Sweeping Changes to First Aid Qualifications Implemented Across UK and Ireland

First aid training in both the UK and Ireland is undergoing its most substantial overhaul in over 15 years, with new guidelines from the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), updated guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, and revised regulations from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland coming into full effect throughout 2026. These changes aim to enhance emergency response capabilities, standardise practices, and place a renewed emphasis on critical interventions and early activation of emergency services.

Key Updates from Resuscitation Council UK for 2026

The RCUK's 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines, which became the standard for first aid courses from January 2026, introduce a dedicated first aid chapter, acknowledging its crucial role as the initial link in the chain of survival. A primary focus of these new guidelines is the imperative for speed in emergency response.

  • Earlier 999 Calls: For unresponsive adults, the updated guidance stresses calling 999 immediately, even before confirming abnormal breathing. Call handlers are now equipped to assist in identifying abnormal breathing and guiding bystanders through chest-compression-only CPR.
  • Paediatric Resuscitation: Significant updates have been made to paediatric first aid. If alone with an unresponsive child or infant, first aiders are advised to perform CPR for two minutes before calling 999, as paediatric cardiac arrests are often due to a lack of oxygen. The guidelines also recommend the two-thumb encircling technique for infant CPR and choking chest thrusts.
  • Life-Threatening Bleeding: The term 'catastrophic bleeding' has been updated to 'life-threatening bleeding' for clarity, with its management now a core component of first aid training from October 2025. This includes increased emphasis on applying direct pressure and potentially using haemostatic dressings.
  • Structured Assessment: The new guidelines introduce a structured ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) for assessing casualties.
  • AED Pad Placement: New research has refined guidance on defibrillator pad placement, with the apical pad now recommended to be placed directly below the armpit, aligning its centre with the mid-axillary line.

It is important to note that while certificates are valid for three years, the HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training to maintain competence and stay updated with current guidance.

UK Workplace First Aid: HSE Guidance Updates

In late 2025, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK updated its guidance on workplace first aid responsibilities, reflecting growing expectations around Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, risk assessment, and training standards. These updates are not sweeping legislation but rather a shift in best practice.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see safe people handling trainer courses or explore moving and handling trainer qualifications for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

  • AEDs Strongly Advised: While still not a legal requirement, AEDs are now strongly recommended by the HSE for workplaces with large staff numbers, potential delays in ambulance response, or higher physical risks such as factories, gyms, and construction sites.
  • First Aid Needs Assessments: Employers' First Aid Needs Assessments, required under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, must now consider the distance to and availability of AEDs, whether first aiders are trained in their use, and the accessibility and visibility of the devices.
  • Training Focus: The HSE encourages employers to ensure AED use is included in first aid training, even for smaller teams. The updated guidance also emphasizes practical, scenario-based training that includes AED use and the ability to respond to more complex medical emergencies, moving beyond traditional basic CPR.
  • Mental Health First Aid: Amendments in January 2024 to the HSE's 'First aid at work: Guidance on regulations' also emphasize employers' responsibilities for considering employees' mental health in their first-aid needs assessment.
  • Blended Learning: The 2024 guidance explicitly accepts blended learning for workplace first aid training, provided employers ensure suitability, adequate support, and proper assessment of e-learning components.

Irish First Aid Regulations: HSA and PHECC Standards

In Ireland, the legal framework for workplace first aid is governed by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) published updated Guidelines on First-Aid at Places of Work in late 2024, which align with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response (FAR) training standard.

  • PHECC FAR as Standard: The PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) course is the recognised standard for occupational first aiders in Ireland. This 18-hour classroom course (or blended learning option) covers advanced skills such as CPR, AED use, wound care, and managing serious injuries. FAR certification is valid for two years.
  • Risk Assessment is Key: Irish employers are mandated to assess workplace risks to determine appropriate first aid measures, including the number of trained first aiders required. For example, in low-risk office environments, one trained first aider may suffice for up to 50 employees, while higher-risk workplaces require more.
  • Recertification: Recertification for FAR training is a 2-day (12-hour) course, typically undertaken every two years.
  • Historical Context: It's worth noting that the HSA transitioned from recognising the QQI Occupational First Aid (OFA) standard to PHECC FAR as the sole recognised qualification for occupational first aid, with this change fully implemented from September 1, 2017.

These comprehensive updates underscore the evolving landscape of first aid provision and the commitment of regulatory bodies to ensure high standards of care across the UK and Ireland. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to review their current training and ensure compliance with the latest guidelines.

For more information on first aid training and to ensure your qualifications meet the latest standards, visit Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.