Every year on 29 September, millions of people around the globe mark World Heart Day - a campaign led by the World Heart Federation to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases, the world’s leading cause of death.

For us at Imperative Training, it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that the skills you learn in a First Aid course could one day mean the difference between life and death.

Driving theory tests in the UK will include questions on CPR and First Aid from 2026.

The plans have been introduced by the DVSA in partnership with Resuscitation Council UK in an attempt to boost cardiac arrest survival rates. First Aid knowledge and techniques are already a part of driving tests across much of Europe

At Imperative Training, we know better than most that first aid saves lives - but only if the person delivering it knows what to do, and feels confident doing it. That’s why regularly refreshing your first aid training is just as important as getting certified in the first place.

But how often should you actually refresh your first aid skills?

Your first instinct in an emergency where someone is hurt will likely be to call 999, and while calling the emergency services is vital, there are some steps you should take before the ambulance arrives in order to give the casualty the best chance at a positive outcome.