Immediate Life Support for Dentists Level 3 (VTQ) (ILS)

The Dental Immediate Life Support (ILS) course is designed to give dental teams the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond confidently and effectively to a cardiac arrest until advanced medical help arrives. Through a blend of focused theory and hands‑on practical sessions, participants learn essential skills including high‑quality CPR, basic airway management, and safe, effective defibrillation. This one‑day course empowers dental staff to act decisively — whether working independently or as part of a coordinated resuscitation team.

The programme also equips dental professionals to recognise the early signs of patient deterioration, understand the causes of cardiopulmonary arrest, and apply preventive measures. Learners will practise the ABCDE assessment, refine their airway management techniques, and strengthen their ability to deliver safe, structured care under pressure. A strong emphasis is placed on non‑technical skills, including communication, leadership, and teamwork — all critical components of successful emergency response.

The syllabus is carefully developed to meet and exceed the standards set by the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) and the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2025, and aligns fully with the General Dental Council (GDC) Development Outcome C.

At Every Second Counts First Aid & Safety Training, we are committed to delivering training of the highest quality. All courses undergo rigorous quality assurance and independent certification by ProTrainings, ensuring full compliance with recognised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

This course includes a 6‑hour certified CPD Statement, providing formal recognition of the professional development achieved.

1. Understand basic life support requirements

• 1.1 Describe the principles that underpin basic life support 
• 1.2 Explain the circumstances under which resuscitation is performed 
• 1.3 Explain why early intervention is necessary 
• 1.4 Describe different types of cardiopulmonary arrest 
• 1.5 Understand what pulse oximetry is and why it is important in assessing a patient
• 1.6 Explain the ABCDE approach to patient care
• 1.7 Explain how to check a patients pulse, temperature, blood pressure and other observations.
• 1.8 Explain what Hypoxia is and how it affects the patient
• 1.9 Explain the difference between a heart attack, angina and sudden cardiac arrest

2. Be able to demonstrate basic life support techniques and automated external defibrillator use in line with current national guidelines

• 2.1 Demonstrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• 2.2 Demonstrate compression-only resuscitation
• 2.3 Demonstrate the use of resuscitation barrier devices
• 2.4 Demonstrate how to manage a choking adult, child and infant
• 2.5 Demonstrate the use of an automated external defibrillator
• 2.6 Describe the differences when using an automated external defibrillator on a child and on an adult
• 2.8 Explain why suction is used to maintain the airway
• 2.9 Explain how an Oropharyngeal airway is used and why they benefit the airway
• 2.9 Explain the requirements of a do not resuscitate order
• 2.10 Demonstrate correct use of a bag valve mask

3. Be able to demonstrate post-resuscitation procedures

• 3.1 Demonstrate how to place a casualty in the recovery position
• 3.2 Identify the risks when placing a casualty in the recovery position
• 3.3 Describe handover and reporting procedures
• 3.4 Explain the correct administration of Oxygen on a patient
• 3.5 Understand the correct assembly, disassembly and storage of an Oxygen kit.
• 3.6 Explain the different types of an Oxygen mask and when you would use them.

4. Be able to carry out basic user maintenance and troubleshoot problems with an automated external defibrillator

• 4.1 Identify when a defibrillator battery requires changing
• 4.2 Identify when electrode pads need replacing
• 4.3 Demonstrate how to troubleshoot problems if the automated external defibrillator does not function correctly

5. Understand the safe use of an automated external defibrillator

• 5.1 Describe the safety considerations when using AEDs

6. Understand medical emergencies

• 6.1 Describe the following medical emergencies and the treatment required for the following:
  - Asthma
  - Hyperventilation
  - Anaphylactic shock
  - Diabetes
  - Seizures and Epilepsy
  - Sepsis