Heartsaver AED Course
IHF & AHA Certified CPR & AED Training — 3–4 Hours — 2-Year Certification
Book a Public Course
This course is available as a public scheduled course open to individual bookings, or as on-site training at your premises. View upcoming dates and secure your place today.
Course Overview
Learn CPR and AED skills for adults, children, and infants with the Heartsaver AED Course from Phoenix STS. This focused 3–4 hour course equips you with life-saving skills to respond to sudden cardiac arrest using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Certified by the Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Association, this internationally recognised programme uses the research-proven Practice-While-Watching technique. We train with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer to give you a realistic defibrillator experience. No prior CPR or AED experience is required.
Who Should Attend
The Heartsaver AED Course is ideal for anyone who may need to respond to a cardiac emergency, particularly in settings where an AED is available.
Sports Coaches
Coaches and trainers working with sports teams and athletes who need CPR and AED skills for pitch-side emergencies. Ideal for GAA, rugby, soccer, and athletics clubs.
Teachers & School Staff
School staff and educators who want to be prepared for cardiac emergencies. Many schools now have AEDs installed and staff should be trained to use them.
Parents & Families
Parents, grandparents, and family members who want life-saving CPR and AED skills for home emergencies involving adults, children, or infants.
Workplace Staff
Employees in offices, factories, shops, and other workplaces where AEDs are installed. Employers have a duty to ensure staff can respond to cardiac emergencies.
Community Volunteers
Community volunteers, charity workers, and those in public-facing roles who may encounter cardiac emergencies in community settings.
Healthcare Assistants
Healthcare staff such as nurses and healthcare assistants working in residential care settings, nursing homes, and day care centres.
Topics Covered
- Recognising cardiac arrest in adults, children, and infants
- Adult CPR — chest compressions and rescue breaths
- Child CPR technique and key differences from adult CPR
- Infant CPR — two-finger compression method
- AED operation and safe pad placement for all age groups
- Use of pocket face masks and barriers for rescue breathing
- Choking relief for adults, children, and infants
- When and how to phone for emergency help
- When to start and stop CPR
- Training with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer
Course Details
Delivery
- On-site at your premises anywhere in Ireland
- Public scheduled courses at our Longford training centre
- All training equipment provided including manikins and AED trainers
Duration & Class Size
Approximately 3–4 hours with a maximum of 6 learners per course. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention and ample hands-on practice time with manikins and AED trainers.
Training Method
Interactive video-based instruction using the American Heart Association’s Practice-While-Watching technique. Hands-on manikin practice and ZOLL AED 3 trainer with continuous instructor guidance.
Assessment
Continuous assessment by the instructor throughout the course, concluding with a final CPR and AED scenario. All steps must be completed to receive certification.
Certification
Irish Heart Foundation / American Heart Association certification valid for 2 years. Internationally recognised.
Why Choose the Heartsaver AED Course
Our AED training programme combines internationally recognised certification with practical, hands-on skills using real AED equipment.
IHF & AHA Affiliated
Phoenix STS is registered with the Irish Heart Foundation as an approved training site. This course is certified by the American Heart Association and recognised internationally.
All Age Groups Covered
Learn CPR and AED techniques for adults, children, and infants, plus choking relief for all age groups. One course covers every scenario.
Practice-While-Watching
Uses the American Heart Association’s research-proven video-based training technique for effective skill acquisition. Learn by doing, not just watching.
ZOLL AED Training
Train with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer for a realistic defibrillator experience. ZOLL AEDs are widely used in workplaces, schools, and public spaces across Ireland.
Focused CPR & AED Skills
At 3–4 hours, this course delivers comprehensive CPR and AED training without the additional first aid content. Ideal when AED skills are the priority.
Blended Learning Available
Flexible blended learning option combining online theory with practical skills sessions. Ideal for busy schedules and remote teams.
What’s Included
Your course fee includes everything you need for a productive training session:
IHF / AHA Certification — internationally recognised certificate valid for 2 years
All Training Equipment Provided — CPR manikins (adult, child, and infant), face masks, barriers, and ZOLL AED 3 trainers
AHA Video-Based Training Materials — research-proven Practice-While-Watching instruction
Hands-On AED Practice — practise AED pad placement and operation with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer
CPR Practice for All Age Groups — practise CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants
Personalised Instructor Feedback — small class size of 6 ensures individual attention and coaching
Certification Renewal Reminders — we contact you before your certificate expires so you never lapse
Public & On-Site Delivery — attend a public course in Longford or book on-site training at your premises anywhere in Ireland
What You’ll Learn
The aim of the Heartsaver AED Course is to provide you with the relevant knowledge and skills to deliver life-saving techniques in an emergency related to sudden cardiac arrest. Upon completion, you will be able to:
Understand the principles of CPR and the importance of early intervention
Effectively deliver a two-minute cycle of CPR with correct compression depth and rate
Safely and effectively use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on adults, children, and infants
Assist a person who is choking using appropriate techniques for adults, children, and infants
Respond confidently to a cardiac emergency in any setting
Course Programme
The Heartsaver AED Course covers CPR and AED techniques for all age groups, plus choking relief:
Adult CPR & AED
- Adult chest compressions
- Adult rescue breaths
- Use of pocket face mask and barriers
- Adult AED pad placement and operation
- Adult CPR and AED practice scenarios
Child CPR & AED
- Child CPR technique
- Child AED use and pad placement
- Key differences from adult CPR
- Child choking relief
- Child CPR and AED practice scenarios
Infant CPR
- Infant CPR technique
- Two-finger compression method
- Infant AED considerations
- Infant choking relief
- Infant CPR practice scenarios
Choking Relief
- Recognising choking in adults, children, and infants
- Adult choking relief techniques
- Child choking relief techniques
- Infant choking relief techniques
- When to call emergency services
Pre-Course Requirements
To attend this course, learners must meet the following requirements:
English language proficiency — training is delivered in English
Physical capability — learners should be physically fit enough to carry out chest compressions on a manikin while kneeling
Specific requirements — please let us know if learners have any specific learner requirements
If you have any injuries or medical issues, please discuss them with the course coordinator before attending, as you will be required to complete all practical elements to receive your certificate.
Certification & Instructors
Your Certification
Upon successful completion, you receive an Irish Heart Foundation / American Heart Association certification. This certification is recognised internationally and is valid for 2 years. You should complete a refresher course before your certificate expires to maintain your current certification.
Our Instructors
All our CPR and AED instructors hold a minimum QQI Level 8 in their subject matter, a Train the Trainer QQI Level 6 or higher, and are experienced CPR and AED instructors registered with the Irish Heart Foundation. We train with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer to provide realistic AED training. With over 15 years of delivering life-saving training across Ireland, our team brings real-world expertise to every course.
Book the Heartsaver AED Course
Attend a public course at our Longford training centre or request on-site training at your premises. Available nationwide across Ireland. Places are limited to 6 per course. Secure your place today to avoid disappointment — public course dates fill quickly.
Request a quote for on-site training — we respond within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content last reviewed: March 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Association guidelines.
The Heartsaver AED Course focuses solely on CPR and AED skills for adults, children, and infants, plus choking relief. The First Aid & Heartsaver AED Course includes comprehensive first aid training (injuries, medical emergencies, environmental emergencies) plus CPR and AED. The Heartsaver AED Course is shorter (3–4 hours vs 6 hours).
Yes. The Heartsaver AED Course covers CPR, AED use, and choking relief for adults, children, and infants. You will practise techniques for all age groups during the course.
The Heartsaver AED Course is approximately 3–4 hours in duration with a maximum of 6 learners. The course is predominantly skills-based with continuous practice throughout.
Yes. The course is certified by the Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Association . This certification is recognised internationally, which is valuable if you travel or work in different countries.
Heartsaver AED certification is valid for 2 years. You should complete a refresher course before your certificate expires to maintain your current certification. Phoenix STS provides certification renewal reminders so you never lapse.
Yes. Phoenix STS delivers the Heartsaver AED Course on-site at workplaces, schools, sports clubs, and other venues across Ireland. We bring all training equipment, including manikins and AED trainers. Contact us for a quote for on-site training.
Yes. Phoenix STS runs public Heartsaver AED Course dates at our training centre in Longford. These courses are open to individuals who want to gain CPR and AED skills. View upcoming dates and book your place .
Yes. The Heartsaver AED Course can be completed through blended learning, combining online theory with practical skills sessions. This offers flexibility for busy schedules. Contact us for details on our blended learning option.
We train with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer , which provides a realistic AED training experience. ZOLL AEDs are widely used in workplaces, schools, and public spaces across Ireland. Visit our AED defibrillator shop if you need an AED for your premises.
No prior experience is required. The Heartsaver AED Course is suitable for beginners with no previous CPR or AED training. Our instructors will guide you through each skill step by step using the Practice-While-Watching method.
Heartsaver AED Course (This Course)
Duration: 3–4 hours
CPR Training: Adults, children, and infants
AED Training: Full hands-on AED training
First Aid: Not included
Best For: General public, workplaces with AEDs
Certification: IHF / AHA — 2 years
Max Learners: 6
First Aid & Heartsaver AED Course
Duration: 6 hours (full day)
CPR Training: Adults (optional child/infant)
AED Training: Full hands-on AED training
First Aid: Comprehensive first aid included
Best For: Workplace first aiders
Certification: IHF / AHA — 2 years
Max Learners: 6
Heartsaver AED Training Across Ireland
Phoenix STS delivers the Heartsaver AED Course both as public scheduled courses at our Longford training centre and on-site at workplaces, schools, sports clubs, and other venues nationwide. Our instructors travel to your location with all necessary training equipment including manikins and ZOLL AED 3 trainers.
We regularly deliver CPR and AED training in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athlone, Sligo, Dundalk, Longford, and all counties across Ireland. Whether you are based in a city centre or a rural location, we can arrange on-site AED training for your team.
View public course dates or contact us to arrange on-site Heartsaver AED training at your premises anywhere in Ireland.
Related Courses & Services
Looking for different training or related courses? Phoenix STS offers a full range of first aid and CPR training programmes:
First Aid & Heartsaver AED Course — comprehensive first aid, CPR, and AED training (6 hours)
Heartsaver CPR Course — CPR-only training without AED (2.5–3 hours, ideal if AED training is not needed)
Paediatric First Aid & Heartsaver AED Course — specialist paediatric first aid for childcare workers and parents
BLS Basic Life Support Course — advanced life support for healthcare professionals (4 hours)
All First Aid Onsite Courses — view our full range of on-site first aid training programmes
Need an AED for your workplace? Visit our AED defibrillator shop for a range of ZOLL AED units and accessories.
Why Choose Phoenix STS
Ireland’s trusted provider of CPD-accredited safety and healthcare training.
Experienced Team
Over 15 years delivering accredited training to healthcare facilities, schools, and businesses across Ireland. Our instructors are qualified professionals with real-world expertise.
Irish Owned
A proudly Irish-owned company based in Longford, serving clients nationwide. Our courses are tailored to Irish legislative requirements and regulatory standards.
Experts in Health & Safety
ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 certified. CPD-accredited training provider. All courses meet HIQA, HSA, and relevant Irish legislative requirements.