Learning to save a life through first aid is not just for the medical elite. BLS-AED (Basic Life Support with defibrillation) training is now aimed at a wide audience, from individuals to professionals in companies. Based on standards recognised by the Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC), this training aims to democratise access to vital emergency skills. But then, who is this training really aimed at? Are there any age, physical or cognitive prerequisites? To understand who can take BLS-AED training and under what conditions, it’s useful to go back to the basics presented in the complete BLS-AED training offered by SafetyFirst, the true foundation of this essential course.
Who can take a BLS-AED course? Profiles, ages and entry requirements
BLS-AED training is designed to be accessible to as many people as possible, with the aim of spreading the right reflexes in the event of cardiac arrest. Contrary to some preconceived ideas, you don’t need any prior medical training to take part. The target audience is very broad: company employees, teachers, educators, parents, young adults, retired people, community volunteers… everyone can benefit from this learning experience. This diversity of profiles is made possible by appropriate teaching methods, caring supervision and progressive modules.
In terms of age, most organisations recommend training from the age of 12 to 14, the age at which physical and cognitive abilities are generally sufficient to perform resuscitation procedures. However, it is also possible to introduce children to simple procedures at an earlier age in specific formats. There is no upper age limit, as long as the person is able to follow the course and practise the exercises safely.
On the pre-requisite side, no diploma is required. A simple ability to understand and a minimum level of physical fitness will suffice. Trainers take any limitations into account and adapt the demonstrations. The inclusive approach is an integral part of the BLS-AED spirit: the aim is not performance, but the ability to act effectively in a critical situation. That’s why this training is often incorporated into company safety programmes, school curricula or even training for supervisory staff in many structures.
Training your employees: a strategic asset for companies
In a professional world where safety is becoming increasingly important, companies have everything to gain by making their teams more responsible in the face of emergencies. By training their employees in BLS-AED, they not only improve their responsiveness in the event of an accident, but also enhance the human commitment within their organisation. This preventive approach can save lives, while meeting certain regulatory obligations. Training employees in BLS-AED thus becomes a strategic choice, beneficial for both the organisation and its employees.
Accessibility of BLS-AED for people with disabilities
BLS-AED training courses are becoming increasingly inclusive, with arrangements adapted to everyone’s abilities. People with motor, sensory or cognitive disabilities can also learn to intervene in an emergency. Instructors adapt the teaching content, emphasising gestures that are accessible to all. Taking a BLS-AED course with a disability is not only possible, but encouraged, because every gesture, even a partial one, can make a vital difference.
Early learning: what is the minimum age for introducing young people to BLS-AED?
Many programmes raise young people’s awareness of lifesaving gestures as early as secondary school. From the age of 12, a child can understand, memorise and reproduce the essential steps of resuscitation. Some organisations even offer simplified modules for younger children. The important thing is to adapt the language and demonstrations. Learning BLS-AED from adolescence provides a valuable foundation for responsibility and civic commitment.
Responsibility of trained citizens: what does the law say?
Training in BLS-AED does not imply being held to an obligation of result. In Switzerland, the law protects citizens acting in good faith in emergency situations. Nevertheless, mastery of the gestures and compliance with the protocols taught reinforce the legitimacy of the intervention. Understanding the legal responsibility of people trained in BLS-AED allows us to intervene with greater serenity, without unjustified legal fear.
Deepening your understanding of BLS-AED: additional resources to explore
To better understand the usefulness and framework of BLS-AED training in Switzerland, it is useful to look at several related aspects. These pages will enable you to expand your knowledge and guide your choice of training according to your needs.
Discover what BLS-AED training is used for in everyday life : you’ll see how the gestures learned can really make a difference outside a professional setting, in common emergency situations.
For those who want to take their learning to the next level, SRC certification in BLS-AED is a key step. This page details the procedures, expectations and benefits of this official recognition in Switzerland.
- Choosing a suitable training organisation
Not all providers are created equal. To guarantee the quality of teaching, choosing the right organisation for BLS-AED training is essential. Here you’ll find concrete criteria for making the right choice.
