First Aid, CPR, and AED for Field Crews

Why First Aid Matters for Field Crews

GIS technicians, surveyors, and drone operators work in environments that formal emergency services may take many minutes—or longer—to reach: highway corridors, remote hillsides, construction sites, and open fields in extreme weather. A crew member who can act correctly in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest or severe bleed is the single most important link in the chain of survival. Every student in this program must hold a current first-aid/CPR/AED card before entering unsupervised field rotations.

The Chain of Survival

The American Heart Association describes a sequence of actions that together give a cardiac arrest victim the best chance of survival. The links are: (1) recognize the emergency and call 911, (2) perform high-quality CPR immediately, (3) use an AED as soon as one is available, and (4) hand the patient to advanced emergency medical services. As a field rescuer you own the first three links. Do not delay any of them.

Adult CPR: Core Technique

Before touching a patient, confirm the scene is safe—traffic, energized equipment, unstable ground. Put on nitrile gloves if available; this is your universal precaution against bloodborne pathogens.

1. Check for responsiveness. Tap shoulders firmly and shout. If no response, call 911 (or send a bystander to call) and send someone for an AED.

2. Check for breathing. Look for normal breathing for no more than ten seconds. Occasional gasping is not normal breathing.

3. Begin chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum). Place the other hand on top, interlace fingers, and keep arms straight. Compress at least two inches deep at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Allow full chest recoil after each compression. Minimize interruptions.

4. Give rescue breaths (if trained and willing). After 30 compressions, tilt the head, lift the chin, and give two breaths of about one second each—enough to see the chest rise. The 30:2 ratio continues until an AED is ready or advanced help takes over.

5. Two-rescuer CPR. One rescuer compresses while the other manages the airway and gives breaths. Switch compressors every two minutes to maintain quality. Communicate clearly during every switch.

AED Operation

An Automated External Defibrillator analyzes heart rhythm and delivers a shock only when one is appropriate. You cannot shock a patient who does not need it—the device will not allow it. Steps:

1. Power on the AED and follow audio/visual prompts.

2. Attach pads to the patient's bare, dry chest as shown in the diagram on each pad.

3. Clear everyone away while the AED analyzes.

4. If a shock is advised, ensure no one is touching the patient, then press the shock button.

5. Resume CPR immediately after the shock—do not wait to check for a pulse.

Field-Specific Emergencies

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency distinct from heat exhaustion. Signs include hot, dry or moist skin, altered mental status, and very high body temperature. Move the patient to shade or a cool vehicle, apply ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin, fan vigorously, and call 911. Do not give fluids to an unconscious person.

Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature falls dangerously low. Handle the patient gently—rough movement can trigger cardiac arrhythmia in severe cases. Remove wet clothing, insulate from the ground, cover with blankets, and protect from wind. Call 911. Do not rub extremities vigorously.

Severe bleeding from propeller lacerations or sharp equipment demands immediate action. Apply firm direct pressure with the cleanest material available. If bleeding is from an arm or leg and does not stop with pressure, apply a tourniquet two to three inches above the wound (never over a joint). Tighten until bleeding stops, note the time, and do not remove it in the field. Wound packing with gauze is used for wounds where a tourniquet cannot be applied (groin, shoulder, neck)—pack firmly and maintain pressure.

Suspected spinal injury follows any fall from height, vehicle collision, or head strike. Do not move the patient unless the scene becomes immediately life-threatening. Manually stabilize the head and neck in the position found. Call 911 and keep the patient still until trained EMS personnel arrive.

Universal Precautions and PPE

Treat every patient's blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Always use nitrile gloves before contact. Use a face shield or CPR barrier device for rescue breaths. After care, wash hands thoroughly. Place used gloves and barriers in a sealed bag for proper disposal.

When to Call 911

Call 911—or direct someone else to call—immediately for: unresponsiveness, no normal breathing, suspected cardiac arrest, severe or uncontrolled bleeding, suspected spinal injury, heat stroke, severe hypothermia, or any situation where you are uncertain. Do not let the call delay starting CPR or bleeding control.

Maintaining Your Certification

First-aid/CPR/AED cards issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent organizations are typically valid for two years. Renewal requires a skills re-evaluation. Keep your card current—an expired card does not meet the field rotation requirement for this program.