The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) and CQC specify that all clinical and non-clinical staff involved in patient care must participate in hands-on resuscitation training annually. Online training alone is insufficient for demonstrating practical skills such as CPR and AED use. Instead, in-person training with a certified resuscitation trainer must validate each participant’s competency.

Hands-on training sessions include:

• CPR techniques - Ensuring proper technique, rhythm, and force for chest compressions in both adults and children.
• AED operation - Practicing the safe and effective use of AEDs with clear guidelines for both adult and paediatric patients.

Training must include both adult and paediatric resuscitation to address the diverse patient populations in general practices. Adult-only CPR training may be sufficient for practices without paediatric exposure, provided the documentation and justification align with the practice’s patient demographics. In settings where paediatric patients are frequently seen, all staff should be competent in resuscitation techniques for children as well as adults.

CQC guidelines require GP practices to maintain thorough records of resuscitation training. Staff must document their CPR and AED competencies annually, storing completion certificates detailing the skills covered. This documentation supports regulatory compliance and provides tangible evidence of readiness, which is crucial during inspections.

Resuscitation training must be tailored to each staff member's role. Clinical staff, such as GPs, nurses, and healthcare assistants, require comprehensive training in CPR, AED operation, and airway management for adults and children. Non-clinical staff, while not required to perform advanced resuscitation, should be trained to recognise emergencies, activate the emergency response system, and assist as needed.

The CQC’s Fundamental Standards under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 mandate safe and effective care, which includes ensuring staff are adequately trained for emergencies. Specifically:

• Regulation 12 - Requires that care providers prevent avoidable harm by maintaining trained staff and accessible emergency equipment.
• Regulation 18 - Emphasises adequate staffing with necessary competencies to meet patient needs.

CQC standards also mandate that general practices maintain staff training records, including BLS certification for adults and children.

RCUK provides detailed guidance on the frequency, structure, and content of resuscitation training in primary care. Key recommendations include:

• Annual practical training - Hands-on CPR and AED practice for all staff.
• Quality standards for cardiopulmonary resuscitation practice - Outlining the equipment, training, and procedural standards specific to general practices.

The GMC, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) require that healthcare professionals maintain competencies in life-saving skills, including resuscitation. These bodies set out codes of conduct for their members, underscoring the ethical responsibility to be prepared for emergencies.

A comprehensive resuscitation policy should include:

• Purpose and scope - Define the importance of resuscitation training and outline the staff roles covered by the policy.
• Annual training schedule - Specify dates and times for regular, hands-on training sessions led by certified trainers.
• Role-specific competency requirements - Tailor training according to clinical and non-clinical roles, clearly distinguishing between core skills for different staff categories.

According to RCUK guidelines, each GP practice must have readily accessible resuscitation equipment, including AEDs, oxygen, airway management tools, and basic airway aids. These should be:

• Regularly checked and maintained - Weekly checks should be conducted to ensure that all resuscitation equipment is functional.
• Registered with The Circuit - AEDs should be registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, which allows rapid location identification during emergencies.

• Clinical staff - Include full BLS training, airway management, and AED competency for both adults and children.
• Non-clinical staff - Train administrative and reception staff in basic emergency response procedures, including recognising signs of cardiac arrest, calling for help, and providing initial CPR if needed.

In-situ simulation allows staff to practice emergency response within their work environment. This training method:

• Test equipment and staff readiness - By conducting simulations on-site, staff can practice accessing and using equipment in real-time, enhancing familiarity.
• Builds team confidence and communication - Realistic scenarios help staff coordinate effectively during emergencies, reducing anxiety and improving response times in actual incidents.

• Training records - Maintain detailed records of each training session, including attendance, competency scores, and certification.
• Audit trail - Implement regular audits to monitor compliance and readiness and identify gaps in resuscitation preparedness.