First Aid, CPR & AED

Why First Aid Matters in the Elevator Trade

Elevator mechanics work in machine rooms, hoistways, and pits—often alone or in small crews, sometimes far from street-level emergency access. Electrical exposure, falls, and caught-between hazards are real risks. When someone collapses or is seriously injured in a machine room, the people nearby are the first responders. Knowing how to act correctly in the first few minutes can be the difference between life and death.

This lesson prepares you to earn American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid certification and to apply those skills in elevator-specific emergencies.

Scene Safety First

Before you touch any victim, the scene must be safe for you. In an elevator context, this means:

• Do not touch someone who may still be in contact with an energized source. If a worker is unresponsive after electrical exposure, your first move is to visually confirm the power is off and that lockout/tagout has been applied. If you are not certain, call out for someone to de-energize the circuit before you approach.
• Call 911 (or have a bystander call) immediately and clearly state your location, including floor and building address.
• Put on nitrile gloves before contacting blood or body fluids. Gloves are your primary PPE for first aid.
• Only move a victim if the scene is actively dangerous and you cannot make it safe.

Adult CPR with Bag-Valve Mask

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) circulates oxygenated blood to the brain when the heart is not beating effectively. For an unresponsive adult with no normal breathing:

1. Check responsiveness — tap shoulders, shout.

2. Activate EMS — call 911 or direct someone to call.

3. Check for breathing — no more than 10 seconds. Absent or only gasping means begin CPR.

4. Compressions — place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum), second hand on top, arms straight. Compress at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Allow full chest recoil between compressions. Minimize interruptions.

5. Ventilations with bag-valve mask (BVM) — after 30 compressions, a trained rescuer applies the mask with a C-E grip, seals it, and squeezes the bag just enough to see the chest rise (about 1 second per breath). Give 2 breaths. Resume compressions immediately.

6. Continue 30:2 cycles until an AED is ready, EMS takes over, or the victim shows obvious signs of life.

Child CPR

Child CPR (ages 1 through puberty) follows the same 30:2 ratio with two rescuers; with one rescuer, the ratio is still 30:2. Key differences from adult CPR:

• Compress the chest about 2 inches (at least one-third the depth of the chest).
• Use one or two hands depending on the child's size.
• Ventilation volumes are smaller—deliver just enough to see the chest rise.
• AED use: use pediatric pads or a pediatric dose-attenuator cable if available.

AED Operation

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers a shock if indicated. It is safe and designed for lay rescuers.

1. Power on the AED (open lid or press power button).

2. Attach pads to bare, dry skin—one below the right collarbone, one on the left side below the armpit.

3. Allow the AED to analyze. Stop CPR, clear the victim.

4. If a shock is advised, announce "Clear," visually confirm no one is touching the victim, then press the shock button.

5. Immediately resume CPR, starting with compressions.

6. Follow AED prompts every 2 minutes.

Training AED units used in this class behave identically to real units but deliver no actual electrical current.

Bleeding Control

Severe external bleeding can cause death within minutes.

• Direct pressure: place a clean cloth or gauze directly over the wound and press firmly. Do not remove soaked dressings—add more on top.
• Wound packing: for deep wounds, pack gauze into the wound cavity and hold firm pressure.
• Tourniquet: for life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg that cannot be controlled by direct pressure, apply a commercial tourniquet 2–3 inches above the wound (not over a joint). Tighten until bleeding stops. Note the time of application and do not remove it. Communicate time to EMS.

Musculoskeletal Injury Management

Sprains, strains, and suspected fractures are common on construction sites.

• Do not attempt to straighten or realign a deformed limb.
• Immobilize the injury in the position found using a splint or padding.
• Apply ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling—never directly on skin.
• Elevate the limb if possible and if doing so causes no additional pain.
• Seek professional medical evaluation.

OSHA and First-Aid Requirements

OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926) require that trained first-aid personnel and adequate first-aid supplies be available at every construction site. Employers must ensure workers have access to prompt medical attention. Elevator mechanic worksites fall under construction industry OSHA standards. Knowing this regulation helps you advocate for proper resources on your jobsite.

Certification Standard

To pass this lesson, you must successfully complete the AHA or American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid skills evaluation and written examination to that organization's minimum passing standard. Your instructor will record your certification card issuance. These cards are recognized by employers across the country and are required at many union and non-union elevator jobsites.