Intermediate Life Support (ILS)

Course Duration: 8 hours

Course summary

The Resuscitation Council (UK) Immediate Life Support (ILS) course was launched in 2007. It was developed in response to a demand from healthcare professionals who may have to act as first responders and treat patients in cardiac arrest until the arrival of a cardiac arrest team.

Each year, on average, 11,000 courses are held and 92,000 healthcare professionals are trained.

Who is this course suitable for?

The ILS course is suitable for doctors who want to refresh their Resuscitation knowledge.

Learning outcomes

The ILS course teaches the knowledge and skills to:

  • identify the causes and promote the prevention of cardiopulmonary arrest;
  • recognise and treat the deteriorating patient using the ABCDE approach;
  • undertake the skills of quality CPR and defibrillation (manual and /or AED) and simple airway manoeuvres;
  • utilise non-technical skills to facilitate initial leadership and effective team membership

Course structure

The ILS course is run over one day and the course programme consists of one lecture, skill stations and cardiac arrest simulations.

Assessment and Certification

Assessment is continuous and is guided by the assessment forms provided for each core skill (e.g. initial resuscitation and assessment, and airway management). Successful candidates receive a Resuscitation Council (UK) ILS provider certificate, which is valid for one year. The ILS course is recognised for up to 5 continuing professional development (CPD) points.

Pre-course preparation

The manual is sent to candidates two weeks before the start of the course. Candidates are expected to have prepared for the course by reading the manual.