CPR, AED & First Aid Provider Handbook Notes

First Aid (Chapter 1)

First aid is giving immediate care to someone who is hurt or sick until professional medical help arrives. It can be enough for small problems, but for serious issues, keep helping until experts take over. Quick, correct action can save lives.

First Aid Basics

1. Know the Problem and Call for Help:
   • If it’s serious, call 911 (or your local emergency number). Tell them what happened so they can guide you.
2. Find First Aid Stuff:
   • Know where the first aid kit and AED are at home, work, or school. Check what’s inside.
3. Check Rules at Work:
   • Be aware of any rules about medical emergencies at your job.
4. See if They Respond:
   • Tap the person and ask loudly, "Are you okay?"
5. Shout for Help:
   • Yell for help and look for medical IDs (like a necklace or bracelet).
6. Ask to Help:
   • Tell them you know first aid and ask if you can help. If they're confused or badly hurt, it's okay to assume they want help.

Scene Safety

Make sure the area is safe so you don't get hurt too. Move the person from danger like water or traffic. Watch out for anything dangerous.

Handwashing and Protective Gear

Handwashing:

Important to stop germs from spreading. Wash after helping someone and after taking off gloves. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash.

• How to Wash:
  • Wet hands and use lots of soap.
  • Rub hard for 20 seconds.
  • Rinse well.
  • Dry with a towel or air.

Protective Gear:

Use gear to keep away from blood and body fluids. Always wear gloves and eye protection if there's bleeding.

• Always Protect Yourself:
  • Use gear when you might touch blood or fluids.
• Gloves:
  • Keep your hands clean.
• Eye Protection:
  • Stops splashes.
• Pocket Mask:
  • Safe to use when giving breaths.
• Put used stuff in a special biohazard bag.

Taking off Gloves:

Don't touch the dirty outside. Pull one glove off inside out while holding it with the other gloved hand, then take off the second glove inside out so the first one is inside.

First Aid Kit

What’s Inside:

• Bandages, tape
• Sterile gauze
• Cleaning wipes
• Soft pads
• Antibiotic cream
• Burn cream
• Mask for breaths
• Cold pack
• Eye cover and wash
• Guide with numbers

Medical Problems (Chapter 2)

Medical problems can be small or life-threatening. First aiders need to be ready to act right.

Breathing Problems

Breathing issues can come from lung problems (asthma) or sicknesses (pneumonia). Heart attack, stroke, seizure, or worry can also cause them.

Signs:

• Fast or shallow breaths
• Noisy breathing
• Strange sounds
• Can’t talk because of breath

Asthma:

Wheezing is common. Bad allergic reactions can also cause it. High-pitched sounds when breathing in might mean a blocked airway.

Using an Inhaler:

People with asthma often use inhalers like albuterol. A spacer helps the medicine work better. If they are in big trouble, call 911.

• How to Use:
  1. Shake the inhaler.
  2. Put it in the spacer, if you have one.
  3. Have them breathe out all the way.
  4. Put the spacer or inhaler in their mouth.
  5. Breathe in slowly while pushing down on the inhaler.
  6. Hold breath for 10 seconds, if possible.
  7. Do it again if they still have trouble.
  8. Stay with them until they feel better or help comes.

Allergic Reactions

Allergies can be from bug bites, food, medicine, or things around you (like pollen). Bee stings can be dangerous. Common foods are nuts and eggs.

Symptoms:

Small problems are itching and hives. Big problems include swelling that blocks breathing.

Epinephrine:

A life-saving medicine for bad reactions. EpiPens are easy to use.

• How to Use:
  1. Make a fist around the pen and take off the cap.
  2. Push the orange end hard into the outer part of the middle of the thigh (even through clothes).
  3. Hold it there for 3 seconds until you hear a click.
  4. Take it out and rub the spot for 10 seconds.
  5. Throw away the pen in a sharps container.
  6. Note the time.
  7. Get medical help.

Antihistamines:

Medicines like Benadryl also help with bad reactions. Epi wears off, so they need to see a doctor.

Heart Diseases

Heart issues are the top cause of death in the US. Quick action during a heart attack helps limit damage. "Time Is Muscle."

Symptoms:

Chest pain that feels like pressure or squeezing. Women and diabetics might have nausea or tiredness. Shortness of breath can be the only sign.

Aspirin:

Keeps blood clots from getting bigger and can make a heart attack less bad. If they aren't allergic and aren't having a stroke, give aspirin.

• Care Steps:
  1. Stay calm.
  2. Have them sit or lie down.
  3. Call 911.
  4. Give 2-4 baby aspirins or half an adult one (not coated).
  5. Be ready to do CPR.
     Heart attacks can be quick. Get them to the hospital by ambulance. If they refuse, make sure someone goes with them.

Fainting

Fainting can happen for many reasons, like stress or dehydration. Less blood to the brain makes them pass out. Lying down helps.

• Care Steps:
  1. Make sure it’s safe.
  2. Help them lie down.
  3. Lift their legs, if you can.
  4. If they don't get better fast or pass out, call 911. If they faint sitting, help them to the floor. If you don't know why they fainted, call 911.

Low Blood Sugar in Diabetics

Changes in blood sugar can cause problems. Low sugar can be from sickness, stress, skipping meals, or too much insulin. Signs are confusion, tiredness, and seizure-like activity.

• Care Steps:
  1. Give a sugary drink (juice, milk, or soda).
  2. Have them sit or lie down.
  3. Call 911.
  4. If they feel better, have them eat. Glucose gel or sugar packets are quick ways to raise blood sugar. If they can't sit up or swallow, don't give them anything to eat or drink.

Stroke

A stroke (brain attack) is when a blood vessel is blocked or bleeding in the brain.

Symptoms:

• Slurred speech

• Drooping face

• Numbness

• Weakness on one side

• Trouble walking

• Vision loss

• Bad headache

• Passing out

• Care Steps:

  1. Call 911 right away.
  2. Help them sit or lie down.
  3. Get an AED and kit.
  4. Note when the symptoms started.
  5. Be ready to do CPR.

Seizures

Seizures are when the body moves oddly because of electrical problems in the brain. They can affect one or both sides and cause jerking or staring. They might fall, bite their tongue, and lose control of their body.

Causes:

Epilepsy, low blood sugar, head injury, heart disease, or toxins.

• Care During Seizure:
  1. Help them to the ground, if needed.
  2. Clear the area.
  3. Put a pillow under their head.
  4. Call 911.
• After Seizure:
  1. Check their pulse.
  2. Put them on their side so they don't choke if they throw up.
  3. Stay with them until help comes. Don’t hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Staring seizures involve open eyes but no response. They are short but still need a doctor.

Shock

Shock can be from infection, blood loss, allergies, dehydration, or heart issues. Less blood flow means less oxygen.

Signs:

• Pale or bluish skin

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Clammy skin

• Care Steps:

  1. Call 911.
  2. Have them lie down and lift their legs.
  3. Cover them with blankets.
  4. Be ready to do CPR.
  5. Stay with them.

Traumatic Injuries (Chapter 3)

First aiders often help with injuries. This includes controlling bleeding, teeth issues, nosebleeds, punctures, eye problems, head/spine injuries, bone/joint injuries, burns, and electrical injuries.

Controlling Bleeding

Stop serious bleeding first. Always use protective gear.

Direct Pressure:

Best way to stop bleeding is to press hard with a bandage and gloved hand until it stops. For many wounds, do the worst ones first.

Small Wounds:

Scrapes heal faster with antibiotic cream.

Massive Bleeding:

For big bleeding from open fractures or deep cuts, use a tourniquet. This can be a blood pressure cuff or belt. Press hard first.

• How to Use a Tourniquet:
  1. Put on gear.
  2. Put it two inches above the wound.
  3. Tighten until bleeding stops.
  4. Note the time.
  5. Call 911.
  6. Stay and don’t take it off. Only a doctor should.

Internal Bleeding:

May not be visible. Suspect it in trauma, falls, car accidents, or crush injuries. Penetrating injuries can cause big internal bleeding with little outside blood.

• Care Steps:
  1. Call 911 right away.
  2. Help them lie still.
  3. Check for shock signs.
  4. Cover them to keep warm.
  5. Stay until help arrives.

Teeth Injuries

Teeth can be broken or knocked out. Use gloves to handle teeth. They can sometimes be put back. Handle them gently and don’t touch the roots.

• Care Steps:
  1. Wash with clean water, but don’t scrub.
  2. Take it to the dentist in milk or under the tongue.
  3. See a dentist right away. If it’s loose, have them bite on gauze and call the dentist. Injured teeth might turn color later.

Nosebleeds

Can be messy. Wear protective gear.

• Care Steps:
  1. Pinch both sides of the nose below the bone for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Sit up and lean forward to avoid swallowing blood. If it keeps bleeding, hold longer. If it doesn't stop or they have trouble breathing, get help or call 911.

Punctures

Can be deep. Control bleeding and get medical help. They can carry germs deep.

• Don’t remove stuck objects. Keep them still with gauze and get to the ER.

Eye Problems

Come from hits, objects, or scratches. Signs are pain and vision changes. Flush irritants with water. For chemicals, flush a lot and call 911. Cover both eyes. A doctor must check these.

Head Injuries

Happen with any trauma.

Signs:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Memory loss
• Balance loss
• Seizure
• Passing out

Protect them from more harm by keeping the head and neck still. Watch for changes and be ready to do CPR if they pass out.

Spine Injuries

From falls, diving, car accidents, or sports. Keep the spine still.

• Don’t bend their head or neck. If they throw up, keep their head and neck still and help them to the side. Call 911 right away.

Bone and Joint Injuries

Sprains are when joints are stretched too far. This means pain and swelling. You can’t know it’s not a break without an x-ray. Treat sprains and breaks the same.

• Care Steps:
  1. Make sure it’s safe and wear gear.
  2. Put gauze on open wounds.
  3. Ice the area for 20 minutes.
  4. See a doctor. Call 911 if there’s a wound over a joint, or if something is bent wrong. An open fracture is when the bone breaks the skin. Keep bent bones still.

Splinting:

Use magazines or towels to keep it still. Pad the area with a cloth. Put the material on each side and tape it. Don’t make it too tight. Get medical care.

Amputations:

When a body part is cut off. Doctors can sometimes reattach it. Take the part to the hospital.

• Care Steps

  1. Make sure it’s safe, get the kit, and wear gear.
  2. Call 911.
  3. Press on the bleeding area with gauze.
  4. Find and care for the body part.
  5. Stay with them.

• Caring for Part:

  1. Wear gear.
  2. Rinse with water.
  3. Wrap in gauze and put in a plastic bag. Seal the bag.
  4. Put that bag in another bag with ice. Seal it.
  5. Write their name on the bag.

Burns

From heat, electricity, or chemicals. They can be light or deep. High-voltage electrical injuries can be deadly.

Small Burns

• Care Steps:
  1. Make sure it’s safe.
  2. Wear gear and get the kit.
  3. Rinse with cool water.
  4. Put on cream if they aren’t allergic.
  5. Cover with a clean bandage.
  6. See a doctor. Don’t use ice. Call 911 for big burns, burns on the face or hands, trouble breathing, and fire exposure.

Large Burns

1. Make sure that the scene is safe.
2. Call 911/EMS.
3. Put on personal protective equipment and get the first aid kit.
4. Remove any part of the clothing which is not stuck, and if you have suitable alternative coverings, i.e Clean plastic film, sheet, blanket etc, cover them with these.

Environmental Injuries (Chapter 4)

Outdoor trips can cause problems from weather. This includes bites, temperature issues, sunburn, and poison exposure.

Bites and Stings

Bug bites are common, but allergies can be serious. Watch for allergy signs and call 911.
Ticks carry diseases. Check for signs for a month after exposure (fever, rash). Remove with tweezers and clean. Get medical help for antibiotics.

Animal Bites:

(raccoon, bat, skunk, fox, or coyote) have rabies risk. Make sure it’s safe and call the emergency number so animal control can check for rabies. Clean the wound with soap, stop bleeding, and get care. Snakebites need help. If pain gets worse, it might be venomous. Call 911, keep calm, don’t move the bitten area, take off tight clothes, and wash gently. Don’t use a tourniquet.

Temperature Problems

Heat-related issues (cramps, exhaustion, and heatstroke) come from high heat, especially in old people and during exercise.

Heat Cramps:

Cause painful muscle spasms. Rest, cool off, and drink water.

Heat Exhaustion:

Signs: Dizziness, vomiting, cramps, tiredness, sweating, and lightheadedness. Cool them down, loosen clothes, spray with water, and give drinks.

Heatstroke:

Deadly. Signs: Confusion, passing out, dizziness, cramps, vomiting, and seizures. Call 911. Cool them down fast.

Sunburn

From sun exposure. Avoid more sun, drink water, and use aloe vera. Ibuprofen can help.

Frostbite

From cold exposure, mostly in the extremities. Cold wind makes it worse. Ice crystals form in tissues and cause damage. Get them warm, call 911, take off tight clothes, redress in warm clothes, and put frostbitten areas in warm water. Don’t rub or squeeze.

Hypothermia

Life-threatening when body temperature drops too low. Signs: Behavior changes, shivering, stiff muscles, cold skin, and decreased breathing. Call 911, get them warm, take off wet clothes, redress, cover the head, and be ready to do CPR.

Toxin and Poison Exposure

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) has info about chemicals. Call 911, make sure it’s safe, get the kit, and tell the dispatcher what chemicals are involved. Remove them from the poison, take off clothes, follow advice from the dispatcher or sheet, and stay with them. Flush eyes with water.

Adult CPR, AED and Choking (Chapter 5)

CPR is key to saving lives. Chest compressions and rescue breaths are vital.

Adult CPR

CPR involves compressions, airway help, and breaths. Compressions are most important.

Steps:

1. Make sure it’s safe.
2. Tap them and ask, “Are you okay?”
3. Yell for help. Call 911 and get an AED.
4. Check breathing.
5. If they aren’t breathing, start CPR.
6. Give 30 compressions at 100-120 per minute and 2-2.4 inches deep.
7. Open the airway and give two breaths.
8. Keep doing this until help comes, it becomes unsafe, or they respond. If you aren’t trained, do “hands-only” CPR (compressions but no breaths). Trained rescuers give breaths and compressions.

Compressions

Have the biggest impact on survival. Do at 100-120 per minute and 2-2.4 inches deep for adults in cardiac arrest.

• Care Steps:
  1. Put them on their back on a flat surface.
  2. Remove or open clothing at the chest.
  3. Feel for the end of the breastbone.
  4. Put the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone.
  5. Put the other hand on top.
  6. Press straight down at 100-120 per minute and 2-2.4 inches deep.
  7. Let the chest come all the way back up between compressions. Keep your hands on them. It’s tiring, so ask to switch.

Giving Breaths

Helps keep oxygen in the lungs. Oxygen is moved to the brain by compressions.

• To open the airway:

  1. Put one hand on their forehead.
  2. Place your fingers on the bony part of their chin.
  3. Gently tilt the head back while lifting the chin.
  • Do the following:
    1. Hold the airway open and pinch their nose.
    2. Take a breath and seal your mouth around theirs.
    3. Blow into their mouth for one second and watch their chest rise.
    4. Repeat. If the chest doesn’t rise, fix the airway. Keep doing compressions. Take no longer than 10 seconds to give two breaths.

Mask Use

CPR is generally safe. If you have a mask, use it. Put the pointed end over the nose.

• When using the mask:
  1. Place the mask over the person’s mouth and nose.
  2. Open their airway by performing the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver.
  3. Ensure a good seal between the mask and the person’s face.
  4. Give a breath for over one second and watch the chest rise.
  5. Deliver the second breath.

AED for Adults

When the heart doesn’t work right, they might collapse. An AED can shock the heart back to normal. Start CPR right away and use the AED quickly to improve survival.

To use an AED:

1. Turn it on.
2. Expose the chest.
3. Apply pads.
4. Connect pads.
5. Clear the person.
6. Let the AED analyze.
7. Follow prompts such as: Shock Advised, No Shock Advised, Check Connection, etc.
8. Resume CPR with compressions.

Calling 911

Call 911 when someone is unresponsive or not breathing right. Check their breathing. If they are barely breathing, start CPR.

Choking in Adults

Objects stuck in the throat are a preventable cause of death. Immediate action is required. They have a few minutes before they pass out. The sign of choking is holding the neck.

Relief of Choking

1. Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist under the ribcage.
2. Put your fist above the navel.
3. Hold the fist and press hard into the abdomen and up toward their chest.
4. Keep doing this until the object comes out. If they pass out, start CPR. Big people or pregnant women can get chest thrusts. Wrap your arms around them and pull straight back to deliver the chest thrusts.

Child CPR, AED and Choking (Chapter 6)

Children have breathing problems more than heart problems. Kids are those older than one year who haven’t reached puberty.

Child CPR

Steps:

1. Make sure the scene is safe.
2. Tap and ask, “Are you okay?”
3. Yell for help.
4. Check breathing.
5. If they aren’t breathing, give 2 minutes of CPR or ten sets of 15 compressions and two breaths.
6. Call 911 and get an AED.
7. Resume CPR. If you aren’t trained, do “hands-only” CPR.

Compressions

To do CPR on a child:

1. Position the child on their back on a firm, hard surface.
2. Move any thick clothing away from the chest.
3. Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone.
4. Push straight down approximately at least one third the depth of the chest. Compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute
5. Let the chest recoil to its normal position after every compression.

Giving Breaths

To open the child’s airway:

1. Put one hand on their forehead.
2. Place your fingers on the bony part of their chin.
3. Gently tilt the head back while lifting the chin.

You are ready to deliver breaths.

Do the following:

1. Hold the child’s airway open and pinch the nose shut.
2. Take a deep breath and seal your mouth around the child’s mouth.
3. Gently exhale into their mouth for one second using enough force to cause the chest to rise.
4. Repeat for a second breath. Mask Given breaths in CPR is generally safe. However, if a mask is available, it should be used. The mask fits over the child’s mouth and nose. Many masks have a pointed end, which should go over the bridge of the nose.

AED For Children

An AED can be used on children and should be used as early as possible but should not interfere with CPR. Check the AED when it arrives if the child is younger than eight years, pediatric pads should be used otherwise apply pads on the child be sure that the pads do not touch.

Choking in Children

Mild or severe signs of choking can be determined, stand near them and encourage them to cough. Sever Signs need immediate action To relieve choking in a child, do the following:

1. Ask if they are choking.
2. Tell them you will help.
3. Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their body below the rib cage.
4. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel.
5. Grab the fist with your other hand and deliver quick upward thrusts.
6. Continue until the obstruction comes out and breathing is possible, coughing or speaking is restored, or until the child stops responding. If the child stops responding, lay them down and yell for help. Check for breathing and begin CPR.

Infant CPR and Choking (Chapter 7)

Infants more often have a breathing problem than an actual heart problem. Prevention of choking in infants is crucial. It is important to begin CPR immediately and perform 2 minutes of CPR before going to get additional help.

Infant CPR

Steps

1. Make sure the scene and area around the infant are safe.
2. Tap and shout to determine if the infant is unresponsive.
3. Yell for help. If a second person is available have them call 911/EMS and get an AED.
4. Check breathing.
5. If not responding and not breathing or only gasping, then give two minutes of 15 compressions and two breaths.
6. Call 911/EMS if a second person has not already done so.
7. Resume CPR and give compressions and breaths. CPR for children and infants is almost identical. Give “hands-only” CPR if you are a rescuer and you are untrained.

Compressions

Position the infant on a hard surface and follow theses steps:

1. Move any clothing away from the chest
2. Place two fingers of one hand on the breastbone right below the nipple line.
3. Push straight down approximately 1.5 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute.
4. Let the chest recoil to its normal position after every compression.

Giving Breaths

Give breaths to infants during CPR. Open the airway and do the following steps:

1. Take a deep breath and seal your mouth around the infant’s mouth and nose.
2. Blow for one second and watch the chest rise.
3. Very little force is required to inflate an infant’s lungs.