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1.  Why choose A.L.E.R.T.?

 

• WSIB approved

• Meets Provincial and Federal Occupational Health and Safety Legislation Standards

• We come to your workplace or a location near you

• Professional and knowledgeable instructors

• Enjoyable, skills-based learning experience

 

2.  What is sudden cardiac arrest?

 

• Sudden cardiac arrest is due to an electrical malfunction which causes an irregular heartbeat and disrupts blood flow throughout the body.

 

3.  What is fibrillation?

 

• A rapid, irregular and unsynchronized contraction of muscle fibres - ie. the heart.

 

4.  What is defibrillation?

 

• The stopping of fibrillation of the heart by administering a controlled electric shock in order to re-establish normal rhythm.

 

5.  What is an AED?

 

• An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightwight, portable device that is able to deliver an electric shock through the chest to the heart.  The shock can stop an unsynchronized heart rhythm and allow a restoration of normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest.

 

6.  Do I have to be certified to use an AED?

 

• No, anyone can use a defibrillator.  It gives simple audio and visual commands, so a passerby can easily open the device and follow instructions that could result in saving a life.

 

7.  Do I have to give breaths during CPR?

 

• No.  If the first aider is not comfortable doing mouth to mouth or there is no barrier available, do compression-only CPR at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.  If a barrier is available or the first aider is comfortable doing mouth to mouth, it is recommended to do 30 compressions and 2 breaths at the same rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

 

8.  Can I be sued for doing First Aid or CPR?

 

• No.  In Ontario The Good Samaritan Law makes it difficult to successfully sue.  You must act in good faith and be reasonable and prudent while providing first aid treatment.

 

9.  How old do I have to be to take a CPR course?

 

• You need to be strong enough to do the chest compressions.  Generally, a minimum age of 12 would be necessary.

 

10.  How long is my certification good for? 

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• It is best practice to renew all certifications annually for maximum skills retention.

• Standard First Aid and Emergency First Aid certificates are valid for 3 years.

• CPR Level A or C certificates are valid for 3 years. 

• CPR for Healthcare Provider (BLS) certificates are valid for 1 year.

• The Babysitting Course has no expiry.

 

11.  After my certificate expires, can I still help someone in need of First Aid?

 

• Yes, definitely help those who need it.  Expiry dates on First Aid certificates are used to monitor the WSIB compliance of employers.  They are also reminders for renewal so you will always have current First Aid information and be more confident when applying skills learned.

 

12.  Are there any prerequisites for taking the First Aid courses?

 

• No.  CPR and First Aid are necessary skills anyone should have.  You never know when a serious accident could occur.  Paramedics and medical staff cannot always be there in times of tragedy.  This makes CPR and First Aid training so vital.

 

 

13.  CPR A, B, C, HCP ...  What is the difference?

 

• CPR A is CPR with adult skills only plus AED.  There are no child or infant skills covered in this level.

• CPR B is CPR with child and infant skills only plus AED.  There are no adult skills covered in this level.

• CPR C is full CPR  with adult, child and infant skills plus AED.  This level of CPR is included with Emergency and Standard First Aid courses.  It is offered as a separate course as well.

• CPR for HCP (Basic Life Support) includes all skills taught in CPR C with the addition of skills geared toward those working in the healthcare field.