The Critical Need for CPR Training in the UK and Ireland

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a fundamental life-saving skill that can dramatically increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. Despite its critical importance, recent statistics highlight a concerning gap in CPR knowledge and confidence across the UK and Ireland. With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK, and less than one in ten surviving, widespread CPR proficiency is more vital than ever. In Ireland, there are almost 3,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation attempts by emergency medical services each year.

Current State of CPR Knowledge: UK Statistics

Alarming figures from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in February 2024 revealed that nearly half of UK adults (43%) have never learned CPR, equating to approximately 23 million people. This lack of training is particularly concerning given that around 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home, meaning individuals are most likely to need these skills to save a loved one.

A November 2023 YouGov survey commissioned by NHS Charities Together further indicated that fewer than three in ten people (28%) in the UK feel confident in knowing how to perform CPR in an emergency. Similarly, St John Ambulance research from August 2024 found that only 43% of people know how to give CPR, and less than a third (32%) would know how to use a defibrillator. Over a quarter (26%) of those surveyed admitted they had never learned any first aid, with nearly half (49%) feeling panicked at the prospect of a health emergency due to their lack of training.

There are also notable generational and geographical differences in CPR awareness within the UK. Gen Z (aged 16-26) appears to be the best-trained generation, with 67% having learned CPR, compared to 51% of Baby Boomers (59-77) and 52% of Gen X (43-58). Northern Ireland stands out as the best-trained region, with 74% of respondents reporting they have learned CPR.

Impact of the Knowledge Gap

  • Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival from cardiac arrest by 10%.
  • When CPR is administered within the first few minutes, survival rates can be as high as 40%.
  • Bystander CPR can more than double the chances of survival.
  • Despite over 70% of cases receiving CPR from members of the public in England, the use of public-access defibrillators remains low, in fewer than one in 10 cases.

CPR Training Landscape in Ireland

In Ireland, efforts to increase bystander CPR have shown positive trends. Between 2012 and 2023, bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increased by 25%. The 2023 annual report from the Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register (OHCAR), published by the HSE National Ambulance Service, highlighted that bystander CPR was attempted in 85% of cardiac arrests not witnessed by emergency medical services. This contributed to an 8.4% survival rate to hospital discharge in 2023, a 1% rise that translated into an extra 34 lives saved.

In 2024, bystander CPR was attempted in 84% of cardiac arrests not witnessed by emergency medical services. The overall survival rate to hospital discharge in Ireland was 8.0% in 2024. While these figures show improvement, overall survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Ireland was 5.8% between 2012 and 2020. In 2021, only 6.1% of patients survived to hospital discharge.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland, similar to the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), emphasises the importance of first aid and CPR training in the workplace. Employers have a responsibility to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel. Courses like the PHECC-certified First Aid Response, which includes Cardiac First Response (CFR) training, are crucial for equipping workplace first aiders.

Initiatives and Future Directions

Organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, and the British Red Cross are actively working to improve CPR training accessibility and public confidence. The BHF's RevivR tool, for instance, offers free 15-minute online CPR training.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see PMVA trainer qualifications or explore child protection trainer qualifications for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

Since 2020, CPR training has been part of the Health Education curriculum for secondary school students in England, teaching those aged 12 and above life-saving skills, including how to use a defibrillator. However, research commissioned by the Resuscitation Council UK in April 2025 revealed gaps in CPR education in secondary schools, with nearly 4 in 10 students (38%) reporting they left school without receiving CPR training. Over 70% of students who did receive training felt confident to act in an emergency, highlighting the positive impact of such initiatives. There are calls for better monitoring and support to ensure consistent delivery of CPR training in schools across the UK.

A recent University of Bristol study, published in June 2026, provided compelling evidence that earlier and more frequent CPR training in the general public significantly increases bystander intervention rates and improves survival outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. The study found a 15% increase in bystander CPR administration in communities with higher rates of individuals trained within the last two years. This research also suggested a 'shelf-life' for CPR skills, reinforcing the need for regular refresher courses.

Addressing inequalities in CPR training access is also a key focus. Research indicates that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to be trained in CPR and less confident to perform it. Targeted educational campaigns and community-based initiatives are essential to bridge these disparities.

Organisations are also working to make CPR training more accessible for people with disabilities, recognising that everyone should be empowered to help save a life. While the principles of CPR remain the same, adaptations in technique and approach may be necessary.

The ongoing efforts to expand CPR training and awareness are crucial. Every person equipped with these skills contributes to a stronger chain of survival, offering a better chance for those experiencing cardiac arrest.

For comprehensive first aid and CPR training tailored to various needs, including workplace first aid and specialized courses, Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk offers a range of accredited programmes designed to empower individuals and organisations with life-saving skills.