12.2 — Legal Framework for First Aid
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA)Requires employers to provide first aid supplies and trained personnel.
Ontario Regulation 1101Specifies first aid requirements for workplaces.
Good Samaritan Act, 2001Provides protection from liability for persons who provide emergency first aid voluntarily and in good faith.
Duty of CareSecurity guards may be expected to provide first aid as part of their professional duties.
12.3 — Scene Assessment and Safety
- Scene survey: Assess for hazards, determine the mechanism of injury, count the number of victims.
- Personal safety first — Do not enter a scene that is dangerous to you.
- Body Substance Isolation (BSI) — Use gloves, masks, and barriers to prevent contact with bodily fluids.
- Call for help (911) — Activate emergency medical services as soon as possible.
- Scene management — Control access, protect the victim, and preserve evidence.
12.4 — Primary Survey (ABCDs)
A
AirwayOpen and maintain a clear airway (head-tilt, chin-lift).
B
BreathingCheck for breathing; provide rescue breathing if absent.
C
CirculationCheck for pulse; control severe bleeding.
D
DefibrillationApply AED if available and indicated.
Level of Consciousness — AVPU Scale
AAlert
VResponds to Verbal stimuli
PResponds to Pain
UUnresponsive
12.5 — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Adult CPR — Single Rescuer
100–120 per minuteCompression Rate
At least 2 inches (5 cm)Compression Depth
30:2Compression:Ventilation
Hands-Only CPRContinuous chest compressions without ventilation; recommended for untrained bystanders.
When to Stop CPREMS takes over, the person shows signs of life, you are too exhausted to continue, or the scene becomes unsafe.
12.6 — Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
1Turn on the AED.
2Attach the electrode pads to the bare chest (as shown in the diagrams on the pads).
3Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm — ensure no one is touching the patient.
4If a shock is advised, ensure everyone is clear, then press the shock button.
5Immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes, then allow the AED to re-analyze.
Special Considerations
For children (use pediatric pads if available); remove the person from water before use; remove medication patches; be aware of pacemakers (do not place pads directly over them).
12.7 — Choking / Airway Obstruction
Partial ObstructionPerson can cough or speak — encourage forceful coughing; do not intervene physically.
Complete Obstruction (Conscious Adult/Child)Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.
Complete Obstruction (Unconscious)Begin CPR protocol; check the mouth for visible objects before each ventilation.
Choking in InfantsDeliver 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts; alternate until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unconscious.
12.8 — Wound Management and Bleeding Control
Types of Wounds
—Abrasions
—Lacerations
—Punctures
—Avulsions
Types of Bleeding
Arterial:Bright red, spurting
Venous:Dark red, steady flow
Capillary:Slow oozing
Direct Pressure — Apply firm, continuous pressure using a clean cloth or gauze.
Pressure Dressings — Apply a bandage firmly over the wound to maintain pressure.
Tourniquet — Apply only when direct pressure fails to control life-threatening limb hemorrhage.
Embedded Objects — Do NOT remove — stabilize the object in place and seek medical attention.
12.9 — Shock
DefinitionA life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to deliver adequate blood to vital organs.
SignsPale, cool, clammy skin; rapid weak pulse; shallow rapid breathing; confusion; nausea.
TreatmentPosition the person lying down (elevate legs if no spinal injury suspected), maintain warmth, monitor continuously, reassure.
Anaphylactic ShockSevere allergic reaction — recognize signs (swelling, hives, difficulty breathing) and assist with EpiPen if available and the person has one prescribed.
12.10 — Medical Emergencies
Heart Attack
Signs:Chest pain/pressure, pain radiating to arm or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea.
Response:Call 911, have the person rest, loosen clothing, assist with nitroglycerin or aspirin if prescribed and available.
Stroke (FAST)
Signs:Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty — Time to call 911.
Response:Call 911 immediately; note the time symptoms began; do not give food or water.
Diabetic Emergency
Signs:Confusion, sweating, shakiness (low blood sugar) or excessive thirst/urination (high blood sugar).
Response:If conscious and able to swallow, give sugar (juice, candy); call 911 if unconscious or condition worsens.
Seizure
Signs:Uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion after the event.
Response:Protect from injury, do not restrain, do not put anything in the mouth; call 911 if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
Asthma Attack
Signs:Wheezing, difficulty breathing, use of accessory muscles.
Response:Assist with prescribed inhaler; have person sit upright; call 911 if no improvement.
12.11 — Environmental Emergencies
Heat Exhaustion — Heavy sweating, weakness, cool pale skin — move to cool area, hydrate, cool the person.
Heat Stroke — High body temperature, hot dry skin, confusion — call 911, cool aggressively.
Hypothermia — Shivering, confusion, drowsiness — move to warmth, remove wet clothing, warm gradually.
Frostbite — Numbness, hard waxy skin — do not rub; warm gradually in lukewarm water.
Burns — Cool thermal burns with cool running water for 10+ minutes; do not apply ice; cover loosely.
12.12 — Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains — Immobilize the injury in the position found.
- Splinting: Immobilize the joint above and below the injury.
- Head and spinal injuries: Stabilize the head and neck; do NOT move the person unless there is immediate danger. Call 911.
12.13 — Documentation of First Aid
- Record all interventions, treatments provided, and the person's condition.
- Provide a detailed handover to EMS when they arrive.
- Complete required reporting forms.
- Maintain confidentiality of all medical information.
12.14 — First Aid Kit Contents and Maintenance
- Contents as required by Ontario Regulation 1101 (bandages, gauze, gloves, scissors, tape, CPR barrier, etc.).
- Inspect first aid kits at regular intervals (at least monthly).
- Restock used or expired items promptly.
- Ensure first aid kits are in accessible, clearly marked locations.
12.15 — Module 12 Review Questions
Test your understanding of Module 12. The correct answer for each question is highlighted.
1. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR?
- A.15:2
- B.30:2
- C.5:1
- D.15:1
2. What does FAST stand for in stroke recognition?
- A.First Aid Safety Training
- B.Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
- C.Fire, Alarm, Safety, Transport
- D.Fracture Assessment and Splinting Technique
3. What legislation protects a person who provides emergency first aid in good faith?
- A.The Trespass to Property Act
- B.The Good Samaritan Act, 2001
- C.The Criminal Code of Canada
- D.The PSISA, 2005
4. For a conscious choking adult, what technique should be used?
- A.Back blows only
- B.Chest compressions
- C.Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
- D.Finger sweep of the mouth
5. What should you do with an embedded object in a wound?
- A.Remove it immediately and apply pressure
- B.Push it further in to reduce bleeding
- C.Do not remove it — stabilize it in place and seek medical attention
- D.Apply a tourniquet above the object
Course Complete
You have completed all 12 modules of the Spider Security Force Ontario Security Guard Training Program. You are now prepared to write the Ministry-approved licensing examination.
Review All Modules