Developed over four years and grounded in international evidence, the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) Guidelines 2025 translate global science into rigorous, UK-focused recommendations to support lifesaving care for adults, children, and newborns.
For anyone responsible for first aid in workplaces, schools, or public events, these updates are highly relevant and reinforce why high-quality first aid training from Catapult Services remains essential.
What’s New in the 2025 Guidelines
Inclusion of First Aid
For the first time, first aid is embedded as a full, standalone chapter in the RCUK guidance. This new section offers evidence-based guidance on life-threatening conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest, and on time-critical emergencies where prompt first aid can significantly reduce serious harm.
The approach is built on a structured assessment model called ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure), which enables first aiders to quickly assess, identify and manage life threatening conditions so that they may prioritise treatment.
By linking prompt, structured first aid to lifesaving interventions, this approach maximises survival and reduces the risk of serious complications, strengthening the critical connection between early care and successful resuscitation.
Updated Resuscitation Protocols
Some key changes to Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR guidance include:
- Earlier call to 999 – new guidance include calling 999 for any unresponsive person before assessing breathing, with call handlers supporting the recognition of cardiac arrest and guiding in CPR and AED use.
- For trained first aiders and clinicians – continue to offer rescue breaths as trained, but for untrained bystanders, compression-only CPR is advised.
- Updated guidance for child and infant CPR – new recommended techniques, for example a change to the thumb-encircling method for baby CPR, and revised placements for AED pads in children.
- Recommendation for support – the guidelines recognise the distressing nature of attempting resuscitation and highlight the need for post event support.
These changes reflect evolving evidence about what makes resuscitation most effective and highlight the importance of early action, correct technique, and ongoing support for those involved.
A Stronger Emphasis on First Aid Education & Preparedness Within the Community
The new guidelines highlight first aid and CPR training as lifelong and community-wide responsibilities. Starting education early is encouraged, integrating resuscitation education into schools, higher education settings and driver assessments, helping ensure more people are confident and capable of acing in an emergency situation.
Additionally, first aid courses must now be inclusive and accessible, designed to give people the skills and confidence to act in emergencies – whether at home, in the workplace, at events, or on film and TV sets.
Why Catapult Services Is the Right Partner
At Catapult Services, we are already updating our training programmes to reflect the 2025 guidelines. We provide certified, up-to-date training tailored to workplace, school, event, and bespoke industry environments. Whether you are looking for first aid at work, paediatric first aid training, or first aid refresher courses, we are equipped to deliver to your needs.
Whilst our training has always included first aid, CPR, AED use, and resuscitation for adults and children, our programmes are now updated to reflect the 2025 guidelines—keeping participants confident and prepared for any emergency.
By choosing Catapult Services, you are ensuring that your staff, your school, your event crew, or your production team are trained in line with the very latest national and international standards, meaning reduced risk, improved readiness, and peace of mind that first aid response follows evidence-based best practice.
Stay Ahead – Get First Aid Ready in 2026 and Beyond
With the 2025 guidelines coming into force across all UK first aid courses from January 2026, now is the time to update your training. If you are responsible for first aid in a business, school, event, or film/TV production, contact Catapult Services today – and make sure you are prepared, compliant, and confident to act when it matters most.
Get trained, save a life.