Quote from NIFATADMIN on March 10, 2026, 12:13 pm

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ANZCOR Guideline Updates March 2026: What First Aid Trainers Need to Know

Quick Summary

Several ANZCOR guidelines were updated in early March 2026.
While there are no major clinical changes, the updates focus on improving evidence terminology, clarifying guidance, and simplifying how serious illness is recognised and managed in first aid settings.

Key points for trainers:

• No major clinical changes to Targeted Oxygen Therapy in Adult ALS
• New clarification around rapid rewarming of non-freezing cold injuries
• Shock and Sepsis guidance combined into a single guideline focused on recognising a seriously ill person and acting early

Below is a quick overview of the updates and what they mean for first aid training.

Why ANZCOR Guideline Updates Matter for First Aid Trainers

First aid training is built on evidence-based practice, and ANZCOR guidelines form the foundation of how life-saving skills are taught across Australia and New Zealand.

When guidelines are updated, the changes may sometimes appear small. However, even subtle updates can affect:

• How we explain concepts to learners
• The language used in training materials
• The emphasis placed on certain actions in an emergency

For first aid trainers and RTOs, staying aware of guideline updates helps ensure that:

• Training remains aligned with current best practice
• Course materials stay accurate
• Learners receive guidance that reflects the most current evidence

The latest updates focus largely on clarifying language, improving evidence consistency, and simplifying how serious illness is recognised and managed in first aid settings.

Summary of the Latest ANZCOR Guideline Updates

Adult Advanced Life Support

Guideline 11.6.1 – Targeted Oxygen Therapy in Adult Advanced Life Support
Updated 6 March 2026

What’s changed

• Evidence review and references have been updated
• Terminology has been aligned with GRADE evidence terminology

What this means

There are no major changes to the clinical recommendations within this guideline. The update primarily improves consistency in how evidence is described and referenced.

First Aid in Environmental Emergencies

Guideline 9.3.3 – First Aid Management of Hypothermia and Cold-Related Injuries
Updated 5 March 2026

What’s changed

The guideline now includes information about the potential problems associated with rapid rewarming of non-freezing cold injuries.

Why this matters

This clarification highlights the importance of appropriate rewarming techniques and reinforces the potential risks associated with overly aggressive rewarming.

Recognition and Management of Serious Illness

Guideline 9.2.3 – Recognition and First Aid Management of the Seriously Ill Person, including Shock and Sepsis
Updated 5 March 2026

What’s changed

• Recognition and treatment have been combined into a single guideline
• Less emphasis is placed on identifying an exact diagnosis
• Greater emphasis is placed on recognising that a person is seriously ill and responding quickly

Guidelines superseded

The following guidelines have now been replaced:

• 9.2.3 – Shock: First Aid Management of the Seriously Ill or Injured Person (Nov 2019)
• 9.2.12 – Recognition and First Aid Management of the Seriously Ill Person including Sepsis (Apr 2021)

Why this matters

This change reflects real-world first aid practice. In many situations, a first aider does not need to diagnose the exact condition, the priority is recognising serious illness or deterioration and acting quickly.

What First Aid Trainers Should Do Now

While these updates do not introduce major clinical changes, it is still important for trainers and RTOs to stay aware of the updates and ensure teaching remains aligned with current guidance.

Review the updated guidelines

Take time to scan the updated documents, particularly:

• Guideline 11.6.1 – Targeted Oxygen Therapy in Adult Advanced Life Support
• Guideline 9.3.3 – First Aid Management of Hypothermia and Cold-Related Injuries
• Guideline 9.2.3 – Recognition and First Aid Management of the Seriously Ill Person

Even small wording changes can influence how concepts are explained in training.

Update teaching language

The updated serious illness guideline reinforces an important teaching message:

First aiders should focus on recognising when someone is seriously unwell and acting quickly, rather than trying to make a precise diagnosis such as shock or sepsis.

Check course materials

If your training materials reference the previous shock or sepsis guidelines, they may now need updating to reflect the combined guideline.

Use updates as a teaching opportunity

Guideline updates provide a great opportunity to remind learners that first aid practice evolves as new evidence emerges.

This reinforces that first aid is an evidence-based discipline, not simply a static set of skills.

View the Full ANZCOR Guidelines

You can explore the complete ANZCOR guideline library here:

https://resus.org.au/the-arc-guidelines/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]