While the fundamentals of first aid remain unchanged, the guidance improves clarity, consistency, and outcomes, especially for babies, children, and adolescents. This article explains the key changes and what they mean for first aid training delivered across the North West. 

 

 

The 2025 guidance places greater emphasis on correct AED pad placement, recognising that effective defibrillation depends on both early use and correct positioning. 

 

The guidance reinforces that AED diagrams must be followed exactly, pads must not be placed too close together, and pad placement should be adapted to the size of the casualty. 

 

For adults and adolescents, standard front-and-side (anterolateral) placement remains the default. For babies and younger children, where there is a risk of pads touching due to a smaller chest, front-and-back (anteroposterior) placement should be used. 

 

First aid training across Lancashire and the North West will now place greater visual and practical focus on AED pad placement to ensure first aiders are confident using defibrillators on all age groups. 

 

 

The 2025 update provides clear and consistent age definitions that apply across first aid and resuscitation guidance. These definitions are important because CPR techniques, choking management, and AED pad selection are age dependent. 

 

 

Once a casualty reaches adulthood, adult first aid and resuscitation techniques should be used. This clarity removes uncertainty for first aiders and supports confident decision-making in real emergencies. 

 

 

The guidance reinforces that babies, children, and adolescents in cardiac arrest require the same urgency of care as adults. 

 

If a casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should be started immediately and an AED used as soon as one is available. Paediatric pads or a paediatric mode should be used for babies and children where available. If these are not available, adult pads may still be used, provided they do not touch. 

 

The emphasis remains on early action rather than hesitation, which is a key message reinforced in first aid courses delivered throughout Lancashire and the North West. 

 

 

One of the most significant clarifications in the 2025 guidance relates to baby CPR. 

 

First aiders trained to do so should use the two-thumb encircling technique. Both thumbs are placed side by side on the centre of the chest while the hands encircle the torso to support the back. This technique provides improved control, consistent compression depth, and better chest recoil. 

 

The guidance confirms a ratio of 15 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths when delivering combined compressions and ventilations as a trained rescuer. 

 

Where rescue breaths are not possible or the rescuer is not trained, chest compressions alone should still be delivered. 

 

 

The guidance continues to reinforce a clear, age-specific approach to choking emergencies. 

 

For children aged 1 to 12 years: 

 

• Encourage coughing 

• Up to 5 back blows 

• Up to 5 abdominal thrusts 

• Alternate until the obstruction clears or the child becomes unresponsive 

 

For babies aged 0 to 1 year: 

 

• 5 back blows 

• Turn the baby over 

• 5 chest thrusts using two fingers in the centre of the chest 

 

The update places greater emphasis on secure head and neck support, correct positioning, and controlled technique during chest thrusts. Abdominal thrusts must never be used on babies. 

 

 

The guidance clarifies when the recovery position should and should not be used. 

 

The recovery position should be used when a casualty is unresponsive but breathing normally. It should not be used if breathing is abnormal or agonal, if cardiac arrest is suspected, or where significant trauma is present. 

 

This clarification helps prevent inappropriate positioning and delays to CPR. 

 

 

The 2025 guidance reinforces the importance of first aid skills in education settings. The Resuscitation Council UK advises that, where possible, all staff in schools should receive first aid training. 

 

This reflects the reality that emergencies in schools can involve: 

 

• Babies and children 

• Adolescents 

• Medical emergencies such as asthma, anaphylaxis, choking, and cardiac arrest 

 

Training as many staff as possible increases the likelihood of early intervention and improves outcomes. Schools across Lancashire and the North West are encouraged to ensure first aid training is accessible, up to date, and appropriate for paediatric emergencies. 

 

 

For the first time, first aid is formally recognised as a defined and structured stage within national emergency care guidance. 

 

First aiders are expected to: 

 

• Make the scene safe 

• Call 999 early 

• Identify life-threatening problems 

• Act within their training 

• Provide reassurance until professional help arrives 

 

This reinforces the critical role of early bystander action in saving lives. 

 

 

Some awarding bodies have already begun implementing elements of the 2025 guidance, while others are awaiting clarification to ensure consistent assessment and delivery. This has led to temporary variation across training providers. 

 

All changes are expected to be fully embedded into first aid training during 2026. Existing first aid certificates remain valid and recognised. 

 

 

There is no requirement for immediate retraining. Core first aid skills remain the same, with improved clarity around AED use and emergencies involving babies, children, and adolescents. 

 

Employers, schools, and organisations across Lancashire and the North West should continue to ensure: 

 

• Appropriate numbers of trained first aiders 

• Certificates are kept in date 

• Training is delivered by compliant, reputable providers 

 

 

Whoever you choose as your training provider in Lancashire or the North West, make sure they are the right fit for your business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, check compliance, and ensure you’re getting the best quality workplace training for your team. 

 

If you’re looking for first aid and fire warden training in Lancashire and the North West, get in touch with us today to discuss how we can support your workplace safety.