Action First Aid

04/07/2026

Updated infant CPR guidelines: would you know how to help an infant in a cardiac emergency?

This step-by-step demonstration reflects current recommendations for performing CPR on an infant under 1 year old.

If an infant is unresponsive and not breathing effectively:

👉 Ensure the scene is safe and check for responsiveness
👉 Call 911 or have someone call immediately
👉 Begin CPR right away

CPR steps:
✔️ Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (just below the ni**le line)
✔️ Perform 30 chest compressions at a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm)
✔️ Give 2 gentle breaths, just enough to see the chest rise (“cheek puffs”)
✔️ Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths

If you’re not trained or unsure:
👉 Call 911 (regardless)
👉Doing something is better than doing nothing.

In a cardiac emergency, every second counts, and your actions can save a life.

🤝 Share this with parents, caregivers, and anyone who should know this

❤️ Follow .ca for more lifesaving tips and first aid training

04/02/2026

Easter means chocolate, candy, and hidden choking risks.🐣🍫

Knowing what to do in a choking emergency can save a life.

From adults and children to infants and pregnant individuals, choking first aid isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s important to know which techniques to use and when.

⚠️ These techniques are used when the airway is fully blocked, and the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe effectively.

This post covers:
🧍 Adult choking first aid
🧒 Child choking first aid
👶 Infant choking first aid
🤰 Choking first aid for pregnant individuals

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👉 Share this with someone you care about
👉 For all your first aid training and product needs, visit actionfirstaid.ca

04/01/2026

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. Now, is better prepared.

Their first outdoor .ca AED was unveiled today, giving students, staff, and visitors access to lifesaving equipment when every second counts.

In sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without action reduces survival by 10%.

This is why awareness, 24/7 public access, and visibility matter.

This initiative was led by , who lost her father to sudden cardiac arrest three years ago today and has since turned that loss into action that will help save lives.

With support from Western University leadership and Campus Special Constables Service, this SaveStation represents a commitment to protecting the community.

In memory of Steven Jelich, this initiative marks the beginning of continued efforts to improve cardiac safety on campus and beyond.

03/30/2026

Response times are longer in cottage country, making preparation essential to saving lives.

In time-critical emergencies like cardiac arrest, having the right tools on hand (and knowing how to use them) can make all the difference in those first few minutes.

We were incredibly grateful to be part of the 2026 Spring Cottage Life Show, where we had the chance to connect with so many people thinking proactively about safety at their cottages.

From the strong interest in AEDs to the number of Aspirin Pill Fobs that found new homes this weekend, it was clear that more Canadians are recognizing the importance of being prepared, especially in remote settings.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, asked questions, entered the First Aid Kit contest, and shared your stories.

And to our team, thank you for showing up, educating, and helping make preparedness more accessible.

If you couldn’t make it to the show but have been thinking about how to better prepare your home or cottage, we’ve put together a bundle of practical tools to help you get started:
https://www.actionfirstaid.ca/product/emergency-preparedness-bundle/

Have questions? Our team is always happy to help: info@actionfirstaid.ca

03/18/2026

🚑 2026 NCCER recap:

- Connected with student-led EMS teams and supported the next generation of responders

- Heard from our amazing guest speaker, a student sharing her powerful story of honouring her dad by bringing a .ca to campus to help protect more hearts in her community

- Hosted workshops on advancing campus cardiac safety and career pathways in the CPR/AED industry

- Watched the SaveStation giveaway submissions roll in, with incredible videos showing why campuses need accessible, outdoor AEDs

As a platinum sponsor, we couldn’t be more proud of the passion, skill, and professionalism these students bring, and the impact they’re making in their communities.❤️⛑️

Check out for more information on our SaveStation AED Campus Challenge!

03/16/2026

Would you know how to recognize a cardiac arrest?

During a sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating effectively, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain and other vital organs.

Within minutes, the chance of survival rapidly decreases.

If you suspect a cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately.

Then:
- Begin CPR
- Ask someone to bring an AED (or retrieve it yourself first)

⚡AEDs can increase the chance of survival by up to 80% if used within the first 4 minutes.

Cardiac arrest often looks like:
- Sudden collapse
- No breathing, ineffective breathing, or agonal gasping
- The person is unresponsive
- Eyes may be open
- Possible loss of bladder control

⚠️ Cardiac arrest is NOT the same as a heart attack.
They are different emergencies and require different first aid.

Anyone, of any age, can suffer a cardiac arrest.

Your fast action can keep someone alive until help arrives.

👉 Follow for more first aid tips and lifesaving education.

👉Check out our recent post on heart attacks to learn what it is and what to do

03/12/2026

Friday, March 20th the Barrie Fire Department and Barrie Police will go head to head for the second annual 911 Crosstown Classic hockey game!🔥🏒🚔

Game tickets and 50/50 tickets are on sale NOW, and all proceeds go toward .seasonscentre 💜

We’re proud to be a platinum sponsor, and will be donating an AED as part of the 50/50 prize.⛑️

Even better? You do not need to be present at the game to win this - you can buy tickets today, and have a chance to be the lucky winner next Friday!🏆

You don’t want to miss this - head to the link in our bio and get your tickets before they sell out!❤️

03/12/2026

In many cottage communities, emergency response can take much longer. That’s why preparation matters even more.

This weekend, the Action First Aid team attended the FOCA - Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations Spring Seminar, where cottage owners gathered to prepare for the 2026 season.

Our team focused on protecting families, friends and neighbours when emergencies happen, and being prepared for the moments when every second matters through a strengthened community.

We’ve already seen the impact of community safety initiatives in cottage country.

One Muskoka cottage community came together to install outdoor SaveStation® AEDs and train neighbours to respond to cardiac arrest.

When communities prepare together, they become safer, stronger, and ready to save lives.

👉Watch their inspiring story here:

Cottage communities are often at higher risk when it comes to surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) due to longer response times. Many residents are also not...

03/11/2026

One fact that often surprises people: a heart attack is NOT the same as cardiac arrest.

They are completely different medical emergencies and require different first aid.

During a heart attack, the person is usually conscious and breathing and may experience symptoms such as:

- Heartburn
- Chest pain or pressure
- Nausea
- Sweating or clammy skin
- Back pain
- Arm pain
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain

If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

👉First aid for a heart attack:

- Help the person rest in a semi-sit position
- Loosen tight clothing
- Give two to four low-dose Aspirin (ASA) or one 325 mg tablet, chewed (only if it is safe to do so)

In some cases, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.

👀Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explain what cardiac arrest is and the first aid for it.