If you are looking for Basic Life Support / BLS training in Northern Ireland, Leadcare Recruitment provides practical, instructor-led training for healthcare professionals, care teams and healthcare organisations.
Training is available at Leadcare Recruitment’s centre in Derry/Londonderry. On-site training may also be arranged for organisations across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Newry, Omagh, Coleraine, Enniskillen and surrounding areas.
External BLS training costs £50 per person. Leadcare agency staff pay a £25 refundable deposit, which is returned in line with Leadcare’s training deposit arrangements.
Quick answer: Leadcare Recruitment provides BLS training for healthcare professionals and organisations in Northern Ireland. The course covers key Basic Life Support skills, including CPR, AED awareness and emergency response procedures. Training is available in Derry/Londonderry or on-site for organisations across Northern Ireland.
View available courses and book online
BLS training at a glance
| Course detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course | Basic Life Support training |
| Suitable for | Healthcare professionals, care teams and healthcare organisations |
| Individual external price | £50 per person |
| Leadcare agency staff | £25 refundable deposit under Leadcare’s training deposit arrangements |
| Main training centre | Derry/Londonderry |
| On-site delivery | Available for healthcare organisations, subject to availability and agreed arrangements |
| Areas served | Northern Ireland, including Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, Newry, Omagh, Coleraine and Enniskillen |
| Certificate | Leadcare-branded for in-house training; provider-branded where another company delivers the course |
| Course duration | Normally approximately four hours |
| Capacity | 12 participants per training |
| Certificate validity | Normally one year for practical BLS training, subject to employer requirements |
| Booking contact | View and book courses: training.leadcarerecruitment.com Training enquiries: 028 7187 6515 or compliance@leadcarerecruitment.com |
What is Basic Life Support training?
Basic Life Support, commonly called BLS, teaches the immediate actions used when a person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally.
Depending on the course syllabus, BLS training may cover the recognition of cardiac arrest, calling 999, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use and the response to choking.
BLS training combines theoretical learning with practical skills practice. This allows participants to understand the principles of emergency response and rehearse key actions in a controlled training environment.
The Resuscitation Council UK’s current adult Basic Life Support guidance emphasises early recognition, calling 999, starting chest compressions and using an AED as soon as one is available.
What does BLS training include?
The exact content of a course depends on the provider’s syllabus and the needs of the organisation. The core areas commonly covered by Basic Life Support training include the following.
Recognising a life-threatening emergency
Participants learn how to identify when someone may be experiencing cardiac arrest or another life-threatening emergency. This includes checking whether the person is responsive and recognising abnormal breathing.
Recognising an emergency quickly is important because early action can help ensure that emergency services are contacted and CPR and defibrillation are started as soon as possible.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPR is a central part of BLS training. Participants learn the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and have the opportunity to practise chest compressions on a training manikin.
Practical training allows participants to receive instruction and feedback while developing familiarity with the correct emergency response process.
Automated external defibrillator awareness and use
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a device that can analyse a person’s heart rhythm and provide a shock when appropriate.
BLS training introduces participants to the safe use of an AED. This may include how to retrieve the device, attach the pads and follow its spoken or visual instructions. An AED should be used as soon as possible when one is available, while CPR continues in accordance with the device instructions and current guidance.
Calling for help and following emergency procedures
An effective emergency response involves more than performing CPR. Participants also learn the importance of raising the alarm, calling 999, sending for an AED and coordinating with other people until further medical assistance arrives.
Organisations should also ensure that staff know their local emergency procedures and the location of relevant equipment.
Responding to choking
Depending on the syllabus, BLS training may include the recognition and immediate response to a choking emergency.
Who needs BLS training?
BLS training may be relevant to people whose work could involve responding to a medical emergency. This can include healthcare professionals, care staff and other employees working in patient-facing environments.
| Role or setting | Examples |
|---|---|
| Direct patient care | Nurses, doctors and healthcare assistants |
| Care and support | Support workers, carers and care-home staff |
| Allied health professions | Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and technicians |
| Community healthcare | Community healthcare staff and other patient-facing workers |
| Healthcare organisations | Hospitals, nursing homes, care homes and private healthcare providers |
| Supported services | Supported-living and other relevant care settings |
The correct training level and refresher frequency depend on the person’s duties, the employer, the workplace risk assessment and the requirements of the relevant healthcare setting.
Individuals and organisations should confirm that the course meets their specific requirements before booking. One BLS course or certificate may not meet every employer’s or professional body’s requirements.
Why is BLS training important for healthcare workers?
A medical emergency can happen with little warning. BLS training gives staff a structured opportunity to practise the first actions that may be required while further help is arranged.
Practical training can help healthcare workers become more familiar with CPR, AED use and workplace emergency procedures. It also gives teams an opportunity to practise responding in a controlled environment.
For organisations, team training can help create a more consistent response. It can also make it easier to record attendance, identify refresher requirements and ensure that staff understand the location and use of available equipment.
Resuscitation Council UK quality standards state that training should be matched to the responsibilities of the people being trained. They also identify recognition of cardiac arrest, an early 999 call, chest compressions and AED use as important elements of CPR and AED training.
Benefits of BLS training
BLS training can help healthcare professionals and care teams to:
- Build confidence when responding to a medical emergency.
- Develop practical CPR skills.
- Understand how an AED is used.
- Recognise a possible cardiac arrest.
- Follow workplace emergency procedures.
- Practise working with colleagues during an emergency response.
- Maintain relevant training records required by their employer.
BLS training for care homes and healthcare organisations
Leadcare Recruitment provides BLS training for healthcare organisations that want to train several employees together. On-site delivery can reduce travel for staff and make it easier to arrange training around existing staffing requirements.
This option may be suitable for care homes, nursing homes, supported-living services, hospitals, private healthcare providers and other organisations with staff who may need to respond to a medical emergency.
Before booking, organisations should confirm the number of participants, preferred dates, venue arrangements, course content, assessment process and certificate requirements.
Booking options for organisations
| Booking option | Suitable for | Delivery arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Individual booking | Healthcare professionals and external candidates | Training at the Leadcare centre in Derry/Londonderry |
| Leadcare agency training | Leadcare candidates requiring mandatory training | Subject to Leadcare’s applicable arrangements |
| Group booking | Care homes, hospitals and healthcare providers | Leadcare centre or on-site delivery |
| On-site training | Organisations training several employees | At the organisation’s premises, subject to availability |
Group booking discounts may be available for organisations requiring training for several members of staff. Contact Leadcare Recruitment for a tailored quotation.
Where is BLS training delivered?
Training is available at Leadcare Recruitment’s centre:
North West Business Complex
Skeoge Industrial Park
Beraghmore Road
Derry/Londonderry
BT48 8SE
On-site BLS training may also be available for healthcare organisations across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Newry, Omagh, Coleraine, Enniskillen and surrounding areas.
Availability depends on the number of participants, venue requirements, instructor schedules and the agreed booking arrangements. Organisations should contact the team to confirm whether their location can be supported.
How much does BLS training cost in Northern Ireland?
For external candidates, BLS training costs £50 per person.
Leadcare Recruitment agency staff pay a £25 refundable deposit for BLS training. The deposit is returned in line with Leadcare’s training deposit arrangements.
Group booking discounts may be available for healthcare organisations. Organisations should contact Leadcare Recruitment for a quotation based on the number of participants, delivery location and training requirements.
Before booking, customers should confirm what is included in the price, including the training session, practical assessment, certificate and any training materials.
What certificate will I receive?
Candidates who successfully complete Leadcare’s in-house BLS training receive a Leadcare-branded certificate. If training is delivered through another training company, the certificate will carry that provider’s branding.
Leadcare’s practical BLS certificate is normally valid for one year, so practical BLS training is generally renewed annually. Employer, service and professional requirements may vary, and individuals and organisations should confirm the required renewal date for their role.
How long does the course take?
BLS training normally takes approximately four hours. The exact duration may vary depending on the group size, delivery format and course requirements. Candidates should confirm the start and finish times when booking.
What happens during the training?
Participants receive an introduction to the course and its learning objectives. The instructor then explains the emergency response process and demonstrates the practical skills included in the syllabus.
Participants practise CPR and AED procedures using training equipment and receive feedback throughout the session. The course concludes with the required assessment or confirmation of completion, depending on the course arrangements.
Organisations arranging on-site training should confirm the room requirements, number of attendees, equipment arrangements and any preparation needed before the session.
Is BLS training the same as CPR training?
No. CPR is an important part of BLS training, but BLS may also cover recognising cardiac arrest, calling for emergency help, using an AED and responding to choking.
BLS training is also different from broader first-aid training, which may cover a wider range of injuries and illnesses. It is different from Advanced Life Support, which is a higher-level clinical course.
What other training is available at Leadcare Recruitment?
BLS training is one of several courses available through Leadcare Recruitment. Other training may include:
- Manual Handling.
- Combined Manual Handling and Basic Life Support.
- CPI training, previously known as MAPA.
- Safeguarding.
- Infection Prevention and Control.
- Medication Awareness.
- First Aid.
- Fire Safety.
Course availability, content and eligibility can vary. Contact Leadcare Recruitment for current information about the available training programme.
Why choose Leadcare Recruitment?
Leadcare Recruitment combines healthcare recruitment with in-house training support. This allows the organisation to support healthcare candidates and employers with recruitment, workforce and training requirements.
Leadcare’s in-house BLS training is delivered by James Campbell, a registered nurse. The course focuses on practical skills that healthcare professionals and care teams can apply when responding to an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
What is BLS training?
BLS training teaches the immediate response to a life-threatening emergency. It commonly covers recognising cardiac arrest, calling 999, CPR, AED use and, depending on the syllabus, responding to choking.
Who can complete BLS training with Leadcare Recruitment?
Healthcare professionals, care providers and other healthcare organisations can contact Leadcare Recruitment to discuss their requirements. Leadcare agency staff can access BLS training through the applicable mandatory training programme.
Can BLS training be delivered at our workplace?
Yes. Leadcare Recruitment offers on-site BLS training for healthcare organisations across Northern Ireland, subject to availability, venue suitability and group requirements.
How often does BLS training need to be completed?
Practical BLS training is normally renewed every year, and the practical BLS certificate is normally valid for one year. Employer, service-setting or professional requirements may vary, so organisations should check their own policy and the certificate expiry date.
Will I receive a certificate after BLS training?
Candidates who successfully complete Leadcare’s in-house course receive a Leadcare-branded certificate. Where training is delivered through another training company, that provider’s branding will appear on the certificate. Candidates should confirm any employer-specific acceptance requirements before booking.
How much does BLS training cost?
External candidates can book BLS training for £50 per person. Leadcare agency staff pay a £25 refundable deposit, returned in line with Leadcare’s training deposit arrangements. Group booking discounts may be available for organisations.
Where is the training centre located?
The Leadcare Recruitment training centre is located at North West Business Complex, Skeoge Industrial Park, Beraghmore Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 8SE.
What if I am not sure which course I need?
Contact your employer or professional body if you are unsure whether you need BLS, CPR, First Aid, Manual Handling or Advanced Life Support training. Leadcare Recruitment can also discuss your general training requirements.
Book BLS training in Northern Ireland today
Leadcare Recruitment provides practical, instructor-led BLS training for healthcare professionals and organisations across Northern Ireland.
Training is available at the Derry/Londonderry centre, with on-site options available for organisations that want to train their teams together.
View available courses and book online at training.leadcarerecruitment.com. For group bookings, on-site delivery or other enquiries, call 028 7187 6515 or email compliance@leadcarerecruitment.com.
