Course Curriculum

The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) stands for saving lives through high-quality resuscitation education. Our mission is to ensure that every individual – from layperson to experienced healthcare professional – is empowered with the knowledge, skills and confidence to act effectively in emergencies.

ERC courses are evidence-based and developed in line with the latest European Resuscitation Guidelines. They provide a structured, standardised approach to resuscitation training across Europe and beyond, ensuring consistency, quality and excellence at every level of care.

Our courses are designed to:

  • Equip participants with life-saving skills that are practical, effective and based on the latest scientific evidence.

  • Develop non-technical skills, such as communication, teamwork and leadership, essential in emergency situations.

  • Provide a clear learning pathway: from Basic Life Support (BLS) for all, through Immediate and Advanced Life Support (ILS/ALS), Paediatric and Newborn courses, to Instructor and Educator training.

  • Promote a culture of continuous learning and retraining, recognising that resuscitation competence must be maintained and regularly updated.

ERC training is multidisciplinary, inclusive, and delivered by certified instructors through interactive lectures, skill stations and realistic simulations. Each course balances theory with practice, enabling candidates not only to learn, but to apply their skills with confidence in real-life situations.

With this programme, the ERC sets the standard for resuscitation education in Europe:

  • Scientific – based on the latest research and guidelines

  • Practical – focused on hands-on training and real-world application

  • Inclusive – open to a wide range of participants, from the general public to specialised professionals

  • Global – delivered through a network of National Resuscitation Councils, ensuring quality and consistency across borders

The ERC’s education is more than a set of courses – it is a framework for saving lives, building competence, and creating a Europe where more people survive cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies.

Relevant links:

Course Rules
Course Types

Course Types:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)

  • Paediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS)

  • Refresher BLS (RS-BLS)

  • Advanced Life Support (ALS)

  • European Paediatric Advanced Life Support (EPALS)

  • Refresher ALS (RS-ALS)

  • Immediate Life Support (ILS)

  • European Paediatric Immediate Life Support (EPILS)

  • Neonatal Life Support (NLS)

  • Basic Instructor Course (BIC)

  • Generic Instructor Course (GIC)

  • Educator Master Class (EMC)

  • European Trauma Course (ETC) - organised by ETCO

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