First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response for the Shop — Robotics / Mechatronics

Objective. Students demonstrate hands-only CPR and AED use on a manikin to American Heart Association or Red Cross standards and describe the correct first-response actions for electrical shock, chemical exposure, and crush injuries specific to a mechatronics shop.

Why First Aid and Emergency Response Matter in the Mechatronics Shop

A mechatronics lab combines high-voltage electrical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic circuits, moving robotic arms, and heavy conveyor equipment. Any one of these energy sources can injure a worker within seconds. Knowing how to respond correctly — and in the right order — is the difference between a coworker walking out of the building or being carried out. This lesson prepares you to act with confidence during the three most likely emergencies in your shop: electrical shock, chemical (fluid) exposure to the eyes, and crush injuries.

Hands-Only CPR and AED Use

Cardiac arrest can follow a severe electrical shock. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross both teach a simple chain of survival:

1. Recognize that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

2. Call 911 (or have a bystander call while you act).

3. Begin chest compressions — push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, depressing the adult chest at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches. Allow full chest recoil between compressions. For hands-only CPR, do not stop until an AED or trained responder takes over.

4. Use the AED as soon as it arrives. Power it on, attach the pads to bare skin (upper-right chest and lower-left ribs), follow the voice prompts, and clear everyone before each shock is delivered.

You will practice all of these skills on a manikin with a certified AHA or Red Cross instructor. Passing that skills check is required to complete this lesson.

Electrical Shock: Do Not Become a Second Victim

Electrical shock is unique among shop emergencies because the victim may still be in contact with the energy source. Touching them before the circuit is de-energized can electrocute you as well.

Correct sequence:

1. Do not touch the victim. Shout for help immediately.

2. De-energize the circuit using the robot-cell emergency stop, the panel disconnect, or the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147. Only a qualified, authorized person applies the lockout device and verifies absence of voltage before anyone approaches.

3. Verify zero energy — use a properly rated voltmeter to confirm the circuit is dead.

4. Call 911. Even if the victim appears to recover, electrical current can cause internal burns and delayed cardiac arrest. EMS must evaluate them.

5. Begin CPR if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, and use the AED as soon as available.

NFPA 70E and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 both require this sequence. Skipping LOTO to start CPR faster has killed rescuers.

Chemical Exposure: Hydraulic Fluid and Other Shop Fluids

Hydraulic fluid, coolants, and solvents are pressurized or splashed during normal shop operations. Eye contact is the most dangerous immediate result.

Correct sequence for eye exposure:

1. Act within seconds. Delay worsens chemical burns.

2. Lead the victim to the nearest eyewash station. ANSI Z358.1 (the eyewash standard) requires a plumbed or self-contained station within 10 seconds' travel of the hazard.

3. Flush for at least 15 minutes with clean, tepid water. Hold eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and possible.

4. Call 911 or arrange transport to an emergency room after flushing. Bring the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for the fluid.

5. Report the incident per your facility's emergency-action plan (EAP).

For skin contact with a corrosive fluid, flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing.

Crush Injuries: Conveyor and Robot Entrapment

Conveyor pinch points and robot work envelopes can trap a hand or limb before anyone reacts.

Correct sequence:

1. Hit the nearest emergency stop (E-stop). Every robot cell and conveyor must have a clearly marked, accessible E-stop per ANSI/RIA R15.06 / ISO 10218 and OSHA 1910.212 machine guarding requirements.

2. Do not attempt to reverse the machine unless you are trained and authorized — reversing can increase the injury.

3. Call 911 immediately. Crush injuries involve bleeding, fractures, and crush syndrome (dangerous toxins released when pressure is removed).

4. Control bleeding with direct pressure using nitrile gloves. Do not remove deeply embedded objects.

5. Keep the victim still and calm until EMS arrives. Treat for shock by keeping them warm and at rest.

6. Complete a LOTO lockout before any maintenance personnel approach the machine.

The Emergency-Action Plan and Resource Mapping

OSHA requires every employer to have an emergency-action plan (EAP). You must know yours before an emergency occurs. In this lab you will locate:

Nearest AED — know its cabinet location and the path to it.
Eyewash station — confirm it is within 10 seconds' travel.
First-aid kit — check that it is stocked.
Fire extinguishers — Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (energized electrical equipment) are the types relevant to this shop.
Emergency shutoffs — the robot-cell main disconnect and any conveyor E-stops.
Exit routes — two exits from every area.

You will sketch a labeled map of the lab from memory and verify it against the actual floor plan. This exercise builds the mental map you need when seconds count.

Key terms8

Hands-Only CPRChest compressions performed at 100–120 per minute and at least 2 inches deep on an unresponsive adult, without rescue breaths, until an AED or trained responder takes over — the AHA-recommended technique for bystander response.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)A portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers a controlled electrical shock to restore normal rhythm in cardiac arrest; designed for use by trained laypersons following voice and visual prompts.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)The procedure required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 to isolate and de-energize equipment before servicing, using locks and tags to prevent unexpected re-energization — mandatory before approaching a victim in contact with an electrical circuit.

Emergency Stop (E-stop)A red, mushroom-head push button or other device that immediately removes power or motion from a machine; required on robot cells and conveyors under ANSI/RIA R15.06 / ISO 10218 and OSHA 1910.212.

Eyewash StationA plumbed or self-contained device that delivers a continuous low-pressure stream of clean water to both eyes simultaneously; ANSI Z358.1 requires it to be reachable within 10 seconds of a chemical hazard.

Emergency-Action Plan (EAP)The written OSHA-required document that describes procedures for reporting emergencies, evacuation routes, accounting for personnel, and roles of designated employees during a workplace emergency.

Chain of SurvivalThe AHA framework for cardiac-arrest response: recognize arrest and call 911, begin CPR, use an AED, and transfer care to advanced life support — each link reduces time to effective treatment.

Class B / Class C Fire ExtinguisherClass B extinguishers control flammable liquid fires (hydraulic fluid, solvents); Class C extinguishers are rated for energized electrical equipment fires. Both are relevant in a mechatronics shop.

In class: Complete an accredited First Aid/CPR/AED course delivered by a certified instructor (American Heart Association or American Red Cross); students practice chest compressions at the correct rate and depth on adult manikins and operate a trainer AED through a full simulated cardiac-arrest scenario. · Role-play three shop-specific emergency scenarios in teams: (1) a co-worker contacts a live conductor and is unconscious—team must call for help, avoid contact with the victim until power is confirmed off via LOTO, then begin CPR; (2) hydraulic fluid splashes into an eye—team locates and uses the eyewash station; (3) a hand is caught in a conveyor—team activates emergency stop, calls EMS, and applies direct pressure using gloves. · Each student locates the facility emergency-action plan, identifies the nearest AED, eyewash station, fire extinguisher class (B and C), first-aid kit, and emergency shutoff for the robot cell, then sketches a labeled emergency-resource map of the lab from memory.
Materials: Adult CPR manikins (one per two students); trainer AED unit; First Aid/CPR/AED course student workbooks; eyewash station (or trainer unit); emergency-action plan document; lab floor plan blank for mapping exercise; nitrile gloves.
Check: Students must pass the accredited First Aid/CPR/AED skills check (per AHA or Red Cross instructor checklist) and score ≥80% on the written emergency-scenario quiz; the emergency-resource map is reviewed for accuracy against the actual lab layout.

Practice check8

Answer each question, then check it. Nothing is recorded; this is your own practice.