Update on Upcoming First Aid Changes – March 2026

Forthcoming Courses

Feb 24, 2026

At JPF First Aid, we are pleased to announce that the long-awaited updates to first aid guidelines have now been released.

These changes affect all first aid qualifications, including:

  • Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

  • First Aid at Work (FAW)

  • Paediatric First Aid (PFA)

JPF First Aid will implement all updated changes across our courses from 1st March 2026, with Paediatric First Aid updates following shortly after, once all course paperwork and manuals have been fully amended.

We appreciate your patience during this significant update process. Updating national guidance across awarding organisations is a substantial task, and we are grateful for your understanding while these changes have been processed.

Primary Survey Update

One of the most significant changes is to the Primary Survey process.

DR S ABC → DR C ABCDE

The new format is:

DR C ABCDE

  • Danger – Check the area is safe before approaching.

  • Response – If unresponsive, call 999 or 112.

  • Catastrophic (Life-Threatening) Bleeding – Identify and control any major bleeding.

  • Airway – Head tilt, chin lift.

  • Breathing – If not breathing normally, start CPR.

  • Circulation – Check for ongoing bleeding and signs of shock.

  • Disability – Assess neurological function (confusion, weakness, seizure, stroke).

  • Exposure – Check for hidden injuries while preventing heat loss.

Change to Emergency Call Timing

Calling the Emergency Services now takes place after confirming no response and before checking breathing.

The emphasis is on the call handler supporting first aiders through the breathing assessment process where necessary.

Chain of Survival (CPR)

The Chain of Survival has been updated to further improve cardiac arrest survival rates.

The new four-step process is:

  1. Early Recognition and Call for Help

  2. Early CPR and Defibrillation

  3. Advanced Life Support and Post-Resuscitation Care

  4. Survival and Recovery

Greater emphasis is placed on early intervention and long-term recovery support.

Paediatric First Aid Updates

CPR Ratios

If you have completed and passed a Paediatric First Aid qualification, the protocol is now:

  • 5 Initial Rescue Breaths

  • 15 Chest Compressions

  • 2 Rescue Breaths

  • Continue at a ratio of 15:2

If you trained under Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work, the protocol remains:

  • 5 Initial Rescue Breaths

  • 30 Chest Compressions

  • 2 Rescue Breaths

  • Continue at a ratio of 30:2

Updated Paediatric Age Ranges

  • Baby – Under 1 year

  • Child – 1 to 12 years

  • Adolescent – 13 to 18 years

Adolescents receive adult compression depth during CPR.

Baby CPR Technique Change

Two-finger compressions are no longer recommended.

Instead, use either:

  • Thumb-over-thumb technique

  • Thumb-next-to-thumb technique

Hands should encircle the baby’s chest to provide effective compressions. The chosen method will depend on which technique allows you to deliver the most effective compressions.

First Aid at Work – Catastrophic Bleeding

First Aid at Work courses will now include improvised techniques for managing catastrophic (life-threatening) bleeding.

Please note:

  • This does not include actual tourniquet training only improvised techniques.

  • Tourniquet use requires additional specific training, depending on your workplace first aid needs assessment.

Spinal Injury – Jaw Thrust Introduction

All new First Aid at Work courses will now include training on the jaw thrust technique.

This method helps:

  • Maintain airway and breathing

  • Minimise movement of the head and neck

It should be used where appropriate and where airway risk remains controlled.

CPR on Soft Surfaces

Casualties should no longer be routinely moved from beds or soft surfaces.

Instead:

  • Increase compression depth where possible

  • Prioritise continuous, effective CPR

AED Pad Placement & Clothing

There is now greater emphasis on:

  • Correct AED pad placement

  • Repositioning or removing bras if required

  • Prioritising life-saving treatment over modesty concerns

Amputation Guidance Update

Updated guidance for managing amputations includes:

  1. Wrap the amputated part in a clean, damp cloth (water or saline).

  2. Place it inside a waterproof bag.

  3. Place the bag in ice (ensuring no direct contact with ice).

Post-Incident Self-Care

New guidance highlights the importance of first aider wellbeing after an incident.

This includes:

  • Recognising emotional and psychological responses

  • Supporting recovery after delivering first aid

  • Encouraging access to professional support where needed

Providing first aid can be emotionally challenging, and looking after yourself is just as important.

Course Addendum Videos

Videos outlining these changes are available below, depending on the qualification you attended:

First Aid at Work Addendum:
https://videos.nucotraining.com/first-aid-at-work/addendum/

Emergency First Aid at Work Addendum:
https://videos.nucotraining.com/emergency-first-aid-at-work/addendum/

Please note:
Paediatric First Aid addendum updates are still being finalised and are expected to be completed by mid-March. We will confirm once these are available. However, the updated Paediatric guidelines detailed above will come into effect as stated.

If you have any questions about how these updates affect your qualification or future training, please do not hesitate to contact JPF First Aid.

We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, up-to-date first aid training to all of our learners. Want to know when our next courses are – please visit – https://bookings.jpffirstaid.co.uk/event