What You Will Learn

This free course covers everything a bystander needs to respond confidently during a cardiac emergency or choking situation. Each module builds on the last — from recognizing an emergency to legally protecting yourself as a rescuer.

Module 1 Scene Safety & Assessment

Rapid recognition of cardiac arrest and activating emergency services.

• Check the Scene: Make sure the area is safe for you and the victim before approaching.
• Check Responsiveness: Tap shoulders and shout "Are you okay?" (For infants: flick the bottom of the foot).
• Call for Help: Direct a specific person to call 911 and retrieve an AED immediately.
• The 10-Second Rule: Check for both pulse and breathing simultaneously — at least 5 seconds, no more than 10.

Module 2 High-Quality CPR — Adults, Children & Infants

The mechanics of effective chest compressions and rescue breaths.

• Compression Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute for all age groups.
• Compression Depth:
  • Adult: 2 to 2.4 inches
  • Child: About 2 inches
  • Infant: 1.5 inches (approximately 1/3 the depth of the chest)
• Full Chest Recoil: Allowing the chest to fully rise between compressions so blood refills the heart.
• Compression-to-Breath Ratio: 30 compressions to 2 breaths for a single rescuer.
• Advanced Airway: When an advanced airway is in place — continuous compressions with 1 breath every 6 seconds.

Module 3 AED Operation & Safety

Integrating an Automated External Defibrillator into the CPR cycle.

• Power On First: Turn on the AED immediately to receive voice-guided instructions.
• Pad Placement: Correct positioning for adults, and the "sandwich method" for infants and small children.
• Safety During Shock: How to clear everyone from the victim during analysis and before delivering a shock.
• Special Considerations: What to do when water, excessive chest hair, medication patches, or a pacemaker is present.

Module 4 Rescue Breathing

Providing oxygen when a pulse is present but the victim is not breathing normally.

• Opening the Airway: Using the Head-Tilt, Chin-Lift method to create a clear airway.
• Breath Timing: 1 breath every 6 seconds for adults; every 2–3 seconds for children and infants.
• Correct Volume: Delivering just enough air to see a visible chest rise — no more.

Module 5 Choking Relief

Recognizing and responding to severe airway obstructions in all age groups.

• Recognition: Identifying the universal choking sign and distinguishing mild from severe obstruction.
• Adults & Children: The cycle of 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver).
• Infants: 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts with the infant in a head-down position.
• If the Victim Loses Consciousness: Transitioning immediately to CPR and looking for the object before giving breaths.

Module 6 Special Circumstances

Adapting standard techniques for unique or challenging emergencies.

• Pregnancy & Obesity: Performing chest thrusts when abdominal thrusts are not possible.
• Opioid Overdose: Recognizing the signs and understanding how Narcan (Naloxone) fits into the care sequence.
• Self-Save Techniques: What to do when you are choking and alone.

Module 7 Legal Obligations & Good Samaritan Protections

Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and legal protections as a rescuer.

• Good Samaritan Laws: Legal protections available to bystanders who act in good faith to help someone in need.
• Consent: Understanding implied consent for unconscious victims — you are legally allowed to help.
• Duty to Act: The difference between a professional's obligation and a bystander's choice to respond.
• Abandonment: When it is safe and legal to stop providing care.