The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) has released updated CPR guidelines for 2025, marking a significant step forward in public health preparedness and emergency response. These new recommendations reflect the latest clinical evidence and practical realities, including lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, first aider, or concerned citizen, understanding the 2025 updates is essential to ensuring your life-saving skills are current, effective, and safe.
Evidence-Based, Public-Focused Changes
The updated guidelines build on previous protocols but introduce several refinements aimed at improving survival rates from cardiac arrest, both in and out of the hospital. Key focuses include simplifying bystander actions, emphasising the importance of defibrillator use, and adapting to post-pandemic safety concerns.
Notably, the RCUK continues to align with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), ensuring a harmonised, evidence-based approach to cardiac arrest response worldwide.
Key Changes in the 2025 CPR Guidelines
1. Reinforced Emphasis on Early Defibrillation
Public access defibrillators (AEDs) have proven to be one of the most effective tools in increasing survival rates. The 2025 guidance stresses the importance of:
- Immediately sending someone to fetch an AED as soon as cardiac arrest is suspected.
- Starting CPR while another bystander retrieves the device.
- Using an AED as soon as it arrives, without delaying compressions unnecessarily.
If no AED is available, CPR should continue uninterrupted until emergency medical assistance arrives.
2. Updated Approach to Hands-Only CPR
Originally introduced to reduce the risk of infection during the pandemic, hands-only CPR has now been reinforced as a valid and effective default method for lay rescuers. The 2025 update advises:
- Untrained or hesitant bystanders should provide continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute, with a depth of 5–6 cm.
- No mouth-to-mouth ventilation is required unless the rescuer is trained, willing, and confident.
This simplified approach encourages more people to intervene without fear, while still delivering effective resuscitation.
3. Clearer Recognition of Cardiac Arrest
To help prevent hesitation, the updated guidelines stress that if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, cardiac arrest should be assumed. Gasping or agonal breathing should not be mistaken for normal respiration.
This clear-cut message aims to eliminate delays caused by second-guessing, ensuring CPR is started promptly.
4. Use of Technology and Voice Guidance
The RCUK now officially supports the use of smartphone apps, video calls, and voice-guided CPR tools during emergencies. Many ambulance services provide over-the-phone CPR coaching, and AED units often include step-by-step voice instructions.
Training providers are encouraged to incorporate digital simulation and app-based scenarios into CPR instruction, especially for younger or tech-savvy audiences.
5. Rescue Breaths in Special Cases
Although hands-only CPR is the primary advice for adult cardiac arrest, the guidance continues to recommend rescue breaths for infants, children, and drowning victims, if the rescuer is trained and willing.
In these cases:
- Use a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
- For infants, deliver gentle puffs using mouth-to-mouth and nose.
Best Practice CPR Steps in 2025 (Adults)
- Check for danger and ensure the scene is safe.
- Check response: Gently shake and shout.
- Call 999: Request an ambulance and ask for an AED if available.
- Check breathing: If there is no breathing or breathing is not normal, start CPR.
- Begin chest compressions:
- 100–120 compressions per minute.
- 5–6 cm depth.
- Minimise interruptions.
- Use an AED as soon as possible: Follow its audio prompts.
- Continue CPR until emergency responders take over.
Training and Public Awareness
A renewed emphasis accompanies the updated guidelines on CPR training in communities, workplaces, and schools. The RCUK supports the integration of CPR into the UK national curriculum and offers freely accessible digital resources.
Blended learning, combining online modules with in-person skills practice, is encouraged to increase uptake and confidence. Key messages from the RCUK include:
- Anyone can save a life.
- You don’t need to be perfect—any action is better than no action.
- Confidence comes from regular training and practice.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Resuscitation Council UK guidelines reflect a world that has changed—but not forgotten—the lessons of the pandemic. With faster access to defibrillators, clearer public messaging, and renewed training initiatives, the goal is simple: increase the number of people who can act confidently and quickly in a cardiac emergency.
Knowing CPR is not just a helpful skill; it’s an essential tool that could help save a life. As the updated guidelines demonstrate, taking action is always preferable to inaction. If you haven’t refreshed your training recently, now is the time.
