Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from Cardiac Emergencies, CPR and AED in Pharmacy Practice.

This course follows current Resuscitation Council UK guidance as the primary clinical framework for recognising cardiac arrest, starting CPR, and using an AED. NHS sources below support the chest pain and first-aid content. Pharmacy teams in Great Britain should apply these resources alongside GPhC standards and local SOPs. Northern Ireland learners should refer to PSNI standards and local arrangements alongside the same emergency-response principles.

1. Core UK Resuscitation Guidance

• Resuscitation Council UK - Adult basic life support Guidelines (2025)
  The current guidance on recognising cardiac arrest, calling 999, starting CPR, identifying abnormal breathing, and rapid AED use. This is the main clinical reference for the course.
  https://www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/adult-basic-life-support-guidelines

• Resuscitation Council UK - Quality Standards: CPR and AED training in the community
  Explains why community training emphasises early recognition, 999 calling, CPR, and AED use in adults, and supports the course's adult-focused approach.
  https://www.resus.org.uk/library/quality-standards-cpr/quality-standards-cpr-and-aed-training-community

• Resuscitation Council UK - Support after cardiac arrest
  Guidance on the emotional and practical support needs of staff, witnesses, and others affected after a cardiac arrest or attempted resuscitation.
  https://www.resus.org.uk/public-resource/support-after-cardiac-arrest

2. NHS First-Aid and Cardiac Symptom Guidance

• NHS - First aid
  A public overview covering CPR, the recovery position, and actions for a suspected heart attack while awaiting emergency services. Useful for whole-team awareness.
  https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/first-aid/

• NHS - Heart attack
  A clear patient-facing page on symptoms and immediate actions, helpful for recognising chest-pain red flags and advising patients before an ambulance arrives.
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/diagnosis/

• NHS - Angina
  Practical information on recognising angina, GTN use, and when ongoing chest pain requires 999 action.
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angina/

3. Pharmacy Standards and Governance

• GPhC - Standards for pharmacy professionals
  Guidance on professional responsibilities such as person-centred care, communication, professional judgement, and raising safety concerns.
  https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/standards_for_pharmacy_professionals_may_2017_0.pdf

• GPhC - Standards for registered pharmacies
  Requirements for premises, trained staff, equipment, and governance arrangements that support emergency response and post-event review.
  https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/document/standards_for_registered_pharmacies_june_2018_0.pdf

• PSNI - The Code, Standards and Guidance
  A Northern Ireland reference for pharmacy regulatory standards to use alongside the UK-wide clinical resuscitation guidance in this course.
  https://psni.org.uk/the-code-standards-and-guidance/

Use these readings to reinforce the immediate response steps, AED readiness, recognition of chest-pain emergencies, and the governance and support systems that help pharmacy teams respond effectively.