Understanding the Seven Critical Steps of First Aid

Mastering first aid involves more than just memorizing facts; it requires a systematic approach to ensure safety and effectiveness during an emergency. By following seven structured steps, first aiders can provide vital initial care to sick or injured individuals while waiting for professional medical help to arrive.

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The Seven Steps of First Aid

Effective first aid follows a logical sequence to manage the scene, ensure legal protection, and provide life-saving interventions.

1. Perform a Scene Survey: Before approaching, ensure the area is safe by checking for physical hazards like live electricity, broken glass, or fire, as well as biological hazards like body fluids. Determine the mechanism of injury and the number of casualties.

2. Call for Help: Assign a specific bystander to call 911 and retrieve a first aid kit and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Directing a specific person prevents the "bystander effect" where everyone assumes someone else has acted.

3. Get Consent: If the person is conscious, introduce yourself, state you know first aid, and ask for permission to help.

4. Check Responsiveness: Determine if the casualty responds to speech or pain. For responsive victims, find out what happened and their medical history; if they are unresponsive, immediately call for help and proceed to a primary survey.

5. Perform a Primary Survey (The ABCs):

   • A - Airway: Ensure the airway is clear using a head-tilt chin-lift.

   • B - Breathing: Check for normal breathing and provide rescue breaths if necessary.

   • C - Circulation: Perform chest compressions to maintain blood flow and control any severe bleeding.

6. Perform a Secondary Survey: Assess and record vital signs, perform a thorough head-to-toe examination, and document any medication or aid provided.

7. Give Ongoing Casualty Care: Treat the person for shock and monitor their condition closely until professional responders take over.

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Why Certification Matters in Ontario

While knowing the steps is helpful, formal training provides the hands-on practice needed to perform them under pressure.

• WSIB Compliance: In Ontario, businesses are legally required under Regulation 1101 to have at least one trained first aider on-site per shift.

• Approved Training: To meet workplace standards, certification must be obtained through a WSIB-approved training provider.

• Choosing Your Level:

  • Emergency First Aid: Often required for small workplaces with 1–5 employees per shift.

  • Standard First Aid: Mandatory for workplaces with 6 or more employees on any shift.

  • Basic Life Support (BLS): Specialized training for healthcare professionals and emergency responders.

Don’t leave emergency preparedness to chance. Whether you need to meet workplace requirements or simply want the confidence to save a life at home, getting certified is the best first step.

Are you ready to be the difference in an emergency? Explore our WSIB-certified first aid courses and ensure you are prepared when it counts.