WHO SHOULD RECEIVE FIRST AID, CPR AND AED TRAINING?

First Aid, CPR and AED training are life-saving skills that anyone can learn.

Who should receive first aid, CPR AED training depends on many factors. Those factors include state and federal regulations, as well as company policies and personal interest.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is the federal agency charged with overseeing worker safety. ^[1] OSHA issues mandates and guidelines for workplace first aid, CPR and AED training in the U.S. ^[2]

Federal regulations do mandate first aid, CPR and AED training in specific higher-risk occupations like construction or power transmission “In the absence of an infirmary clinic, hospital, or physician, that is reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance to the worksite.” ^[3]

OSHA recommends, but does not mandate, that every workplace has at least one person trained in first aid, CPR and AED use. ^[4]

The full OSHA recommendation for general workplaces states:

29 CFR 1910.151(b) “In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.”

Further, many states have their own rules for first aid, CPR and AED training and tend to vary by occupation. There are other rules in each state for childcare workers, teachers and students as well.

The majority of states mandate students be trained in CPR as a graduation requirement. A growing number of states require teacher training as well. ^[5]

You should check your individual state’s laws to determine CPR and first aid workplace and school training requirements.

While there are training mandates, many employees have expressed interest in being trained, regardless. An American Heart Association study showed that 90 percent of employees say they would like to participate in First Aid, CPR and AED training. ^[6]

CPR vs. First Aid Training

CPR and First Aid training are different, but both teach valuable skills. CPR and First Aid helps people who have been injured or sickened in the workplace. It can even save a life by offering aid before emergency help arrives.

So what is the difference between CPR and First Aid Training?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is delivered when someone has a sudden cardiac event or stops breathing. Cases where CPR can be used include cardiac arrest or near drowning.

CPR training teaches you how to help a victim by quickly assessing their health problem, then offering aid through chest compressions and rescue breathing. The aim of CPR is to restore blood circulation and oxygen.

AED training is often done as part of CPR training. AED stand for Automated External Defibrillator. An AED machine delivers an electric shock to the heart, and can increase a person's chance of survival following a cardiac event.

First aid training teaches you to assist a person suffering from a sudden illness or injury until EMS arrives. It helps participants quickly respond to various medical like: burns, cuts, internal or external bleeding, sprains, broken bones, dehydration, breathing problems and eye, mouth and nose injuries.

Why Employees Should be Trained in CPR

First Aid training helps aid workplace injury victims before first responders arrive. About 2.9 million workers were reported injured or sickened on the job in 2016, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  In addition, 4,836 workers were killed on the job in 2015. ^[7]

Some common office workplace injuries, which often result from overexertion or falls, include muscle sprains, back injuries, small cuts or fractured bones.

First Aid and CPR training is valuable in any workplace. However, there are some particularly dangerous occupations where the average worker is more likely to need assistance.

Workplace First Aid Program Guidelines

OSHA’s First Aid Program Guidelines are advisory in nature, not mandated. The guidelines outline specific steps a workplace can take in protecting workers by preventing injuries and aiding workers during a health emergency. ^[8]

Suggested Workplace First Aid Programs involve far more than First Aid, CPR and AED training. Programs includes a wide range of preventative measures, communication and workplace specific policies and procedures.

OSHA recommends a workplace first aid program include four essential elements:

• Management Leadership and Employee Involvement
• Worksite Analysis
• Hazard Prevention and Control
• Safety and Health Training

OSHA explains that a workplace first aid provider is trained to deliver “initial medical emergency procedures, using a limited amount of equipment to perform a primary assessment and intervention while awaiting arrival of emergency medical service (EMS) personnel.” ^[9]

It’s recommended that at least one trained workplace first aid provider is on-site during work hours. ^[10]