First reported 7 Nov 2014•Latest report 21 May 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures to provide, maintain, refresh or verify prison staff training and familiarisation specifically for responding to medical emergencies, including training for on-duty Governors and staff expected to use emergency-response procedures or systems such as ERIC.
Not included
Excludes general prison staffing, communication, leadership or emergency-procedure deficiencies where inadequate staff training for medical-emergency response is not identified.
Excludes clinical training for healthcare professionals unless the assertion specifically concerns prison staff training for responding to medical emergencies.
Excludes first-aid or CPR training concerns where the report does not connect them to the broader prison staff medical-emergency response training process.
Excludes failures in the conduct of a particular medical emergency after staff training was adequate.
Reports
19
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
23
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2014–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
35
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
HM Prison and Probation Service8
Ministry of Justice8
Department of Health and Social Care4
NHS England4
Pentonville Prison2
Serco Group plc2
Care Quality Commission1
Elmley Prison1
HCRG Care Ltd1
High Security Prisons Group1
Lancaster Farms Prison1
Manchester Prison1
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust1
Norwich Prison1
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust1
Prison or young offender institution10
Ministerial department9
Executive agency8
Executive non-departmental public body4
NHS trust3
Prison operator2
Health and social care service regulator1
Independent healthcare provider1
Ombudsman1
Private limited company1
Sub-organisation1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
West Yorkshire Eastern
Concerns raised3
Failure to provide annual refresher training in CPR and defibrillator use for night patrol staff
Failure to train OSG officers to carry out CPR
Outdated defibrillator training for prison officers
This report raised 9 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Update the emergency-response training video and distribute it to training centres and prisons for staff training.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Action
Resume local FAW and EFAW training, prioritising night-group staff and extending training to Custodial Managers and other officers.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Existing first-aid training requirements and local risk assessments are considered sufficient to ensure enough trained staff are deployed at all times.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen
Concerns raised2
Lack of prison staff familiarisation with the ERIC system
Lack of prison staff training in responses to medical emergencies
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Develop and deliver ERIC emergency-response training to healthcare and prison staff, with further rollout through inductions, handovers and update sessions.
Stated by SpectrumStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 December 2021.
Action
Embed ERIC training and emergency-call appropriateness through Local Delivery Board discussions and staff induction and appraisal compliance reporting.
Stated by SpectrumStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 16 December 2021.
Action
Assess ERIC training compliance after emergency calls, provide feedback and conduct at least annual spot audits of ERIC competencies.
Stated by SpectrumStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 16 December 2021.
Action
Distribute ERIC pocket cards to all existing staff.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 December 2021.
Action
Deliver weekly ERIC training and refresher training to all staff until completed.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 December 2021.
Action
Provide ERIC training and pocket cards to all new staff during induction.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 16 December 2021.
East Sussex
Concerns raised1
Lack of prison officer training in Naloxone use
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Determine how prison staff could identify opioid overdoses and administer naloxone, including the training required.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 27 December 2019.
Action
Prepare a pilot to train prison staff in selected prisons in northern England.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 27 December 2019.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Broader prison staff administration of naloxone cannot yet proceed because risks, role requirements, training needs and trade union consultation require further consideration.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
South Yorkshire (Eastern)
Concerns raised1
Lack of basic life support training for prison staff
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
East Sussex
Concerns raised1
Lack of first aid training for frontline prison staff
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Deliver monthly first aid training to prison staff through two on-site trainers.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 23 August 2019.
Action
Introduce a one-day first aid refresher course to maintain staff training levels.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 23 August 2019.
Action
Provide priority first aid training to Custodial Managers and Officer Support Grades.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 August 2019.
Action
Require new prison officers to complete mandatory level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work training, including CPR and defibrillator use.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 August 2019.
Action
Review the provision of first aid in prisons.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 23 August 2019.
Action
Develop a custodial First Aid awareness course with the awarding body.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 23 August 2019.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Existing arrangements require sufficient first-aid-trained staff on duty, with at least two nurses and one trained prison staff member available at HMP Lewes.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Nottinghamshire
Concerns raised1
Selective emergency First Aid training among prison staff
This report raised 9 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Review the bands, grades and numbers of staff requiring first-aid training.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation Service and Ministry of Justice and Ranby PrisonStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 March 2016.
Action
Provide staff information on defibrillator locations and use.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation Service and Ministry of Justice and Ranby PrisonStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 March 2016.
Action
Ensure first-aid training is delivered by competent, approved or currently certificated instructors.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation Service and Ministry of Justice and Ranby PrisonStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 March 2016.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Healthcare concerns are assigned to NHS England and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which addressed them separately.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation Service and Ministry of Justice and Ranby PrisonRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The remaining seven concerns were matters for HM Prison Service and other parties, so the Trust could not respond to them.
Stated by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Norfolk
Concerns raised1
Insufficient availability of recently CPR-trained Prison Officers for emergencies
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Train all permanent night staff to provide first-aid cover during nights and weekends.
Stated by Norwich PrisonStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 2 February 2015.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.4
Position
Serco no longer provides services at HMP Norwich and has no power to implement the recommendations there.
Stated by Mr Rupert SoamesOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
HMP Norwich and Virgin Care have the power to implement the recommendations.
Stated by Mr Rupert SoamesRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The concern about prison officers’ access to recent CPR training is outside the healthcare provider’s remit.
Stated by HCRG Care Services LtdOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Existing first-aid risk assessment, staffing levels, night cover and 24-hour healthcare are considered sufficient to address CPR response risks.
Stated by Norwich PrisonExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Portsmouth and South East Hampshire
Concerns raised1
Inadequate training and clarity for night-time staff assessing medical emergencies
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Issue emergency-response instructions specifying medical emergency codes, required information, local protocols and staff responsibilities.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 10 December 2014.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
The Ministry of Justice and National Offender Management Service can address training for non-medical prison staff.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Continuous in-house healthcare is not provided at every establishment because limited resources make it inefficient and generally unnecessary.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
West Yorkshire Eastern
Concerns raised1
Inadequate training of on-duty Governors in responding to medical emergencies
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Includes failures to provide, maintain, refresh or verify prison staff training and familiarisation specifically for responding to medical emergencies, including training for on-duty Governors and staff expected to use emergency-response procedures or systems such as ERIC.
