Introduction
Since 1989, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) has provided the standard for resuscitation guidelines and training in Europe and beyond. Comprising 32 National Resuscitation Councils, the ERC's principal activities are:
Science
The ERC is a member of the International Liaison Committee On Resuscitation (ILCOR), where ERC experts contribute actively to the worldwide Consensus On Science and Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR). The ERC also supports and initiates scientific studies related to resuscitation. Resuscitation is the official journal of the ERC.
Guidelines
Based on the CoSTR, the ERC publishes European Resuscitation Guidelines that are the standard for resuscitation practice and training in and beyond Europe.
Training
A network of National Resuscitation Councils, Course Organisers, Course Directors and Instructors provide resuscitation training for lay rescuers and health professionals. The ERC defines the standard for the delivery of high-quality training and certifies providers who successfully complete an ERC course.
Congresses
State-of-the-art resuscitation science, combined with practical training: meet the international experts at the yearly ERC congress.
Public awareness
Everyone can resuscitate. The ERC established the annual European Restart a Heart day (16th October) and encourages professionals and the public to receive training and to attempt resuscitation if required.
National representation
A network of 32 National Resuscitation Councils (NRCs) represents the ERC at the national level. Each NRC oversees the delivery of guidelines, resuscitation training and quality control in its respective country.
