Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator – STA Level 2 Award

Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator Introduction 

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping blood around the body. Unless a casualty suffering from cardiac arrest is given CPR and an automated external applied soon after the event, the condition is life threatening. Defibrillators are now available within many work places, public buildings and community settings such as schools, leisure and community centres. Completing the Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator will provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills that are necessary to identify casualties suffering from cardiac arrest, competently deliver lifesaving CPR and apply an AED to significantly increase the chances of survival.

Qualification Objective

The aim of the STA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator qualification is to enable an learner to be able to administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation, including the safe use of an automated external defibrillator as both a team leader and single operator.

Target Learners

This qualification is suitable for learners from a variety of industries and employment situations who work within a building where an AED is present and are required to be trained in its use as per the HSE recommendation. It is also suitable for learners who wish to learn an essential lifesaving skill for personal interest and development.

Progression

The STA Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator qualification may wish to develop their first aid skills further by progressing on to an Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work Qualification, enabling them to fulfil the role of first aider in their workplace.

Industry Standards

  • Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and Health and Safety
  • (First Aid) Regulations (northern Ireland) 1982
  • First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum Terms of Reference and Assessment Principles
  • Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines 2015