There is no single timetable for every team.
Check the requirements attached to staff roles, any qualification they hold and your organisation’s training policy. For workplace first aiders, HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training; its guidance distinguishes that recommendation from a mandatory annual requirement.
Clinical settings can have more specific expectations. Resuscitation Council UK’s primary dental care standards call for dental staff’s resuscitation knowledge and skills to be updated at least annually. The content still needs to match the responsibilities of the people attending.
Use the official sources below and your training lead’s requirements when setting a review date. Do not assume a general CPR/AED refresher fulfils every role-specific requirement.
Separate skills practice from qualification renewal.
DST’s refresher enquiry route uses the same two-hour CPR, AED and BLS core course. It provides an opportunity to return to those topics and includes new starters who have no previous experience.
It does not renew a separate FAW, EFAW, paediatric or clinical qualification. If a certificate is expiring, provide its course title and the renewal requirement so the appropriate next course can be discussed. Confirm any assessment or CPD evidence you need before booking.
Review what has changed since the last session.
People
List new starters, changes in staff responsibilities and colleagues who missed the previous session.
Equipment
Note a new AED, a different model or a change in where equipment is kept.
Premises
Consider different entrances, additional buildings or changes to working hours and access.
Learning needs
Collect questions from the team and identify the topics they want to revisit with an instructor.
Give this information to the training provider alongside your required syllabus. The agreed course scope determines what can be covered in the session.
Build a manageable refresher plan.
- Record the course each group previously completed and the date.
- Identify required renewal or review dates with your training lead.
- Group attendees by role, location and practical availability.
- Agree a suitable course, session time and the evidence required.
- Keep the resulting records and set the next review according to your organisation’s requirements.
For DST’s standard course, allow up to 15 delegates per group. Use the venue preparation checklist and include each location in a multi-site enquiry if your teams work across several sites.
Sources and further information
Use this guide to prepare your enquiry. Confirm course scope, product compatibility, availability and the final arrangements with DST. Follow the instructions for your exact AED model.