<p>Those who care for people with learning disabilities must be able to manage a choking situation and possibly carry out basic life support. This involves maintaining airway patency and supporting breathing and the circulation, without the use of equipment other than a protective device for mouth-to-mouth ventilation.</p> <p>Basic life support may be necessary in various other circumstances, most notably cardiac arrest. The difficulties specific to the resuscitation of people with severe learning difficulties or physical deformities require appropriate training for their carers.</p> <p>The authors invite correspondence from readers interested in current discussions about the possible development of such training, which at present appears to be lacking.</p>