The 2025 Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) Guidelines introduce important updates to CPR, first aid, paediatric life support, and emergency response. These guidelines are based on a four‑year evidence review process and align with the latest international recommendations from ILCOR and the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). They will become the standard across UK first aid training from January 2026.
Below is a clear, website‑ready summary.
- Education & CPR Training Delivery
- Greater emphasis on lifelong resuscitation education, starting from early childhood and continuing through adulthood.
- Training should be practical, scenario‑based, and focused on building confidence as well as competence.
- Courses should include realistic simulations and opportunities for repeated practice.
- Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) – Key Updates
- Reinforced importance of early recognition of cardiac arrest and immediate CPR.
- Strong emphasis on high‑quality chest compressions with minimal interruptions.
- Updated guidance on AED pad placement to improve shock effectiveness.
- Clearer instructions for managing agonal breathing, which should be treated as cardiac arrest.
- Paediatric Life Support
- Updated protocols for infants and children, including:
- Revised CPR sequence for different age groups.
- Updated guidance on airway management and rescue breaths.
- Enhanced recommendations for managing anaphylaxis, asthma, and hypoglycaemia in children.
- First Aid (NEW Dedicated Chapter)
For the first time, the 2025 guidelines include a full chapter dedicated to first aid. Key updates include:
Life‑Threatening Bleeding
- Stronger emphasis on rapid control of severe bleeding.
- Updated advice on the use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings.
Anaphylaxis
- Clearer guidance on recognising early symptoms.
- Updated recommendations for adrenaline auto‑injector use.
Hypoglycaemia
- Revised treatment steps for low blood sugar emergencies.
- More practical guidance for first aiders in non‑clinical settings.
- Drowning Response
- Updated sequence for managing drowning casualties, including:
- Priority on rescue breaths before compressions.
- Guidance on safe extraction and airway management.
- AED Use
- Updated recommendations on pad placement for adults and children to improve shock success rates.
- Reinforced message: use an AED as soon as possible, even if unsure.
- Evidence‑Based Development
The 2025 guidelines were created through:
- Systematic evidence reviews
- International consensus
- Collaboration with healthcare professionals, the public, and cardiac arrest survivors
They translate global science into UK‑specific best practice for first aid and resuscitation.
Website‑Ready Closing Line
At Flowers Training, all courses are being updated to reflect the 2025 Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines, ensuring learners receive the most current, evidence‑based training available.
