Safety Tips & Refreshers

Remember to always:

Wear (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment and Remain Calm
Ask permission to help if victim is responsive
If victim appears un-responsive:

  • Check to confirm the scene is safe to enter
  • If not safe, call 911 now
  • If safe, check the victim for response
  • If no response, call 911 now and get AED & First Aid Kit
  • Check victim for breathing
  • If no breathing, begin the steps of CPR
CPR Tips & Refreshers
  • Wear (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment and Remain Calm
  • Check to confirm the scene is safe to enter
  • If safe, check victim for response
  • If no response, call 911 now and get AED and First Aid Kit
  • Check to see if victim is breathing
  • If not breathing, bare chest and begin Chest Compressions
  • Push fast: Compressions should be delivered at a rate of at least 100/min (No more than 120/min)
  • Push hard: The chest should be compressed at least 2 inches (5 cm) in adults and at least one third of the chest in infants and children (approximately 1.5 inches [4 cm] in infants and 2 inches [5 cm] in children).
  • Let go: The chest should be allowed to recoil completely after each compression
  • Keep pushing: Interruptions in chest compressions should be minimized
  • Breathe lightly: Avoiding excessive ventilation
  • Continue: CPR until the victim responds and AED arrives for shock or 911 arrives
  • 30 compressions and 2 ventilations for 5 cycles
Compressions Only CPR
  • Wear (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment and Remain Calm
  • Check to confirm the Scene is Safe to enter
  • If Safe, check victim for response
  • If no response, call 911 now and get AED and First Aid Kit
  • Check to see if victim is breathing
  • No breathing, bare chest and Connect the AED or begin Compressions if no AED
  • If AED advises a Shock, follow prompts and Shock
  • If victim still not responsive, Begin Chest Compressions
  • Place both hands in the center of the victims chest and begin Chest Compressions
  • Push fast: Compressions should be delivered at a rate of at least 100/min (Not more than 120/min)
  • Push hard: The chest should be compressed at least 2 inches (5 cm) in adults and at least one third of the chest in infants and children (approximately 1.5 inches [4 cm] in infants and 2 inches [5 cm] in children).
  • Let go: The chest should be allowed to recoil completely after each compression
  • Keep pushing: Interruptions in chest compressions should be minimized
  • Continue: Chest Compressions until the victim responds, an AED arrives for shock, or 911 arrives
External Minor to Emergency Bleeding for the Rescuer-Basic Intervention

• Don appropriate PPE, if possible
• Remain Calm (rescuer and the victim if possible)
• Have victim sit or lay, if not already
• Confirm the location of the serious bleeding
• Apply Direct and Constant Pressure to the injured site with a sterile dressing if possible (This may take 15-30 minutes in some cases to stop bleeding)
• While assisting the victim, observe area (Floor, ground, toilet, sink etc…) for the amount of blood loss to give an idea of required help (If possible)
• If direct pressure alone is not slowing bleeding on a limb, Elevate injured/ bleeding limbs such as arms and legs while applying direct, constant pressure
• If bleeding can not be controlled within 20-30 minutes of direct pressure being applied, 911 or transport to hospital maybe contemplated or necessary (Always error on the side of caution for the victim)(Tourniquets, if necessary, may also be applied to limbs, if rescuer is properly trained)
• If not sure what to do, call 911 and talk with an Emergency Dispatcher, Better Safe than Sorry!
• Bleeding is controlled: Secure the dressing to the wound site with EMS tape, long gauze roll etc… and decide if medical attention is required

Operation of an AED for Adults

(operation will vary based on the type of AED and if the AED is automatic or semi-automatic)

• When an apparent sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is witnessed…
• Check the scene for safety.
• If the scene is safe, check the victim for response.
• If the victim does not respond, call 911 and get an AED. (Get help from bystanders if possible)
• Return to victim and check for breathing.
• If no breathing, bare the victims chest, Perform 5 cycles of (30 and 2) chest compressions.
• If no response, turn on the AED and place the 2 Adult AED pads on the Victims chest.
• Note: IF an AED is present, you may Shock the victim before doing CPR.
• Once the AED pads are on the victim and connected properly, push analyze. (The AED will guide you)
• Standby for the AED to indicate that it is analyzing. (Usually by verbal command and/or text)
• If the AED indicates a “Shock Advised” command, the AED will charge then shock or alert the rescuer when to press the shock button.
• If the victim is not breathing after the shock, start the steps of CPR for 2 minutes. (follow the AEDs guidance)
• After every 5 cycles of 30 CPR, analyze the patient and shock if advised.
• When a “No Shock Advised” command happens, check the victim for breathing.
• If no breathing, perform 5 cycles or 2 minutes of CPR then press analyze on the AED again.
• Continue 5 cycles of CPR between each analyze or shock command until victim responds or EMS arrives.

Safety Refresher: Seizures

When a Seizure is witnessed…

• Help Seizure Victim to floor without letting them grab you.
• Move anything out of the way that could be a falling hazard…Ex. Furniture, etc…
• Place a pad under the Seizure Victims head to protect from the floor.
• Do Not Hold the Seizure Victim Down as a Seizure must run its course.
• When the Victim finishes Seizing, roll the victim to their side to let them expel any bodily fluids that may have been brought up.E. Vomit, Saliva or Mucus
• It maybe necessary to call 911 and/ or get the Victim to a hospital for assessment.

Chain of Survival
The term Chain of Survival provides a useful metaphor for the elements of the ECC systems concept.

The 5 links in the adult Chain of Survival are:

• Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
• Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions
• Rapid defibrillation
• Effective advanced life support
• Integrated post-cardiac arrest care

A strong Chain of Survival can improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of heart attack, stroke and other emergencies.