What type of CPR do you need for PSW? [Updated 2024]

Why PSWs need Basic Life Support CPR

A Basic Life Support (CPR BLS) course is particularly relevant to the job roles and responsibilities of a Personal Support Worker (PSW). Before we dive into them, a quick note — the terms Basic Life Support (BLS), Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), and Healthcare Provider CPR (HCP) are all interchangeable. Don't get confused, they're all the exact same standard of training and certification.  

1. High-Quality CPR: Techniques for performing high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths for adults, children, and infants. This is crucial for PSWs who may need to respond to cardiac emergencies in various age groups and vulnerable populations.
2. Increased Employability: Many employers in healthcare settings prefer or require PSWs to have CPR BLS certification, as it ensures that staff are prepared to handle a wider range of emergency situations.
3. Compliance with Regulations: In Ontario, healthcare settings often demand CPR BCLS certification to meet the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Regulation 1101 and other healthcare standards.
4. Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Training on how to effectively use AEDs, which are commonly available in healthcare settings and can significantly increase the chances of survival during cardiac arrest.
5. Team Dynamics: Understanding the roles and responsibilities within a resuscitation team, which is essential for PSWs who often work as part of a healthcare team.
6. Airway Management: Techniques for maintaining and opening airways, including the use of barrier devices and bag-mask ventilation, which are critical in respiratory emergencies.
7. Recognition of Cardiac Arrest: Identifying the signs of cardiac arrest quickly and accurately, enabling prompt and effective intervention.
8. Choking Relief: Procedures for relieving choking in adults, children, and infants, which is a common emergency that PSWs may encounter.

Why PSWs need Standard First Aid

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) need Standard First Aid for several critical reasons:

1. Immediate Response: PSWs often work with vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. Standard First Aid equips them with the skills to provide immediate and effective care in emergencies, such as falls, cuts, or sudden illnesses.
2. Workplace Requirements: Many healthcare settings, including long-term care homes, hospitals, and home care environments, require PSWs to have Standard First Aid certification. This ensures that all staff are prepared to handle emergencies, enhancing overall workplace safety.  In Ontario, healthcare employers must comply with Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Regulation 1101, which mandates first aid training for employees. Having Standard First Aid certification helps PSWs meet these regulatory requirements.
3. Enhanced Safety: PSWs often work with vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. First aid training equips them with the skills to handle emergencies and provide immediate care, ensuring the safety of their clients.
4. Immediate Response to Falls and Injuries: First aid training teaches PSWs how to assess and manage injuries, apply bandages, and immobilize fractures, which can prevent further harm.
5. Seizure Management: PSWs are trained to keep the client safe during a seizure, preventing injury and ensuring proper post-seizure care.
6. Diabetic Emergency Response: First aid training covers how to recognize signs of hypo- and hyperglycemia and administer appropriate care, such as providing sugar for hypoglycemia.
7. Bleeding Control: PSWs learn how to apply pressure to wounds, use dressings, and manage bleeding effectively.
8. Respiratory Support: Training includes how to assist clients experiencing respiratory distress, including the use of inhalers or oxygen if necessary.