New ERC Guidelines 2025: what changes for your business?

Every five years, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) updates its guidelines for resuscitation and first aid, based on the latest scientific research. The 2025 edition is out, and from January 2026, first aid and workplace emergency response training courses will gradually be adapted to it — including at P12 Training. These are the most important changes for you as an employer.

Call for help sooner, before checking breathing

For an unconscious person, the recommendation is now to call 112 before checking their breathing, rather than afterwards. Dispatchers are trained to help callers assess the situation immediately and, if necessary, guide them over the phone in starting CPR and using an AED.

Chest compressions without rescue breaths are fine for untrained bystanders

For anyone who has not taken first aid training, continuous chest compressions (without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) are now the recommended approach — easier to remember in a stressful situation, and still lifesaving. Those who have completed training can continue to give rescue breaths according to the rhythm they were taught.

First aid gets its own, broader chapter

For the first time, “first aid” has a full chapter of its own in the guidelines — regarded as the very first link in the chain of survival. It covers a wide range of emergencies: choking, severe bleeding, chest pain, allergic shock (anaphylaxis), low blood sugar, stroke, trauma, overheating, hypothermia and more. Exactly the kinds of situations around which the Actibox action cards are organised by topic.

Attention to the rescuers themselves

A less technical but meaningful addition: the guidelines now explicitly emphasise that bystanders who have performed CPR should be supported if they find it emotionally difficult. Something to take into account in your internal emergency procedure.

What does this mean for your first aid kit and training?

The core message remains unchanged: acting quickly saves lives, and every minute counts. What does change is that the threshold for starting is being lowered even further — including for those who feel unsure. When you schedule your next first aid or workplace emergency response training course, this update will automatically be included.

Source: Resuscitation Council UK, summary of ERC Guidelines 2025