The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) was established in 1983 to promote evidence-based resuscitation practice and training within the UK.
In 2025, the RCUK introduced its first dedicated First Aid Guidelines section as part of its wider Resuscitation Guidelines 2025 publication.
These guidelines are based on evidence reviews from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and recommendations from the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), while being adapted for UK practice.
The guidance now plays an important role in shaping first aid training across the UK by providing evidence-based recommendations on emergency care, CPR, AED use, choking, severe bleeding, and other life-threatening conditions.
The RCUK website is structured to support both healthcare professionals and members of the public. Professional guidance, clinical resources, research, and training materials are aimed at healthcare providers, educators, and first aid trainers, while simpler public-facing sections provide accessible information on CPR, AED use, choking, and emergency first aid.
