Summary of changes
What’s New in the 2025 UK Adult Basic Life Support Guidelines?
Aid Training & Operations Ltd — Supporting Confidence, Skills & Life-Saving Action
The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) has released the updated 2025 Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Guidelines,
published on 27 October 2025. These updates refine the process of recognising and responding to cardiac arrest,
reinforce the importance of early action, and highlight the vital role of ambulance call handlers and community responders.
At Aid Training & Operations Ltd, our mission is to deliver training that is accurate, practical, and confidence-building.
Below, we break down the key changes and what they mean for everyone learning first aid — from workplace first aiders to members of the public.
A Simpler, Faster Start: Call 999 Immediately
One of the biggest changes in the 2025 Guidelines is the instruction to call 999 as soon as you find someone unresponsive,
before assessing breathing.
This removes hesitation and speeds up emergency response. While waiting for the call to be answered — with your phone on speaker —
you can assess breathing, and the call handler will guide you from there.
“Call 999 for any unresponsive person… initiate the call first, then assess breathing while waiting for the call to be answered.”
This simplified flow reduces uncertainty and helps ensure help is activated as quickly as possible.
Recognising Cardiac Arrest: More Than ‘Not Breathing’
Recognition of cardiac arrest can be challenging, and the 2025 update acknowledges this openly. Early after collapse —
especially in athletes — breathing may appear near-normal or even “panting”. Seizure-like activity may also occur,
reinforcing the importance of fast 999 activation.
The new guideline is clear:
- If someone is unresponsive with abnormal breathing, assume cardiac arrest and start CPR.
- When in doubt, start CPR — doing something is far safer than doing nothing.
The Critical Role of 999 Call Handlers
For the first time, the guidelines include a dedicated section on emergency call handlers — and it is transformative.
- Call handlers use standardised protocols to recognise cardiac arrest.
- They deliver telephone CPR (T-CPR) instructions from the moment arrest is suspected.
- They assume callers are untrained and begin with compression-only CPR guidance unless the caller can deliver rescue breaths.
- They can locate nearby AEDs using The Circuit, the national AED registry, and direct bystanders to retrieve them.
This reinforces that CPR is not only performed by individuals — it is part of a coordinated, guided community response.
Check, Call, CPR: The Updated 3-Step Model
RCUK now frames the first aid response as three simple steps:
1. Check
- Ensure safety
- Check responsiveness
2. Call
- Dial 999 immediately if unresponsive — phone on speaker
- Assess breathing while waiting for the call to connect
3. CPR
- Start chest compressions if breathing is abnormal
- Attach an AED as soon as available, following its spoken instructions
High-Quality CPR: Strong, Fast, and Uninterrupted
The fundamentals remain unchanged — and vitally important:
- Compression rate: 100–120 per minute
- Depth: 5–6 cm
- Minimise interruptions
- Allow full chest recoil
- Start CPR on the surface the person is found on — don’t waste time moving them
Rescue Breaths: Still Recommended for Trained Rescuers
The 2025 update confirms:
- Deliver only enough air to make the chest rise.
- If breaths fail after two attempts, consider airway obstruction and continue compressions.
Untrained bystanders should perform continuous chest compressions only.
AED Access & Use: Confidence Is Key
“Anyone can use an AED.”
Key points include:
- Signage must clearly state that no training is required.
- AED locations should be prominently advertised and registered with The Circuit.
- If more than one rescuer is present, CPR should continue while pads are attached.
- Bras may be removed if they interfere with pad placement — life-saving action takes priority.
Page 8 of the guideline includes illustrations showing correct pad placement for male and female casualties.
Rescuer Safety & Wellbeing
The guideline emphasises three key reassurances:
- CPR carries very low risk of harming someone who isn’t in cardiac arrest.
- Risk of infection and accidental shock is extremely low.
- CPR attempts can be emotionally traumatic — bystanders may need support afterwards.
RCUK now provides dedicated wellbeing resources for anyone affected by attempting resuscitation.
What These Updates Mean for Aid Training & Operations Ltd
These guideline changes reinforce the core of our training approach:
- ✔ Build Confidence — people should feel empowered to act, not paralysed by fear.
- ✔ Emphasise early actions — call 999 fast, start compressions, use the AED quickly.
- ✔ Use realistic scenarios, including:
- Speaking with a call handler
- Fetching and using an AED
- Recognising abnormal breathing patterns
- Responding in sports or community settings
- ✔ Promote AED awareness — encourage workplaces and communities to register devices with The Circuit.
- ✔ Support the rescuer — debriefing and wellbeing are essential after an incident.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Adult BLS Guidelines reflect a modern, community-wide approach to saving lives: simple steps, early activation,
expert guidance from 999, and increased public access to life-saving equipment.
At Aid Training & Operations Ltd, we are committed to ensuring every learner leaves with the skills, confidence,
and willingness to act when seconds matter.
