Heartsaver AED Course
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. Irish Heart Foundation affiliated. American Heart Association certified with internationally recognised 2-year certification.
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Course Overview
The Heartsaver AED Course will equip you with the skills necessary to respond to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The course is video-based and recognised by the Irish Heart Foundation and the American Heart Association. The course teaches skills with the American Heart Association’s research-proven Practice-While-Watching technique.
This training technique allows instructors to observe the learners, provide feedback, and guide them on the skills they have acquired. By the end of the course, you will have completed numerous cycles of CPR while using an AED.
The Heartsaver AED Course is designed so that you can feel more comfortable and confident if ever asked to carry out the skills in real life. We train with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer to give you real-life training experience.
Hands-on CPR and AED training during the Heartsaver AED Course.
Why Choose This Course
The Heartsaver AED Course provides focused CPR and AED training without the broader first aid content. Here is what sets this programme apart:
❤️ IHF Affiliated
Phoenix STS is registered with the Irish Heart Foundation as an approved training site with American Heart Association certification.
👨👩👧 All Age Groups
Learn CPR and AED techniques for adults, children, and infants, plus choking relief for all age groups.
🎬 Practice-While-Watching
Uses the American Heart Association’s research-proven video-based training technique for effective skill acquisition.
💉 ZOLL AED Training
Train with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer for a realistic defibrillator experience used in real emergencies.
⏱️ Shorter Duration
At 3-4 hours, this focused course is ideal if you need CPR and AED skills without comprehensive first aid training.
🔄 Blended Learning
Flexible blended learning option available combining online theory with practical skills sessions.
Heartsaver AED vs Other Courses
Phoenix STS offers several CPR and first aid courses. The table below shows the key differences to help you choose the right course:
| Feature | Heartsaver AED Course | First Aid & AED Course | BLS Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid Training | ✗ No | ✓ Comprehensive | ✗ No |
| CPR & AED | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Age Groups | Adults, Children, Infants | Adults (optional child/infant) | Adults, Children, Infants |
| Duration | 3-4 hours | 6 hours | 4 hours |
| Best For | General public, workplaces | Workplace first aiders | Healthcare professionals |
Recommendation: Choose the Heartsaver AED Course if you need CPR and AED skills without comprehensive first aid training. If you also need first aid skills, consider the First Aid & Heartsaver AED Course. Healthcare professionals should consider the BLS Course.
Course Aims and Objectives
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.
- 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)
- Assist a person who is choking using appropriate techniques for adults, children, and infants
- Respond confidently to a cardiac arrest emergency in any setting
Who Should Attend
The Heartsaver AED Course is designed for people who want to learn CPR and AED skills for employment, volunteering, or personal knowledge. This course is ideal for:
🏃 Sports Coaches
Coaches and trainers working with sports teams and athletes who need CPR and AED skills.
👨🏫 Teachers
School staff and educators who want to be prepared for cardiac emergencies.
👨👩👧 Parents
Parents and family members who want life-saving skills for home emergencies.
🏢 Workplace Staff
Employees in offices, factories, and other workplaces where AEDs are installed.
🤝 Volunteers
Community volunteers, charity workers, and those in public-facing roles.
🏥 Healthcare Assistants
Healthcare staff such as nurses and healthcare assistants working in residential care settings.
Course Programme
The Heartsaver AED Course covers CPR, AED use, and choking relief for all age groups:
Adult CPR & AED
- Adult chest compressions
- Adult breaths
- Adult pocket face mask and barriers
- Adult defibrillation (AED)
- Adult practice scenarios
Child CPR & AED
- Child CPR technique
- Child AED use
- Differences from adult CPR
- Child choking relief
- Child practice scenarios
Infant CPR
- Infant CPR technique
- Infant AED considerations
- Two-finger compression method
- Infant choking relief
- Infant practice scenarios
Choking Relief
- Adult choking recognition
- Adult choking relief techniques
- Child choking relief
- Infant choking relief
- When to call emergency services
Pre-Course Requirements
Before Attending
To attend this course, learners must meet the following requirements:
- English language proficiency: Fluency in English is required (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.
Course Details
Duration
- 3-4 hours (half day)
- With maximum 6 learners
- Predominantly skills-based
Class Size
- Maximum 6 learners per course
- Small groups for personalised attention
- Ample hands-on practice time
Training Methods
- Interactive video-based instruction
- Practice-While-Watching technique
- Hands-on manikin practice
- ZOLL AED 3 trainer
Assessment
- Continuous assessment by instructor
- Final CPR & AED scenario
- Must complete all steps
- Immediate feedback provided
Certification
Your Certification
Upon successful completion, you receive an Irish Heart Foundation / American Heart Association certification. This certification is recognised internationally.
You should complete a refresher course before your certificate expires to maintain your current certification.
Our Instructors
All our tutors 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. We train with the ZOLL AED 3 trainer to provide realistic AED training.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Page last updated: January 2026
