Don't Wait, Don't Move Them

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have always been one of the clearest good-news stories in first aid — they're designed to be usable by anyone, they talk you through every step, and early use dramatically improves survival chances after a cardiac arrest. The 2025 guidelines don't change that core message, but they do sharpen the detail around a few real-world situations that used to cause confusion.

Use it as soon as it's available — full stop

The updated guidance is unambiguous: once an AED is on scene, it should be used as soon as possible, without delay. This sounds obvious, but in practice, people sometimes hesitate — wondering whether they should keep doing chest compressions a little longer first, or worrying they'll do something wrong with the device. The message this year is simple: early defibrillation is one of the single most effective interventions in the chain of survival, so don't wait.

What if the casualty is on a soft surface?

This is a genuinely useful piece of practical guidance. Previously, there was a common (and time-consuming) instinct to move a casualty off a bed or sofa onto a firm surface before starting CPR, based on the idea that compressions need a hard surface underneath to be effective.

The updated guidance says: don't. If someone collapses on a soft surface like a bed, start CPR there. Moving them wastes critical time, and the guidance now simply recommends pushing a little deeper to compensate for the give in the mattress. It's a small change with a big practical impact — it removes an entirely unnecessary delay from a situation where every second matters.

Wet environments and drowning

For a casualty who has been in water, the guidance is clear about sequencing: rescuers should prioritise moving the person to a safe, dry area, and once there, use an AED as soon as possible. Where the casualty's chest is wet, drying it quickly before applying the pads helps ensure they adhere properly and the device can deliver an effective shock. This matters particularly for anyone teaching first aid in outdoor, water-based, or sports contexts, where a drowning or near-drowning scenario is a realistic possibility.

Why this all matters for training

Across each of these updates, the underlying theme is the same: remove hesitation, remove unnecessary delay, and give rescuers clear, confident instructions for situations that used to feel ambiguous. An AED is only as effective as the speed with which it's actually used — a technically perfect resuscitation attempt that starts two minutes late is worse than an imperfect one that starts immediately.

A word for instructors

If your course content or scenario-based training still includes the instruction to relocate a casualty to a firm surface before starting CPR, it's worth updating that now. Likewise, if you teach in an outdoor or aquatic setting, make sure your delivery reflects the updated sequencing for wet or drowning scenarios — dry the chest, then defibrillate, without unnecessary detours.

The equipment hasn't changed. The instructions on the device haven't changed. What's changed is the confidence with which we should be telling people: don't wait, and don't waste time moving someone who doesn't need to be moved.

Get hands-on with an AED

There's no substitute for practising on a real device. Basecamp First Aid courses include practical AED training, so you can build genuine confidence before you're ever relying on it in an emergency.

Book a course at basecampfirstaid.com or email info@basecampfirstaid.com to find out more.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It reflects a summary of the Resuscitation Council UK 2025 Guidelines as understood at the time of writing; guidance may be updated, and implementation timelines can vary between awarding bodies and training providers. Always follow the specific instructions of your first aid course provider and the current guidance of the Resuscitation Council UK (resus.org.uk). In a real emergency, always call 999 (or your local emergency number) immediately.

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