Module 5 of 19 Foundation Path 🏆 Final Foundation Module

First Aid & AED

Save a Life, Be a First Responder

Learn essential first aid skills and how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). When seconds count, your knowledge can be the difference between life and death. Completing this module earns your Foundation Safety Certificate!

📚 10 Content Slides

❓ 3 Quiz Questions

⏱ ~12 min

🎥 First Aid & AED Basics

Watch this 3-minute overview on workplace first aid and AED use

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Slide 1 of 10

Why Workplace First Aid Matters

🚨 In a medical emergency, the first few minutes are the most critical. Professional help takes an average of 8–12 minutes to arrive. Your actions in that window can save a life.

First aid in the workplace is essential because:

Immediate care can prevent injuries from worsening
Some conditions (cardiac arrest, severe bleeding) require instant response
OSHA requires employers to have first aid provisions
Trained employees increase survival rates dramatically
Reduces recovery time and long-term disability

💓 CPR within first 3 minutes doubles survival rates for cardiac arrest

Katie's Tip

"You don't need to be a doctor to save a life. Basic first aid knowledge is one of the most powerful skills you can have!"

Slide 2 of 10

First Aid Basics: Scene Safety First

💡 Rule #1: Don't become the next victim! Always check for hazards before providing aid.

Before You Help — Check the Scene:

1

Is the Scene Safe?

Look for electrical hazards, chemical spills, traffic, fire, structural damage, or violent individuals. Do NOT enter an unsafe scene.

2

What Happened?

Quickly assess the situation. How many people are injured? What caused the injury? Are there ongoing hazards?

3

Call for Help

Call 911 (or your company's emergency number). Give location, number of injured, and type of emergency. Stay on the line.

4

Provide Aid

Only if safe and within your training level. Use PPE (gloves!) and stay calm. Help is on the way.

⚠️ Good Samaritan Laws protect people who provide reasonable first aid in good faith. Don't hesitate to help — you're protected.

Katie's Tip

"Always put your own safety first. You can't help anyone if you become a victim too!"

Slide 3 of 10

Calling for Emergency Help

🚨 When in doubt, CALL 911. It's always better to call and not need help than to not call and need it.

Always Call 911 For:

💔Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke
🩸Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
😴Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
🦴Suspected broken bones, head, or spinal injuries
🔥Burns covering large areas or on face/hands/feet
🧪Chemical exposure, poisoning, or allergic reactions
⚡Electrocution or lightning strike

What to Tell the Dispatcher:

Your location — Building, floor, room, nearest intersection
What happened — Type of emergency, cause of injury
Number of injured — How many people need help
Condition of victims — Conscious? Breathing? Bleeding?
What aid is being given — CPR in progress, bleeding controlled, etc.

💡 Tip: If possible, send someone to meet the ambulance at the entrance and guide them to the patient. This saves critical minutes.

Slide 4 of 10

Controlling Bleeding & Wound Care

⚠️ Severe bleeding can be life-threatening in minutes. Quick action is critical.

Steps to Control Bleeding:

1

Protect Yourself

Put on disposable gloves before touching blood. This protects you from bloodborne pathogens.

2

Apply Direct Pressure

Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Press firmly on the wound. Don't lift to check — maintain constant pressure.

3

Elevate if Possible

Raise the injured area above the heart (if it's a limb and no suspected fracture).

4

Call 911 if Severe

If bleeding soaks through bandages, won't stop after 10 minutes, or the wound is deep/large, get emergency help immediately.

Do NOT:

Remove objects embedded in wounds
Apply a tourniquet unless trained and bleeding is life-threatening
Touch the wound without gloves

Katie's Tip

"Pressure and patience! Keep pressing on the wound — don't peek. Let the pressure do its work."

Slide 5 of 10

CPR Basics — Hands-Only CPR

🚨 When someone's heart stops, every second counts. Brain damage begins in 4–6 minutes without blood flow. CPR keeps blood moving until help arrives.

Hands-Only CPR Steps:

1

Check Responsiveness

Tap shoulders firmly and shout "Are you okay?" If no response and not breathing normally, begin CPR.

2

Call 911

Call 911 (or have someone call). If alone, put phone on speaker. Ask someone to get the AED.

3

Begin Chest Compressions

Place heel of hand on center of chest (between nipples). Push hard and fast — at least 2 inches deep, 100–120 compressions per minute.

4

Don't Stop

Continue compressions until EMS arrives, an AED is available, or the person starts breathing. Switch off with another rescuer every 2 minutes if possible.

🎵 Compression Rhythm: Push to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees — that's the perfect 100–120 beats per minute!

Katie's Tip

"Hard and fast, center of chest! Don't worry about being perfect — any CPR is better than no CPR."

Slide 6 of 10

AED — Automated External Defibrillator

What is an AED? A portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest.

Key facts about AEDs:

Designed for anyone to use — no medical training required
Provides voice prompts that guide you through every step
Will only deliver a shock if the heart needs it — you cannot hurt someone
Using an AED within 3–5 minutes of cardiac arrest increases survival by 50–70%
Required in most workplaces, schools, and public buildings

Know Where Your AED Is Located!

Usually near fire extinguishers or first aid kits
Marked with a green heart or AED sign
In wall-mounted cases (often with alarm when opened)
Check your facility map for exact locations

💓 AED + CPR within 3 minutes = 74% survival rate for cardiac arrest

Katie's Tip

"An AED is foolproof — it literally talks you through it! Don't be afraid to grab one. It could save a life."

Slide 7 of 10

How to Use an AED

1

Turn On the AED

Open the case and press the power button. The AED will begin giving voice instructions immediately.

2

Expose the Chest

Remove or cut clothing from the chest. Wipe the chest dry if wet. Remove any medication patches with gloved hand.

3

Apply the Pads

Peel pads and place as shown in diagrams: one on upper right chest, one on lower left side. Press firmly.

4

Let the AED Analyze

"Analyzing heart rhythm — do not touch the patient." Stand clear and make sure no one is touching the person.

5

Deliver Shock (if Advised)

"Shock advised — press the shock button." Loudly say "CLEAR!" and make sure no one is touching the person. Press the button.

6

Resume CPR

Immediately resume chest compressions after the shock. The AED will guide you through the cycle every 2 minutes.

💡 Remember: The AED will NOT shock someone who doesn't need it. You cannot accidentally harm a person by using an AED.

Slide 8 of 10

Treating Burns

🩹 Minor Burns (1st Degree)

Red skin, pain, no blisters

Cool with running water for 10–20 minutes
Apply aloe vera or burn cream
Cover loosely with sterile bandage
Take over-the-counter pain medication

🔥 Serious Burns (2nd/3rd Degree)

Blisters, white/charred skin, deep tissue

Call 911 immediately
Cool with running water (not ice)
Cover loosely with clean cloth
Monitor for shock

For All Burns — Do NOT:

Apply ice directly to burns (causes more damage)
Pop blisters (increases infection risk)
Apply butter, oil, or toothpaste (old myths — traps heat)
Remove clothing stuck to the burn

🔥 Chemical Burns: Flush with large amounts of water for at least 20 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Call 911 and check the Safety Data Sheet.

Katie's Tip

"Cool water is your best friend for burns. And please — no butter! That's a myth that actually makes burns worse."

Slide 9 of 10

Responding to Choking

🚨 A choking person can lose consciousness in under 4 minutes. Quick action is essential.

Signs of Choking:

🙌Clutching the throat (universal choking sign)
😶Unable to speak, cough, or breathe
😱Skin turning blue/pale, panicked expression
🤬Weak or no cough, high-pitched sounds

Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver):

1

Stand Behind the Person

Wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel, below the ribcage.

2

Thrust Inward and Upward

Grasp your fist with your other hand. Deliver quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen. Repeat until the object is expelled.

3

If Person Becomes Unconscious

Lower them to the ground. Call 911. Begin CPR. Check the mouth for visible objects before giving breaths.

Katie's Tip

"If you see someone clutching their throat, act fast! Ask 'Are you choking?' — if they can't answer, start the Heimlich immediately."

Slide 10 of 10

First Aid Kits & Your Role

What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit:

🩹 Essential Supplies

Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Sterile gauze pads and rolls
Adhesive tape
Elastic bandages (Ace wraps)
Disposable gloves (multiple pairs)
Scissors and tweezers

🏥 Additional Items

Antiseptic wipes and ointment
CPR breathing barrier/mask
Cold packs (instant)
Eye wash solution
Triangular bandages (slings)
Emergency blanket

📍 Know Your Location! First aid kits are typically located near entrances, break rooms, and high-risk work areas. Check your facility map and find the nearest one to your workstation.

Your Role as an Employee:

Know where first aid kits and AEDs are located
Take a certified CPR/First Aid class (ask your employer)
Report when supplies are running low or expired
Stay calm in emergencies — your composure helps others
Know your company's emergency medical procedures

Katie's Tip

"Before your next break, walk by the nearest first aid kit and AED. Knowing where they are BEFORE an emergency makes all the difference!"

Review

Key Takeaways

⚠️ Scene safety first — check for hazards before helping

📞 When in doubt, call 911 — it's always better to call

💓 CPR: Push hard, push fast, center of chest, don't stop

⚡ AEDs are foolproof — they talk you through every step

🩸 Direct pressure stops bleeding — press firm and don't let go

📍 Know where your first aid kit and AED are located TODAY

Katie's Tip

"This is the final Foundation module! Pass the quiz to earn your Foundation Safety Certificate and unlock three new learning paths!"

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 1 of 3

What is the correct rate for chest compressions during CPR?

A 60–80 compressions per minute

B 100–120 compressions per minute

C 140–160 compressions per minute

D As slow as possible to conserve energy

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 2 of 3

True or False: An AED can accidentally shock someone who doesn't need it.

A True

B False

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 3 of 3

What is the FIRST thing you should do before providing first aid?

A Begin CPR immediately

B Check that the scene is safe

C Move the injured person to a safe area

D Find the first aid kit

📊 Quiz Results

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Results