Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bart’s City Life Saver courses.
Booking & certificates
The course I want to attend is fully booked. Can you squeeze me in?
Our course capacity is limited by the equipment and space available, so we can’t add additional people to a fully booked course.
If you’d like to join the waiting list for a course that is fully booked, please email info@bartscitylifesaver.org. We do sometimes receive last-minute cancellations.
Will I receive a certificate after the course?
Yes. Participants who meet the required standard will receive a certificate confirming that they have successfully completed a face-to-face course and demonstrated competence in basic life support and the use of an AED.
Certificates are sent by email within two working days. For example, if you attend a course on Saturday, you will receive your certificate by close of business on Tuesday; if you attend on Thursday, you will receive it by close of business on Monday.
I need my certificate urgently. Can I get it straight after the course?
If you need your certificate sooner than our standard two working days, please email us at info@bartscitylifesaver.org before the course.
Please note that we do not issue certificates at the weekend as our office is closed.
How long is the certificate valid for?
Your certificate is valid for 12 months from the course date.
Why is your training only valid for 12 months?
We recommend renewing basic life support training annually to ensure your skills remain effective, up to date and relevant. The Resuscitation Council UK also advises that BLS skills should be refreshed at least once a year.
Can you add my GMC or GDC number to the certificate?
Yes. We can include your GMC or GDC number on your certificate if needed. Please email us at info@bartscitylifesaver.org before your course to request this.
I’m not sure I can complete all the practical elements of the course for health reasons. Can I still attend?
Please contact us before the course if you have any health concerns that may affect your participation in the practical exercises. We will discuss your needs and make reasonable adaptations where possible.
If you are unable to complete the practical exercises (even with adaptations), we cannot issue a certificate of competence in BLS, though we may be able to provide a certificate of attendance.
For more information, see section 5 of our cancellation policy.
I can no longer attend the course. Can I cancel or rearrange my booking?
You can cancel your booking and receive a full refund or transfer to another course date at no charge, provided you notify us at least 48 hours before the course. If you give us less than 48 hours’ notice, we are unable to offer a refund or reschedule your booking for free, but you may send someone else in your place. See our cancellation policy for full details.
To cancel or reschedule, please email info@bartscitylifesaver.org.
Course content & quality
Are your courses certified by the Resuscitation Council UK?
Our courses follow the Resuscitation Council UK guidelines 2025 and we teach their recommended practices for basic life support.
Please note that the Resuscitation Council UK does not accredit CPR/AED courses or instructors. For more information, visit their Basic Life Support FAQ page and refer to the ‘Training in CPR and AEDs’ section, ‘If I want training in basic life support and in the use of an AED, where do I go?’.
Is your training quality assured?
The quality and governance of our courses are overseen by our board of trustees, which includes a subcommittee of clinicians from backgrounds such as critical care, anaesthetics, cardiovascular care, emergency care, and occupational medicine.
You can view the names of our trustees here: Board of Trustees – Bart’s City Life Saver.
Do your courses include practical training?
Absolutely. All our courses include a large proportion of hands-on practice. Every participant is required to practice and demonstrate basic life support skills to achieve certification, and we encourage you to practice as much as you need to feel confident and prepared to use these skills.
Do you offer online training?
No, we only provide in-person training. We believe basic life support skills are best learned through practical experience.
Eligibility & accessibility
Are your courses suitable for doctors or dentists who need an annual BLS certification?
Our courses are designed primarily for members of the public who want to learn basic life support for the first time or refresh their skills. They are not specifically tailored for medical or healthcare professionals.
However, many healthcare professionals and individuals who require an annual BLS certification for professional reasons choose to attend our courses. Please note that we cannot confirm whether our training meets the specific requirements of your employer or regulatory body. You will need to check this yourself before booking.
Is there a minimum age to attend the training?
Participants must be 16 years or older to attend both our Adult BLS & AED course and our Adult, Baby and Child BLS & AED course.
I’m not sure I can complete all the practical elements of the course for health reasons. Can I still attend?
Please contact us before the course if you have any health concerns that may affect your participation in the practical exercises. We will discuss your needs and make reasonable adaptations where possible.
If you are unable to complete the practical exercises (even with adaptations), we cannot issue a certificate of competence in BLS, though we may be able to provide a certificate of attendance.
For more information, see section 5 of our cancellation policy.
Venue & on-site training
Where do your courses take place?
All our courses are held at:
Bart’s City Life Saver
The William Harvey Heart Centre
Queen Mary University of London
Charterhouse Square campus
London EC1M 6BQ
Important
- When using Google Maps, please search for Bart’s City Life Saver only.
- Do not use The William Harvey Heart Centre or our postcode, as these may direct you to the wrong location.
Is there parking at the training venue?
We do not have on-site parking. However, several public car parks are located a short walk away:
Do you deliver training at the client’s venue?
Yes, we can deliver training at your venue if this is more convenient. See our on-site training page for more information.