In recent years, defibrillators have become increasingly available to the public in the UK. These life-saving devices can now regularly be seen in public places such as restaurants, gyms, supermarkets and train stations.

Figures from defibshop’s Cardiac Coverage report show that the number of defibrillators per 10,000 people in the UK has risen from 4.17 in 2021 to 13.71 in 2024. Despite this, many less affluent areas are still below the national average for number of defibrillators, and survival rates for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) in these areas are lower as a consequence.

Children are incredibly resilient, and while it may seem like they can bounce back from anything there are some medical emergencies that often strike children and need immediate attention.

When working in an environment with children present, it is vital that someone can recognise these conditions and be able to act decisively and confidently to put treatment in place.

In the UK, it is a legal requirement for businesses to take reasonable steps to protect their employees. This includes implementing a first aid policy, and having a number of trained first aiders in the building - the number depends on the amount of staff at the business.

As well as complying with the law, sending team members on a first aid course helps protect the safety of your staff - but which first aid course should you choose?

If someone has been stabbed, they need immediate medical attention as their life could be in danger. The experience can be traumatic for everyone involved, but responding correctly to a stabbing could mean the difference between life and death for the victim.

We have put together some tips on how to respond and care for the victim of a stabbing.