Welcome

Cardiac emergencies are uncommon in pharmacy, but when they occur they require immediate action. A person may collapse in the shop area, during a consultation, while waiting for a prescription, during a vaccination or other clinical service, or just outside the premises. In those first minutes the pharmacy team's response can affect the person's chance of survival.

This course is aimed at everyone working in a pharmacy: pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensers, medicines counter staff, delivery staff, trainees, locums, managers and other patient-facing colleagues. It follows current Resuscitation Council UK adult basic life support and AED guidance, with only the pharmacy-specific regulatory context added where relevant. Local SOPs, service specifications and employer arrangements still apply.

Why This Course Matters

• Recognition matters: cardiac arrest is often missed because people hesitate, misinterpret abnormal breathing, or delay decisions.
• Early action matters: calling 999, starting CPR and using an AED promptly are the actions most likely to save life.
• Pharmacy is a team setting: an effective response relies on clear role allocation so tasks are carried out without duplication or delay.
• Not every cardiac emergency is an arrest: chest pain, suspected myocardial infarction and angina require calm, timely management and appropriate escalation.
• Aftercare matters too: attempting resuscitation can be emotionally demanding; incidents should prompt staff support, incident review and learning.

A Simple 5-Step Learner Spine

• Recognise collapse early
• Call 999 on speaker
• Start CPR without delay
• Get and use the AED
• Hand over, debrief, and learn

This online course builds knowledge and confidence but does not replace hands-on CPR practice with a mannequin or local practical drills.