Practice Preparation for potential clinical emergencies – CPR requirements

We have made some important updates to the Standards for general practices (5th edition) in February, reflecting the expectation that practices need to be prepared for potential clinical emergencies. The updates included a change from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to basic life support (BLS) training for all practice staff.

Based on member feedback and the unintended consequences of the proposed change, we have reverted this requirement back to CPR for all clinical and non-clinical staff (to complete CPR training at least once every three years).

The explanatory notes in the Standards state the requirement for CPR training to comply with Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines and include the operation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) according to manufacturer's instructions.

Having an AED is now mandatory in the Standards. Accredited general practices have a transition period of 12 months in which to meet this requirement.

Further details on CPR requirements are available in our factsheet, Frequently asked questions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requirements in general practices.

Both the web and PDF versions of the Standards reflect the above changes, which are also outlined in this factsheet.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Published on: April 25, 2023