This article has been developed specifically for workplace settings, offering clear guidance to help organisations understand and meet the Quality Standards expected across all UK workplaces. It reflects the Resuscitation Council UK Guideline updates for 2025 and provides practical insight into what high‑quality CPR and first aid provision should look like in modern, diverse working environments.
Remote First Aid supports organisations of every size and sector in achieving the standards. With these Quality Standards updated in January 2026, we ensure that businesses remain fully aligned with current best practice, regulatory expectations, and the latest evidence‑based approaches to resuscitation and emergency response. Remote First Aid is ready to support HR Managers and Directors in meeting these Quality standards expected from January 2026.
Organisational standards
Organisations where resuscitation is not their prime activity should:
- meet the legal requirement for first aiders in the workplace in accordance with The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l74.htm),
- Nominate a member of staff to manage first aid and resuscitation-related activities, including training and equipment monitoring,
- train all staff to at least the CPR/AED Awareness standard so that CPR is started without delay whilst waiting for further help,
- ensure systems are in place to ensure that: 999 calls are placed rapidly; quality CPR is started early, and an AED is located and used promptly and appropriately,
- consider training key staff to an enhanced CPR standard*
(*NOTE: this is not a mandatory component of Basic CPR/AED training, but may be taught to basic CPR providers who are willing to perform mouth-to-mouth and who have been previously trained. In areas where there are known delays in ambulance response times, we recommend the inclusion of rescue breaths).
To achieve this, organisations should:
- have permissive guidance to enable all staff to act promptly to help save a life,
- make training available to all staff,
- appoint an accountable person to manage first aid and resuscitation provision,
- conduct a risk assessment with regard to providing an AED,
- ensure that the location of first aid equipment (including AED) is clearly and appropriately signposted,
- make all staff aware of where the nearest AED is located,
- ensure the AED (where provided) is readily accessible and that its presence is indicated throughout the premises with appropriate AED signage,
- Where an AED is provided by the organisation, ensure that it is subject to appropriate checks and registered with the ambulance service and/or national defibrillator network.
Remote First Aid offers a comprehensive range of training designed to ensure that organisations not only meet the Quality Standards but maintain them with confidence. For teams wishing to develop their own internal training capacity, we provide two key pathways: a concise half‑day BLS & AED Train‑the‑Trainer course, and a more in‑depth five‑day First Aid Trainer and Assessor qualification.
Alternatively, organisations may choose to partner with Remote First Aid directly. In this model, we manage, organise, and deliver all required training across the workforce, ensuring consistent quality, compliance, and alignment with the latest standards.
Investing in life‑saving skills is not a discretionary cost—it is a strategic choice to protect your workforce and strengthen your local community. Meeting these Quality Standards reflects an organisation’s commitment to safety, responsibility, and meaningful social impact.
If you would like further information, advice, or guidance on meeting these new Quality Standards, get in touch with Remote First Aid. Our team is ready to support you in building a safer, more confident workplace.
Quality Standards: CPR and AED training in the community | Resuscitation Council UK