Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), AED & First Aid

This lesson covers First Aid, the first chapter in the CPR course. In this lesson, first aid is defined and first aid basics are discussed. The proper steps of administering first aid are also discussed, along with information about protective gear and the contents of commercial first aid kits.

The topic of discussion for chapter two is Medical Problems. The first lesson in this chapter covers Breathing Problems in CPR. Instructions are provided for handling a situation with an individual having issues breathing. The process is covered from recognizing breathing problems to awaiting emergency response, after providing assistance.

This is the second lesson in chapter two, covering Allergic Reactions. This lesson discusses the symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Potential causes of the reactions are listed. The proper use of epinephrine pens is also explained in detail.

This lesson’s subject matter is Heart Diseases. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and prompt action is potentially the difference between life and death. The lesson discusses the causes and signs of a heart attack as well as how to care someone who is having a heart attack.

The fourth lesson in chapter two covers Fainting. Causes and signs of fainting are listed and discussed in detail. Steps are given for providing care for a fainting individual. It should be noted that fainting can be caused by a wide range of problems, some potentially life threatening. 

The fifth lesson in chapter two focuses on Low Blood Sugar, with an emphasis on individuals with diabetes. Basic understanding of diabetes is provided. How an individual may experience low blood sugar is explained. Caring for an individual who has low blood sugar is detailed.

This lesson focus on a stroke. This specific medical emergency is defined in the lesson. Signs of an individual suffering a stroke are explained. As a stroke is a neurological emergency, time is critical. If you suspect a person is having a stroke, immediately call 911. CPR is potentially necessary in these situations. 

This lesson covers Seizures. The definition is provided in the lesson. Throughout this lesson, the signs and causes of seizures are also discussed. Providing care for an individual experiencing a seizure is discussed in detail. The differences in an absence or staring-type seizure and appropriate steps are explained. 

The eighth and final lesson in chapter two discusses Shock. Specifically discussed are the causes, signs and symptoms of shock. There is a list of potential causes provided. Along with listing the signs and symptoms of shock, the proper steps for providing care are discussed in this lesson.

The third chapter of the CPR course covers Traumatic Injuries. This is the first lesson in chapter three, about Controlling Bleeding. Understanding blood loss is essential in providing care to a bleeding individual. The methods for providing this care are explained, from direct pressure to the application of a tourniquet. 

Teeth Injuries are the focus of the second lesson in chapter three. How to handle teeth is explained. When handling teeth gloves must always be used. There are different types of injuries, such as cracks and chips, and the corresponding treatment is explained. 

This lesson covers nosebleeds. Nosebleeds can be both dramatic and quite messy, so it is necessary to wear PPE and eye protection in these situations. Instructions are provided for how to ensure safety at the scene and when it is necessary to contact 911.

This is the fourth lesson in chapter three, on Punctures. Puncture wounds pose a special risk to the injured individuals, as they can potentially damage sensitive structures. How to control bleeding and what to do about impaled objects is detailed.

This lesson discusses the causes and symptoms of eye problems. The symptoms of eye problems are listed. Situations requiring contact of emergency services are referenced and how to assist an individual with an eye problem is discussed. 

Head Injuries is the topic of discussion in this lesson. Head injuries can accompany an traumatic event. A list of signs and symptoms for head injuries is provided. How to assess and address an individual suffering from a head injury is explained in the lesson. 

The seventh lesson in chapter three is about Spine Injuries. Almost any type of physical activity can lead to a possible spine injury. Some people are at increased risk for these injuries, whether because of their age or other circumstances. Examples are given for these situations. How to stabilize a person with a spine injury and appropriate treatment is discussed.  

Bone and Joint Injuries are covered in this lesson. These injuries are common occurrences in daily life and physically active people are most likely to suffer these types of injuries. Caring for sprains and broken bones, as well as ensuring scene safety are focal points of this lesson. For more information on caring for these injuries, please refer to the full CPR guide. 

The final lesson in chapter three is on Burns and Electrical Injuries. Burns can be caused in a variety of ways, with examples provided in the lesson. Treatment for burns are detailed step-by-step.

Chapter four discusses Environmental Injuries and Illnesses. The first lesson in this chapter is Bites and Stings. This lesson discusses the signs and symptoms of bites as well as stings. Often, treatment varies on a case-by-case basis, with specific examples given in the lesson. Medical attention is required in some instances. 

The second lesson in chapter four covers Heart Related Illnesses. Heart-related Illnesses can occur due to a number of reasons, with some potential causes being listed. Depending on the illness, there are different approaches to care. Proper steps for care are given for multiple heart-related illnesses. 

The topic of discussion in this lesson is Sunburns. The causes and symptoms of sunburns are discussed. How to provide care is the focal point of the lesson. Background information is provided in order to help give a better understanding of sunburns.

This lesson covers Frostbite. The conditions necessary to cause frostbite are explained. The severity and damage caused by frostbite varies, and how to identify the severity of the damage is detailed. Providing care is discussed, and examples of when it is appropriate to rewarm a frozen extremity are given. 

This lesson is on Hypothermia. The signs and symptoms of Hypothermia make up a portion of the information in this lesson. Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition and as such, rapid action is often required. Depending on the severity of the situation, responders should be prepared to perform CPR.

The sixth and final lesson of chapter four is about Toxin and Poison Exposure. The first step in providing first aid care for toxin and poison exposure is to call 911. It is important to gather as much information as possible about the chemicals involved. Step-by-step instructions on how to provide care are given.

This is the first lesson in chapter five, the topic being Adult CPR. This detailed lesson focuses entirely on administering CPR in adults. Controlling the scene and surrounding area is the first step. Proper compression and breathing is explained.

This lesson discusses Compressions. Compression is one of the multiple components in conducting CPR. The frequency and depth of which compressions should be applied are explained. CPR always begins with compressions. 

The third lesson in chapter five covers giving breaths. Giving breaths during CPR can help maintain the oxygen supply in the lungs. Using a mask is the preferred method when giving breaths, however mouth-to-mouth can also be performed when necessary.

This lesson is on mask use in CPR. The steps of using a mask are reviewed. While CPR is generally safe, if a mask is available, you should use it.

This lesson discusses using an AED for Adults. The steps to using an AED are explained. This is an in-depth lesson, and gives descriptions for the components of an AED. In the event an AED is not quickly available, begin CPR and send someone to locate an AED.

This lesson is about Activating EMS. This lesson explains the importance of calling 911. There are still actions that can be taken to assist while waiting for emergency responders. Activating EMS is the first step in the Chain of Survival. 

The topic of this lesson is Choking in Adults. Choking is a preventable cause of death and the universal sign of choking is holding the neck with one or both hands. This lesson discusses choking in adults and the signs of choking to look for. Refer to table 1 in the CPR manual for further details. 

The final lesson in chapter five is about Relief of Choking. Specifically, this lesson discusses the steps of the abdominal thrusts and chest thrusts. How to appropriately perform these thrusts and their unique characteristics are also discussed. 

The sixth chapter discusses the following subject matter; Child CPR, AED and Choking. The first lesson in this chapter covers Child CPR. A child in this instance is defined as ranging between one year old and puberty. How to properly administer CPR, specifically to a child, is the focus of this lesson. 

Chest Compressions in Child CPR is the topic of this lesson. The steps of CPR in children remain similar to those used for adults. The main goals are early administration of CPR, pushing hard and fast on the chest and giving breaths. If a child appears adult-sized, he/she can be treated as an adult for the purpose of CPR.

The third lesson in chapter six discusses Giving Breaths in CPR. Most children who need CPR have had an issue with breathing that either caused the heart to beat irregularly or to stop beating altogether.

This lesson covers mask use in children. As with adults, giving breaths in CPR to children is generally safe, but if a mask is available, it should be used. How to properly fit the mask to a child and the steps to administering breaths are explained.

The fifth lesson in chapter six discusses AED use in children. There are step-by-step directions for use provided. It is important to follow the prompts on the AED.

This lesson is on Activating EMS for Children. First and foremost it is imperative to always make sure the scene is safe when approaching a child. How to treat the child and when to contact 911 varies depending on the situation and responsiveness of the child.

The seventh lesson in chapter six is Choking in Children. Choking can be either mild or severe. The difference between mild choking and severe choking are explained. Refer to Table two in the CPR manual for details on degrees of obstruction, signs of choking, and actions you should take to help children in choking situations.

The eighth and final lesson in chapter six is about Relief of Choking in Children. This lesson provides a step-by-step guide on how to relieve a child who is choking. In certain cases, CPR may be necessary and examples of such instances are given.

Chapter seven discusses Infant CPR and Choking. This is the first lesson in chapter seven, Introduction to Infant CPR. CPR for infants is almost identical to CPR for children. Ensuring scene safety is important when giving CPR to an infant.

Chest Compressions in Infant CPR is the focus of this lesson. CPR for infants and children is almost identical. The frequency and depth necessary for appropriate compressions is explained. Performing compressions correctly is essential.

This lesson discusses Giving Breaths in Infant CPR. The steps for giving breaths are listed one-by-one. Proper administration and things to avoid while performing Infant CPR is a key element of this lesson. 

The fourth lesson in chapter seven covers Mask Use in Infants. As with other CPR situations, giving breaths is generally safe but a mask should be used when available. It is important to ensure a good seal between the mask and the face when a mask is used. Breath duration is explained.

This lesson is about Activating EMS for Infants. The steps to call 911 when attending to an ill or injured infant is discussed. Scene safety is important when approaching an infant, and should be ensured before any action is taken.

Choking in Infants is this lesson’s topic. The signs to look for to identify choking in an infant are listed, and what situations qualify as choking are explained. Refer to Table 3 in the CPR manual for details on degrees of obstructions, signs of choking, and actions you should take to help infants in choking situations.

The seventh and final lesson of chapter seven is Relief of Choking in Infants. This is an in-depth lesson which provides a step-by-step breakdown on how to provide relief for a choking infant. Frequency for compressions and information about what to do when an infant is unresponsive is provided.