Basic Life Support (Theory)

Introduction

The Basic Life Support (Theory) course at DeGesh School of Entrepreneurship is a short professional course designed to give learners essential knowledge of how to recognise and respond to life-threatening emergencies. Building on the purpose of Basic First Aid Awareness, this course focuses specifically on the theory behind life-saving actions such as recognising an unresponsive casualty, calling emergency services, understanding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), using an automated external defibrillator, and supporting a casualty until professional help arrives.

This course is suitable for learners working or intending to work in health and social care, education, childcare, hospitality, community services, business environments, and other settings where emergency awareness is important. It helps learners understand their role in promoting safety, responding calmly, reducing panic, and taking appropriate action during an emergency.

The course introduces learners to the principles of the Chain of Survival, including early recognition of cardiac arrest, calling 999, starting CPR, and understanding the importance of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use.

The course supports professional development, workplace readiness, and community safety. It is intended to improve learners’ confidence and awareness so they can understand what to do in an emergency and when to seek urgent medical assistance. As a theory-based course, it provides important underpinning knowledge and may be combined with practical demonstration or face-to-face training where learners need hands-on competency in CPR and AED use.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the meaning and importance of Basic Life Support in emergency situations.
• Identify the signs of a life-threatening emergency, including unresponsiveness, abnormal breathing, cardiac arrest, and choking.
• Explain the correct steps to take when approaching an emergency scene, including checking for danger, checking response, and calling for help.
• Understand the importance of calling 999 promptly and giving clear information to emergency services.
• Describe the basic principles of  CPR for an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally.
• Understand the purpose of an  AED and the importance of early defibrillation.
• Explain how to place a breathing but unresponsive casualty in the recovery position.
• Recognise the correct response to choking in adults, including encouraging coughing, back blows, and abdominal thrusts.

Admission Session

Admission for the Basic Life Support (Theory) course is open throughout the year. Learners may enrol during available intake periods, subject to course schedule, trainer availability, and minimum learner numbers. Flexible study options may be available, including online, classroom-based, or blended delivery, depending on learner needs and institutional arrangements.

Course Assessment

Assessment for this course is designed to check learners’ understanding of basic first aid principles and their ability to respond appropriately to common emergency situations. Assessment method contains quizzes where practical demonstrations and case scenarios are examined.

Learners are expected to engage with the course content, participate in learning activities, and demonstrate awareness of safe and responsible first aid practice.

Fee

The course fee is £5. Payment must be completed according to the school’s fee policy before the commencement of the course.