Immediate Life Support (ILS) Course for Healthcare Professionals

Course Duration: 1 Day (6–8 Hours)

Delivery: Classroom | On-site Workplace Training

Certificate Validity: 1 Year

Course Fee:

• Individual Booking: £195 per learner
• Group Booking (up to 12 learners): From £1,650
• NHS, care providers and corporate discounts available.

Immediate Life Support (ILS) Training at Vertex Learning Hub

Medical emergencies can occur without warning, and healthcare professionals must be prepared to respond quickly, confidently and effectively. Immediate Life Support (ILS) training bridges the gap between Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS), equipping clinicians with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to manage deteriorating patients and cardiac arrest until the arrival of a resuscitation team.

At Vertex Learning Hub, our Immediate Life Support course provides realistic, scenario-based training that develops competence in recognising critically ill patients, initiating early interventions and working effectively within a multidisciplinary emergency response team.

Delivered by experienced healthcare professionals, this course combines evidence-based theory with hands-on practical sessions using high-quality resuscitation equipment.

Course Overview

The Immediate Life Support (ILS) course is designed to enhance the emergency response capabilities of healthcare professionals who may be required to participate in the management of adult cardiac arrest and other life-threatening medical emergencies.

Participants will develop practical skills in airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), safe defibrillation, patient assessment, recognition of deteriorating patients and effective teamwork during resuscitation.

The course places strong emphasis on early recognition, prompt intervention and high-quality resuscitation practices.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Recognise the signs of a deteriorating patient.
• Perform a structured patient assessment using the ABCDE approach.
• Recognise and manage adult cardiac arrest.
• Deliver high-quality CPR in accordance with current UK best practice.
• Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and manual defibrillator (where applicable).
• Manage airway obstruction using basic airway adjuncts.
• Recognise and manage common peri-arrest rhythms.
• Work effectively as part of a resuscitation team.
• Communicate efficiently during emergency situations.
• Understand post-resuscitation care principles.
• Demonstrate confidence in responding to medical emergencies.

Course Curriculum

Module 1 – Introduction to Immediate Life Support

Topics include:

• Principles of Immediate Life Support
• Chain of Survival
• Human factors in emergency care
• Roles and responsibilities during resuscitation

Module 2 – Recognition of the Deteriorating Patient

Learners will explore:

• Early warning signs
• Clinical deterioration
• Recognising serious illness
• Escalating concerns appropriately
• Effective communication using structured handover tools

Module 3 – ABCDE Assessment

Participants will learn how to carry out a systematic assessment of acutely ill patients using the ABCDE approach:

• Airway
• Breathing
• Circulation
• Disability
• Exposure

Practical scenarios will reinforce rapid assessment and prioritisation.

Module 4 – Adult Basic Life Support

Practical instruction covering:

• Scene safety
• Initial assessment
• Recognition of cardiac arrest
• High-quality chest compressions
• Rescue breaths
• Team CPR
• Minimising interruptions during resuscitation

Module 5 – Airway Management

Learners will develop practical skills in:

• Opening and maintaining the airway
• Airway obstruction management
• Oropharyngeal airway insertion
• Nasopharyngeal airway awareness
• Oxygen therapy principles
• Suction awareness

Module 6 – Defibrillation

Topics include:

• Safe defibrillation principles
• AED operation
• Manual defibrillator awareness (where applicable)
• Shockable and non-shockable rhythms
• Safety checks
• Team coordination during defibrillation

Module 7 – Cardiac Arrest Management

Participants will cover:

• Adult cardiac arrest algorithm
• Team roles
• Rhythm recognition awareness
• Effective communication
• Safe leadership during resuscitation
• Post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) principles

Module 8 – Medical Emergencies

Recognition and initial management of:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Hypoglycaemia
• Unconscious patient
• Choking

Module 9 – Human Factors and Teamwork

Understanding:

• Situational awareness
• Leadership
• Team communication
• Decision making
• Resource management
• Preventing errors during emergencies

Module 10 – Simulation-Based Practical Scenarios

Learners will participate in realistic emergency simulations involving:

• Adult cardiac arrest
• Deteriorating patient assessment
• Airway management
• Team CPR
• Defibrillation
• Emergency communication
• Handover following resuscitation

These scenarios are designed to build confidence and reinforce learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for healthcare professionals who may be expected to respond to medical emergencies, including:

• Registered Nurses
• Nursing Associates
• Doctors
• Paramedics
• Allied Health Professionals
• Healthcare Assistants working in acute settings
• Theatre Staff
• Recovery Staff
• Emergency Department Personnel
• Urgent Care Staff
• Community Nurses
• Mental Health Nurses
• GP Practice Clinical Staff
• Hospice Professionals
• Clinical Educators

Entry Requirements

Learners should have:

• A current Basic Life Support (BLS) knowledge base.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment where emergency response forms part of their role.

No previous Immediate Life Support qualification is required.

Assessment

Participants will be assessed through:

• Continuous practical observation
• Adult CPR assessment
• Airway management skills
• Emergency response scenarios
• Teamwork and communication exercises
• Knowledge checks throughout the course

Successful completion requires active participation in all practical elements.

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Vertex Learning Hub Immediate Life Support (ILS) Certificate.

The certificate is valid for 12 months, and annual refresher training is recommended to maintain competence and support ongoing professional development.

Why Choose Vertex Learning Hub?

At Vertex Learning Hub, we are committed to delivering high-quality clinical education that reflects current best practice and the realities of modern healthcare.

Our Immediate Life Support training offers:

• Experienced clinical instructors
• Interactive, hands-on learning
• Scenario-based simulations
• Small class sizes
• Modern resuscitation training equipment
• Flexible on-site delivery for organisations
• Up-to-date course content
• Supportive and engaging learning environment

Benefits of Immediate Life Support Training

Completing this course will enable learners to:

• Respond confidently to medical emergencies.
• Recognise patient deterioration at an early stage.
• Improve teamwork during resuscitation.
• Deliver effective CPR and defibrillation.
• Strengthen communication in emergency situations.
• Enhance patient safety.
• Meet workplace training requirements.
• Support continuous professional development.

Delivery Options

Classroom Training

Attend a scheduled Immediate Life Support course at Vertex Learning Hub.

On-site Workplace Training

We deliver Immediate Life Support training at hospitals, GP practices, care providers, community healthcare organisations and other clinical settings across the UK.

Bespoke Organisational Training

Training can be tailored to meet the needs of:

• NHS Trusts
• Independent Hospitals
• Primary Care Networks
• GP Practices
• Community Health Services
• Care Homes with Nursing
• Hospices
• Private Healthcare Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BLS and ILS?

Basic Life Support focuses on the immediate actions required during a medical emergency, including CPR and AED use. Immediate Life Support builds on these skills by introducing structured patient assessment, airway management, team-based resuscitation and the management of deteriorating patients.

Is this course practical?

Yes. The majority of the course involves hands-on practical skills, simulation exercises and team-based emergency scenarios.

Do I need clinical experience?

Yes. This course is intended for healthcare professionals who may be involved in responding to clinical emergencies.

Will I learn to use a defibrillator?

Yes. Learners will receive practical training in the safe use of an AED, with manual defibrillator awareness included where appropriate to the audience and equipment available.

How long is the certificate valid?

Your Vertex Learning Hub Immediate Life Support certificate is valid for one year. Annual refresher training is recommended to maintain competence and confidence.

Can the course be delivered at our organisation?

Yes. We provide flexible on-site delivery throughout the UK and can tailor the training to reflect your organisation’s policies, equipment and clinical environment.

What should I wear?

As the course includes practical floor-based CPR and simulation exercises, learners should wear comfortable clothing and flat, enclosed footwear.

Book Your Immediate Life Support Training

Immediate Life Support training is essential for healthcare professionals who play a role in recognising and responding to life-threatening emergencies.

At Vertex Learning Hub, we provide engaging, practical and clinically relevant training that helps individuals and organisations improve emergency preparedness, strengthen teamwork and deliver safer patient care.

Whether you are booking as an individual or arranging training for your clinical team, our experienced instructors are here to support your learning every step of the way.

Contact Vertex Learning Hub today to book your Immediate Life Support course or discuss a tailored training solution for your organisation.

Vertex Learning Hub

Developing Clinical Excellence Through Quality Training