Reading List

A selected reading list to support and extend learning from CPR, BLS and Cardiac Emergencies for Dental Nurses.

Core Resuscitation and Dental Emergency Guidance

• Resuscitation Council UK - Adult basic life support Guidelines 2025
  UK guidance on recognising cardiac arrest, calling 999, chest compressions, rescue breaths, AED use, safety, and post-resuscitation support.
  https://www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/adult-basic-life-support-guidelines

• Resuscitation Council UK - Paediatric basic life support Guidelines 2025
  Guidance on paediatric BLS including five initial rescue breaths, compression ratios, child and infant technique, AED use, and ambulance-call priorities.
  https://www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/paediatric-basic-life-support-guidelines

• Resuscitation Council UK - Quality Standards: Primary dental care
  Standards for resuscitation training, equipment, AED access, 999 plans, simulation practice, weekly checks, documentation, audit, and debriefing in primary dental care.
  https://www.resus.org.uk/library/quality-standards-cpr/primary-dental-care

• SDCEP - Medical emergencies
  Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme guidance on medical emergencies in dental practice, including emergency drugs and cardiac emergencies.
  https://www.sdcepdentalprescribing.nhs.scot/guidance/medical-emergencies/

Emergency Drugs, Equipment and Cardiac Symptoms

• SDCEP - Drugs for medical emergencies
  List of recommended emergency drugs for dental practice and handover advice for transfer to hospital.
  https://www.sdcepdentalprescribing.nhs.scot/guidance/medical-emergencies/drugs-for-medical-emergencies/

• SDCEP - Angina and myocardial infarction
  Dental prescribing guidance on symptoms and immediate management of angina and suspected myocardial infarction in dental settings.
  https://www.sdcepdentalprescribing.nhs.scot/guidance/medical-emergencies/cardiac-emergencies/angina-myocardial-infarction/

• SDCEP Practice Support Manual - Medical emergency equipment
  Practical equipment list and practice support guidance covering oxygen, airway equipment, AED, suction, masks, tubing, and competence expectations.
  https://www.psm.sdcep.org.uk/topics/medical-emergencies-and-life-support/medical-emergency-equipment/

• British Dental Association - Medical emergencies in dental practices
  Practice-focused guidance aligned with RCUK standards on planning, training, equipment, risk assessment, roles, and emergency protocols.
  https://www.bda.org/advice/patient-care-and-practice-safety/clinical-compliance/medical-emergencies-in-dental-practices/

• NHS - Heart attack
  Patient-facing NHS information on symptoms and urgent action for suspected heart attack.
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/

• NHS - Angina
  NHS overview of angina symptoms, triggers, treatment, and when chest pain needs urgent help.
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angina/

Professional Standards and Dental Nurse Scope

• GDC Standards for the Dental Team
  Professional standards supporting patient safety, communication, teamwork, raising concerns, and working within competence.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/standards-for-the-dental-team

• GDC Scope of Practice
  GDC scope guidance for dental nurses and the wider dental team.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/scope-of-practice

• GDC Safe Practitioner: Dental Nurse framework
  GDC learning outcomes and behaviours for safe dental nurse practice.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/about-us/safe-practitioner/safe-practitioner--dental-nurse.pdf?sfvrsn=bae145a5_4

• GDC Recommended CPD topics
  GDC guidance on recommended CPD topics, including medical emergencies.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/education-cpd/cpd/enhanced-cpd-scheme-2018/recommended-cpd-topics?mdrv=www.gdc-uk.org