In the UK, CPR training is available through several organisations:
St John Ambulance (sja.org.uk) — offers face-to-face courses, online learning, and free resources including video guides.
British Red Cross (redcross.org.uk) — provides face-to-face and blended learning CPR courses.
St Andrew’s First Aid (firstaid.org.uk) — based in Scotland, provides first aid and CPR training.
NHS and ambulance services — many ambulance trusts offer free community CPR training. Contact your local ambulance service to find out what is available in your area.
Resuscitation Council UK (resus.org.uk) — provides guidance on CPR training standards and a directory of recognised training providers.
Free online resources — the British Heart Foundation’s Heartstart programme and Resuscitation Council UK both offer free instructional videos and guides. These are not a substitute for hands-on practice but are a useful introduction.
You do not need formal training to act in a cardiac arrest emergency — calling 999 and following the dispatcher’s instructions is sufficient. However, even a short training course significantly increases confidence and effectiveness.