SADS Week 2025: Learn How to Save a Life with UK Coaching's Free Online Course
News by UK Coaching
This SADS Week – September 29 to October 5 – UK Coaching is once again reminding coaches, organisations, and anyone involved in sport and physical activity to complete its free life-saving course, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
A Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, at any time, and anywhere. But by being prepared, you can help save a life.
The e-learning course – developed in collaboration with Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, and The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust – aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond swiftly to an SCA incident using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Funded by Sport England, the course is designed for anyone involved in the sport and physical activity sector, including coaches, personal trainers, club organisers, referees, volunteers, parents, participants, and spectators.
Everyone has a role to play in increasing the chances of survival through proper knowledge, training, and support.
In the UK, around 60,000 people experience an SCA outside of a hospital setting each year. Only 1 in 10 survive – but immediate and effective action can triple the chances of survival.
Mark Gannon, UK Coaching CEO said:
What could be more important than knowing how to save a life? We know that great coaches change people's lives and communities every day through the delivery of sport and physical activity. On occasion, they may literally have to save a life.
"Sudden cardiac arrest is something we all need to know about and take responsibility for. The stark fact is, if more people were trained in CPR and how to use a defibrillator then more people would be saved.
That is why, collectively, we created an online course that reduces the fear and shock of an SCA and increases people's response rate by being prepared to act. This training is free, simple and a must for all coaches."
The immersive digital course offers practical skill development exercises, including virtual chest compressions and the use of a virtual AED. Learners are placed in a real emergency simulation where every decision and moment are critical. The course also employs animation, infographics, and diagrams to convey essential information and keep participants engaged.
Course Testimonials
Our special feature ‘Four-year milestone in UK Coaching’s commitment to building heart-safe communities’ shines a light on some of the incredible feedback we have received from learners who have taken the online course.
Before taking the eLearning, many people rated their confidence in knowing what to do in a sudden cardiac arrest emergency as low.
However, after completing the module, there was a significant shift, with a majority now feeling ‘highly confident’ in their ability to respond effectively.
The transformation highlights the powerful intervention of our free training.
“The video of the team using the defibrillator was really useful. Up until now, a defibrillator was a scary unknown, but having seen it in use it has removed any fears. Overall, this was an excellent learning experience.” – Andrew
“As someone who would have been nervous dealing with such a difficult situation before the training, I do feel confident that if I were somewhere where this happened to someone, I would now be confident in dealing with it.” – Ian
“I wouldn’t have felt confident giving CPR before this course; however, now I would feel confident that I know exactly what to do. Great course!” – Emily
“The course was an eye-opener, and I think should be a priority for learning for every single individual in this country… as it’s a life-changing necessity." – Chris
“Absolutely superb. In many online courses, it is difficult to get a real feel of what is being taught, but the videos on this one pricked the hairs on my arms! Fantastic learning course. Thank you!” – Mike
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