This October, a major update to First Aid training in the UK is set to take effect – one that places increased focus on life-threatening bleeding and trauma care. For those involved in first aid delivery, whether in leisure, emergency response, or workplace environments, this shift signals a need to review and refresh training resources.
So, what’s changing – and how can Ruth Lee help you meet the new training standards?
What’s Changing in First Aid?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, which require first aid training to align with the latest guidelines issued by:
- The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) for basic life support
- The Voluntary Aid Societies (VAS), such as St John Ambulance and British Red Cross, for other elements of first aid
From October 2025, new qualifications and syllabi will include life-threatening bleeding management, an area previously given less emphasis in many sectors, including leisure.
The First Aid Quality Partnership (FAQP) – a collaborative body made up of RCUK, VAS, College of Policing, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and other medical experts – has confirmed that controlling catastrophic bleeding will now be a core part of first aid training.
Why This Matters to Your Sector
Whether you operate in:
- Leisure and recreation (e.g., swimming pools, water parks)
- Emergency services (police, fire and ambulance)
- Education (schools, outdoor learning)
- Industry and high-risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing)
- Public venues and transportation
…these changes mean a new standard of preparedness is expected from your first aid provision.
Understanding how to apply a tourniquet, manage catastrophic bleeding, and combine these interventions with effective CPR is no longer optional – it’s essential.
What About Europe?
While this update is being led by UK-based organisations, its impact is likely to be felt more widely across Europe. Many European training organisations – particularly those who follow Resuscitation Council UK or ERC (European Resuscitation Council) guidance – may choose to incorporate similar changes into their own national training frameworks.
In sectors like emergency response, aviation, offshore oil and gas, and even leisure, it’s common for teams to train to a standard that is recognised across borders. In fact, many of our European customers already adopt UK-based training models and equipment, especially where NATO, ISO, or pan-European training standards are relevant.
As such, it’s worth reviewing your current first aid training provision and considering whether this evolution in UK standards will influence or align with your own country’s requirements in the near future. Being ahead of the curve could strengthen your organisation’s compliance and operational readiness.
Training for Real-World Trauma: Ruth Lee’s Trauma Rescue Manikin
To help instructors and organisations deliver realistic, scenario-based training in line with the new requirements, Ruth Lee’s Trauma Rescue Manikin offers a smart solution.
Designed in consultation with medics and trainers, this manikin combines:
✅ High-fidelity trauma simulation – Interchangeable wounds for controlled bleeding, including arterial bleeds
✅ CPR functionality – Supplied with Simulaids Brad Torso, but fully compatible with other torsos* such as Laerdal QCPR systems, making it a one-stop solution for combined BLS and trauma training
✅ Durability and realism – Rugged construction for use in demanding environments like outdoor or water-based rescue scenarios
For organisations who currently use CPR models such as the Laerdal QCPR Annies, this manikin offers a smooth transition: the QCPR module fits directly into the Trauma Rescue Manikin carcass, bridging the gap between classroom-based CPR and trauma scenario training.
Supporting Your Compliance with Confidence
We know compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about being ready for the worst, even in environments where traumatic injury may seem unlikely.
As new qualifications roll out from October 2025, training providers and employers alike will need to ensure their staff are equipped to deal with a wider range of emergencies. With the Ruth Lee Trauma Rescue Manikin, you can deliver practical, effective training that meets and exceeds the new standards – both in the UK and beyond.
Want to see the manikin in action or discuss how it could support your specific training needs?
👉 Contact our team today or request a demo.
Further Reading:
*Please contact us for more information on which CPR torsos are compatible with our Full Bodies CPR Manikin if you wish to supply your own.