ICTQual Level 3 Award in Emergency Response: Using an AED
The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Emergency Response: Using an AED is an internationally recognised qualification designed to equip learners with the essential skills and confidence to respond effectively in life-threatening emergencies. This course focuses on the safe and efficient use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), alongside key life-saving techniques such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid procedures.
Aligned with global emergency care standards, this qualification provides comprehensive training on assessing emergency situations, managing cardiac arrests, and ensuring rapid, appropriate responses. Learners will understand the importance of early defibrillation in increasing survival rates and how to operate AED devices safely and efficiently within both community and workplace settings.
This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, first responders, safety officers, and individuals in high-risk workplaces, as well as anyone interested in acquiring vital emergency response skills. The qualification enhances learners’ ability to act calmly and effectively under pressure, ensuring the best possible outcomes during cardiac emergencies.
With ICTQual’s commitment to professional excellence and international best practices, this Level 3 Award strengthens both personal confidence and professional capability. Successful learners emerge as competent, certified first responders, ready to make a life-saving difference in critical moments across diverse environments.
Level 3 Award in Emergency Response: Using an AED
To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Award in Emergency Response: Using an AED learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Emergency Response: Using an AED, consists of 8 mandatory units.
- Introduction to Cardiac Emergencies
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart
- Introduction to AEDs
- AED Operation
- CPR and AED Integration
- Post-Resuscitation Care
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
- AED Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:
Introduction to Cardiac Emergencies
- Understand the nature and causes of cardiac arrest and its impact on the human body.
- Recognise early warning signs and symptoms of heart-related emergencies.
- Identify the importance of a rapid and coordinated emergency response.
- Explain the critical time factors affecting survival rates during cardiac arrest.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess and prioritise actions in a cardiac emergency.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart
- Describe the basic structure and function of the human heart and circulatory system.
- Understand how the heart’s electrical conduction system regulates heartbeat.
- Identify common cardiac conditions that may lead to cardiac arrest.
- Explain the relationship between oxygenation, blood flow, and heart performance.
- Recognise how physiological changes can affect heart rhythm and cardiac output.
Introduction to AEDs
- Understand the purpose and importance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in emergency care.
- Identify the key components and features of an AED device.
- Explain how defibrillation helps restore a normal heart rhythm.
- Recognise safety precautions associated with the use of AEDs.
- Understand the difference between public access AEDs and professional-grade AED systems.
AED Operation
- Demonstrate correct procedures for turning on and operating an AED.
- Follow voice and visual prompts accurately during the defibrillation process.
- Apply electrode pads correctly to adult and paediatric patients.
- Ensure safety for the rescuer and bystanders while using an AED.
- Perform a complete AED-assisted resuscitation sequence confidently and effectively.
CPR and AED Integration
- Understand the importance of combining high-quality CPR with AED use.
- Demonstrate correct hand placement, compression depth, and rate during CPR.
- Coordinate the transition between CPR and AED operation efficiently.
- Recognise when to resume CPR after AED analysis or shock delivery.
- Apply teamwork and communication skills during resuscitation scenarios.
Post-Resuscitation Care
- Identify the steps required to stabilise a patient after successful resuscitation.
- Recognise the importance of monitoring vital signs and maintaining airway management.
- Provide appropriate aftercare until professional medical help arrives.
- Understand the psychological and physical recovery needs of patients post-resuscitation.
- Document and report the incident accurately according to workplace or organisational protocols.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Understand the legal responsibilities of individuals performing AED-assisted resuscitation.
- Recognise the importance of obtaining consent when possible and acting in good faith.
- Explain the ethical principles of duty of care and patient confidentiality.
- Identify national and organisational policies governing AED use.
- Understand the importance of accurate incident reporting and data protection.
AED Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Learn how to perform routine checks and maintenance on AED equipment.
- Identify common AED faults and take appropriate troubleshooting measures.
- Ensure electrode pads, batteries, and accessories are within expiry and operational standards.
- Record and log maintenance activities according to workplace procedures.
- Understand the importance of readiness checks to ensure AED functionality in emergencies.
The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Emergency Response: Using an AED provides a strong foundation for individuals seeking to advance their skills and knowledge in emergency care and life-saving procedures. This qualification equips learners with essential competencies in cardiac emergency response, AED operation, and CPR integration — forming the basis for further progression into more advanced first aid and emergency response training. Learners can build on these skills to pursue higher vocational qualifications, enhance workplace safety roles, and contribute effectively to community and organisational emergency preparedness.
Progression to Advanced Emergency Response Training
- Learners can progress to higher-level vocational qualifications such as the ICTQual Level 4 Award in Advanced First Aid and Emergency Response or equivalent health and safety certifications.
- This progression allows learners to develop advanced knowledge in trauma management, advanced life support, and emergency care coordination.
- It enhances practical abilities for managing a wider range of medical emergencies beyond cardiac arrest.
- Learners gain the confidence and competence to take on leadership roles in first response teams.
- The advanced qualification also prepares participants to deliver emergency response training to others within their organisation.
Career Development Opportunities
- The qualification supports career advancement in healthcare, emergency response, education, aviation, construction, and corporate safety sectors.
- Learners may take up roles such as first responder, safety officer, emergency coordinator, or workplace health and safety trainer.
- It enhances employability in roles requiring certified AED and CPR proficiency.
- The qualification also benefits employees in high-risk environments where immediate response capability is critical.
- Professionals can use this qualification to strengthen their safety credentials and workplace compliance.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- This qualification promotes a culture of continuous learning and upskilling in life-saving techniques.
- Learners are encouraged to participate in CPD workshops, refresher courses, and simulation-based training to maintain competence.
- CPD engagement helps ensure alignment with the latest international emergency care guidelines.
- It allows professionals to maintain certification validity and readiness for real-life emergencies.
- Ongoing professional development ensures confidence, preparedness, and continual improvement in emergency response performance.
Global Recognition and Professional Mobility
- The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Emergency Response: Using an AED is recognised internationally, providing opportunities for global career advancement.
- Learners benefit from a qualification that meets international standards in health and safety training.
- It enhances mobility across industries and regions that prioritise emergency preparedness and workplace safety.
- The certification supports those seeking roles in international aid, community health, or corporate safety environments.
- Learners gain lifelong, transferable skills that remain valuable in any country or emergency context.