommended before expiry to maintain competence and to stay current with any updates to guidelines or equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked Automated External Defibrillation (AED) questions:
The standard course runs for one full day, combining theory input with extensive practical sessions and assessment.
No prior first aid qualification is required, although many delegates already hold one. The course is designed to stand alone or to complement existing first aid training.
Delegates learn to recognise cardiac arrest, operate both semi-automatic and fully automatic AEDs, place pads correctly on adults and children, combine AED use with CPR, carry out post-use checks and understand workplace legal responsibilities.
Assessment is continuous through observation of practical skills. A final practical scenario confirms that each delegate can operate the AED safely and correctly.
Successful delegates receive a certificate stating they have completed the UK AED qualification. This is normally valid for three years.
The qualification is valid for three years. Refresher training is recommended before the certificate expires to maintain skills and awareness of any guideline changes.
Yes. The course includes correct pad placement and energy delivery for adults, children and infants, along with any differences in technique.
This course focuses specifically on AED operation and its integration with CPR. A first aid at work course covers a much wider range of injuries and illnesses in addition to cardiac arrest response.
Yes. The course includes daily and monthly checks, pad and battery replacement, post-incident procedures and how to keep accurate records.
Delegates should wear comfortable clothing suitable for floor-based CPR practice. All training AEDs, pads and materials are provided.
Yes. Training can be arranged on-site provided there is sufficient space for practical work and access to power for the training equipment.
The course covers the common controls and voice prompts found on most current AEDs. Delegates are also shown how to locate and follow the specific instructions for any model they may encounter at work.
Prices per person typically start at £145. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)
More Information
The course prepares delegates to act confidently and correctly if they are first on scene during a cardiac arrest. Practical sessions focus on the exact skills needed in real workplaces rather than theoretical knowledge alone.
Last updated: Jun 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group