Adult Basic Life Support is core for anyone who may need to start CPR and use an AED until advanced help arrives.
Care homes, clinics, dental practices, community teams and many workplaces book adult BLS to meet internal policy, CQC expectations, or professional requirements. Content should follow current Resuscitation Council UK guidelines.
What is Adult Basic Life Support (BLS)?
Adult BLS covers recognition of cardiac arrest, high-quality CPR, AED use, and teamworking in an emergency. Session length varies by audience and whether assessment is included.
Typical duration: Often 2-4 hours depending on assessment and group size
Certificate life: Provider-dependent; many roles expect renewal every 1-2 years
Who usually needs this training?
- Adult social care and nursing teams
- Dental and primary care staff
- Workplace responders with AEDs on site
Your options when arranging adult BLS training
Common booking models:
- On-site BLS for a whole team with your AED
- Open clinical BLS sessions
- Combined adult BLS + AED familiarisation
What to look for in a adult BLS trainer or training company
- Current RCUK-aligned content
- Enough adult manikins and AED trainers
- Assessor experience for clinical audiences where required
Healthcare employers may need “BLS for healthcare professionals” rather than a generic community session - specify this when you post.
Authoritative guidance
Check primary sources before you buy - FlexMed helps you hire trainers, but course requirements come from regulators, statutory frameworks and professional bodies:
How FlexMed helps you find the right trainer
FlexMed is a UK marketplace that connects organisations with freelance trainers and training companies. Instead of cold-calling providers or waiting on generic quote forms, you can post what you need once and compare responses from people who already deliver adult BLS.
- Create a free organisation account - register as a client organisation if you need training delivered for your staff, or as a training company if you need freelance trainer cover for a course you already run.
- Post a clear request or job - include the course type (Adult Basic Life Support (BLS)), date(s), postcode area, headcount, venue type, and whether you need equipment supplied.
- Review profiles and credentials - check bios, verification documents, equipment flags, and ratings before you award.
- Compare quotes and message - ask about awarding organisation, assessment method, blended learning options, and what is included in the price.
Trainers and providers looking for work can also browse open jobs on FlexMed.
Practical tips before you book
- Complete a first-aid / training needs assessment so you book the right level - not just the cheapest day course. The HSE first aid needs assessment guidance is the usual starting point for workplaces.
- Confirm whether you need regulated qualifications, in-date certificates, or specific awarding bodies for your sector.
- Share access details, parking, and any learner needs early so the session runs smoothly.
- Ask who issues the certificates and how quickly learners receive them after assessment.
Post your adult BLS requirement on FlexMed with dates, headcount and whether assessment is required.