Introduction to life-saving skills: who is it for?

Not everyone needs to become a full first aider. Still, you want as many colleagues as possible to know what to do in an emergency. That is what an introduction to life-saving skills is for: a short, hands-on course for everyone.

Who is an introduction to life-saving skills for?

The introduction is meant for people who will not become full first aiders, for example:

• colleagues on the shop floor;
• reception staff;
• managers;
• associations;
• schools.

Important: the introduction is not a replacement for the first aider certificate required by the Belgian Code. Need legally recognised first aiders? Then you need basic first aider training. The difference between the roles: First aider, designated person or EHBO: who is who?.

What do you learn?

Safety and assessment

• Keeping yourself and others safe.
• Assessing consciousness and breathing.

Calling 112

According to the ERC Guidelines 2025, for someone who is not responding you call 112 before checking breathing. The operator helps you straight away. See New ERC Guidelines 2025.

CPR and AED

You practise chest compressions and learn to use an AED. More on those first minutes in CPR and AED: the first four minutes.

Choking

• Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
• If that does not help, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts.
• Alternate the two.
• The person loses consciousness? Start CPR.

Recovery position

For someone who is not responding properly but is breathing normally.

Stopping severe bleeding

Pressing quickly and firmly to limit blood loss.

Example: childcare

Some sectors set their own requirements. For childcare in Flanders, Opgroeien requires a life-saving skills certificate of at least 3 hours, adapted to the age of the children. That way carers learn what to do with babies and young children.

Why it pays off for a company

An AED on the wall only helps if someone dares to use it. Colleagues who took an introduction hesitate less. They know what to do until the first aider or emergency services arrive. Have an AED? Also read Bought an AED? Obligations many companies forget.

Keeping the knowledge fresh

An introduction is a strong start, but knowledge fades without repetition. Visual action cards on the wall help you find the right steps, even months later.

You can follow this training at P12 Training, a recognised training centre (included on the list of the FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue). In Dutch, French or English, on site at your premises. Request a quote.

Sources: Resuscitation Council UK – summary of the ERC Guidelines 2025 First Aid · Opgroeien – requirements for life-saving skills providers (pdf, NL)