Who it’s for
The Heartsaver CPR AED course is designed for non-healthcare staff and the general public — including sports coaches, teachers, parents, security personnel, hospitality staff and anyone who may not use CPR regularly but wants to be ready if they do. It also suits non-acute healthcare staff such as healthcare assistants, medical secretaries and dental nurses.
No formal prerequisites. The course includes practical CPR training and assessment using training manikins. If you require any reasonable accommodations to take part in the training or assessment, please let us know when booking. We’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you.
What you’ll learn
- Adult CPR — chest compressions, rescue breaths and pocket face mask
- Adult defibrillation — safe use of an AED
- Adult choking management
- Child CPR — full sequence
- Infant CPR — full sequence
- Child and infant choking management
Learn by doing
Heartsaver CPR AED is practical from the start.
The course uses the American Heart Association Practice-While-Watching (PWW) method. Learners watch the skills being demonstrated and practise them on a manikin while the instructor observes, provides feedback and helps improve technique.
The aim is not simply to know what CPR looks like. It is to be able to do it.
Duration & assessment
The course takes 2–4 hours depending on the modules selected and the number of participants. Assessment is continuous throughout, with a final CPR and AED scenario at the end of the course. Participants must complete all required steps successfully to pass.
Format
Instructor-led, using the AHA Practice-While-Watching (PWW) method — instructors observe, give feedback and guide skill development throughout. A blended learning option is available. Course materials are approved by the IHF and AHA.
Blended Heartsaver CPR AED training
A blended learning option is also available.
Learners complete the online portion of the Heartsaver CPR AED programme before attending a structured, hands-on practical session with an instructor.
During the practical session, learners practise their CPR and AED skills and complete the required skills assessment before certification can be issued.
This can be a useful option for organisations looking to reduce classroom time while retaining the practical training and assessment required for certification.
Certification
On successful completion, participants receive an IHF/AHA Heartsaver CPR AED course completion card, valid for 2 years.
To renew, the full course must be retaken before the two-year validity period expires.
Heartsaver CPR AED training across Ireland
UFAS is an affiliated Irish Heart Foundation training site and delivers Heartsaver CPR AED training for workplaces, schools, sports clubs, community organisations and other groups across Ireland.
We can deliver training at your workplace or suitable venue, allowing your team to learn and practise together.
Tell us how many people you need to train and where you’re based, and we’ll help you arrange the course.
On-site, nationwide
We deliver Heartsaver training at your workplace or venue anywhere in Ireland. Call 01 6991126 or email info@ufas.ie.
Course details
Certification
IHF/AHA Heartsaver CPR AED course completion card on successful completion
Duration
2–4 hours, depending on modules and group size
Format
Instructor-led (AHA PWW method); blended option available
Assessment
Continuous observation + final CPR/AED scenario
Certificate validity
2 years
Where
At your workplace or UFAS venue, nationwide across Ireland
Price
Group rate starting at €499
Heartsaver CPR AED FAQs
Do I need previous first aid experience?
No. There are no formal first aid prerequisites for the Heartsaver CPR AED course.
Does the course include CPR?
Yes. The full course includes practical CPR training for adults, children and infants.
An adult-only course option is also available.
Will I learn how to use an AED?
Yes. Learning how to use an Automated External Defibrillator safely and effectively is a core part of the Heartsaver CPR AED course.
Is there a written exam?
No. There is no written examination for the Heartsaver CPR AED course.
Assessment is practical and learners must demonstrate the required CPR and AED skills successfully.
How long does the course take?
The full Heartsaver CPR AED course takes approximately three hours.
An adult-only option covering adult CPR and AED use takes approximately two hours.
How long is Heartsaver certification valid?
Successful learners receive an IHF/AHA Heartsaver CPR AED course completion card valid for two years.
Can I complete Heartsaver CPR AED online?
Partly.
A blended learning option is available, allowing you to complete the theory portion online. You must then attend a structured, hands-on practical session with an instructor and successfully complete the required skills assessment before certification can be issued.
Is Heartsaver the same as BLS?
No. Heartsaver CPR AED is designed primarily for members of the public and people who do not routinely provide CPR as part of a healthcare role.
Healthcare professionals and others who require a healthcare-level resuscitation qualification should consider the IHF/AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course.
Can UFAS deliver Heartsaver training at our workplace?
Yes. UFAS can deliver Heartsaver CPR AED training for groups at workplaces and suitable venues across Ireland.
Contact us with your location and group size and we’ll help arrange the training.
Are reasonable accommodations available?
Yes. The course includes practical CPR and AED activities using training manikins.
If you require any reasonable accommodations to take part in the training or assessment, please let us know when booking. We’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you.
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