Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will introduce a national (a) training and (b) accreditation programme to allow the recognition of school staff with automated external defibrillator responsibilities as competent persons for equipment governance.

Defibrillators are designed so they can be used safely with no prior training. Users are prompted to follow step-by-step instructions on the device at the time of use. Suggesting only trained individuals can use defibrillators can unintentionally deter use in an emergency, where every minute is critical.

As defibrillators are designed to be used with no prior training, the department does not believe an accreditation programme is necessary.

Schools must ensure they comply with their first aid equipment responsibilities. The department provides defibrillator guidance to supports schools. The guidance is not intended to be read in isolation but provides schools with clear, practical, and accessible advice that supports the widespread adoption of defibrillators, including maintenance, as part of school first aid provision.

Schools can access additional support in managing their defibrillator by registering it on the British Heart Foundation’s national defibrillator network, The Circuit. The Circuit provides schools with regular reminders to check their device. More information can be found here: www.thecircuit.uk.