Organization: The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

Department: Training & Development

Program Title: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) Training
Instructor: Certified CPR Instructor: Alana Johnson
Time Allocation: 4 hours
Trainees: Community Members
Where: Greenfield Community Center, 138 Greenfield Way NW, Calgary, Alberta
Organizational Goals

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is
to improve the overall health of Canadians by preventing death from heart disease and stroke
through research, health promotion, and advocacy (National Organization for Rare Disorders,
n.d.). Each year in Canada, an estimated 35,000 cardiac arrests occur and the majority of these
occur in public or at home and few people survive (The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada,
n.d.b). However, survival rates double if someone performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) and utilizes an automated external defibrillator (AED) (The Heart and Stroke Foundation
of Canada, n.d.b).
A fundamental objective of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is to save lives by
enabling faster, better emergency responses to heart and stroke-related incidents (The Heart and
Stroke Foundation of Canada, n.d.b). Their action plan to fulfill this objective includes teaching
Canadians how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, making more Canadians ready to respond
to a cardiac emergency with CPR through training, and training more Canadians on how and
when to properly use an AED (The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, n.d.b).
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada relies on its staff CPR instructors to host
sessions to educate and teach community members on the basics surrounding CPR and AED
usage. To fulfill the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s goals, this training directly
attempts to educate more community members on how to respond urgently and effectively to a
cardiac emergency.

Training Objectives

Selected individuals who are interested in learning the basics surrounding CPR and the
use of an AED will attend this training program. Upon the completion of the training program,
trainees will:

 Recognize the various signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest.

 Describe what CPR is and understand how it helps boost survival rates.
 Understand and perform the steps of CPR on an adult.
 Recognize when and how to safely use an AED on someone who is experiencing cardiac
arrest.

Pre-Requisites

The trainees attending this training program do not require any prior training as this is a
basic and standard CPR course. As stated on the Cardiac Partners website, “anyone can learn
CPR and everyone should” (Cardio Partners, 2018). In addition, this training is completely
voluntary and community members who are interested in learning CPR and AED usage are
encouraged to register for this training course. Considering that CPR and AED usage can be
easily learned, a trainability assessment prior to training is not required for trainees.
Materials Required

The class size is limited to 20 trainees as this maintains the proper ratio between the
number of participants and the instructor. This allows the trainer to closely watch each trainee
when they are practicing the steps of CPR and provide sufficient feedback. The training session
will take place at the Greenfield Community Center since a large, open space is necessary as
CPR and AED training requires participants to actively participate and physically practice. In
addition, the training site chosen is ideal as it can comfortably accommodate 20 trainees as it is
recommended that approximately 15 square feet are available for every two participants
(Canadian Red Cross, n.d.). Trainees will be separated into 5 groups of 4 and each group will
require its own CPR mannequin and an exercise mat. The space will have chairs arranged in a
horseshoe fashion with a CPR mannequin and exercise mat placed in front of each group. This
type of seating arrangement will permit trainees to observe the instructor’s demonstrations and
pay close attention to the material they are presenting while simultaneously learning from one
another when they are required to practice (Saks & Haccoun, 2019, p. 260).

The training session is scheduled to be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 5,

2020. Since all trainees are community members and often work full-time during the weekdays,
a day on the weekend is chosen. In addition, the instructor, Alana Johnson, is consistently
available in the afternoons during the weekend and the Greenfield Community Center can be
easily booked during this time. Although weekends are favourable to hold training sessions,
various sessions will be offered on a variety of days to accommodate all community member’s
schedules and to encourage participation and registration.

Classroom Requirements

A large, open space that allows for trainees to practice on CPR mannequins and for chairs
to be arranged in a horseshoe fashion to encourage trainee interaction and participation. Seating
for 20 trainees is required. A minimum of approximately 15 square feet should be available per
two trainees (Canadian Red Cross, n.d.).

Training Materials and Equipment

 6 CPR mannequins (one per group and one for the instructor to provide demonstration)
 AED machine
 6 exercise mats (one per group and one for the instructor)
 20 clipboards
 Handouts for participants
 Speaker and phone to play “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees
Trainee Handouts
 Course Objectives and Outline
 The Basics and Importance of CPR
 The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: What is Cardiac Arrest?
 Summarization of the Steps of CPR
  Quick List of How to Use an AED
Trainee Supplies
Trainees will need to bring a pencil or pen and a notepad in order to take notes on the
training content when needed. Trainees should be dressed in activewear as this training course
will demand them to practice CPR on mannequins which can be physically demanding. Trainees
should also bring a nametag so that the instructor and fellow trainees are able to address them by
name and easily provide feedback.
Lesson Description
Topic & Subtopics Knowledge & Skills to be Learned Instructional
Objectives Procedure
Introduction Initial trainer - Initial introduction among trainees and - Verbal information
and trainee trainer:
introduction and  Introduction of yourself (trainer) and
distribution of give a brief summary on your
handouts background teaching CPR
 Go around the room and make each
trainee briefly introduce themselves to
the class and explain why they took this
course
- Distribute all handouts to trainees
- Randomly separate trainees into groups of 4
Introduction of - Explain that this course will cover the basics - Verbal Information
the training regarding the use of CPR and an AED and that - Refer to Handout:
course and its this training will require active participation Course Objectives
objectives from all trainees. and Outline
Recognize the What is cardiac - Explain that cardiac arrest is defined as when - Verbal Information
various signs arrest? the heart suddenly stops beating (The Heart - Refer to handout:
and symptoms and Stroke Foundation of Canada, n.d.a). The Basics and
of cardiac Often, it happens suddenly and there are Importance of CPR
arrest usually no warning signs (The Heart and
Stroke Foundation of Canada, n.d.a).
 Approximately only 1 in 10 survive
cardiac arrests if they happen at home
or in public places (The Heart and
Stroke Foundation of Canada, n.d.a).
 Survival rates of cardiac arrest double
with immediate action (The Heart and
Stroke Foundation of Canada, n.d.a).
The signs and - Describe to trainees that there are 3 main - Verbal Information
symptoms of signs that someone is experiencing cardiac - Refer to handout:
cardiac arrest arrest (The Heart and Stroke Foundation of The Heart and
Canada, n.d.a). These signs are: Stroke Foundation of
1. Sudden collapse Canada: What is
 2. Unresponsive to touch or sound Cardiac Arrest?
3. Not breathing or making gasping noises

- If these signs are spotted in an individual, it is

important to assess the situation and
immediately administer CPR.
Describe what What is CPR? - Explain what CPR is to trainees. - Verbal Information
CPR is and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a - Refer to handout:
understand lifesaving technique that is useful in many The Basics and
how it helps emergencies in which someone’s breathing has Importance of CPR
boost survival stopped (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018). This
rates technique consists of performing regular and
quick chest compressions in conjunction with
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the individual
experiencing the emergency incident (Mayo
Clinic Staff, 2018).
- CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to
vital organs and the brain which can restore a
normal heart rhythm (Mayo Clinic Staff,
2018).
- CPR should be performed until medical
personnel arrive at the scene and should be
done consistently without stopping (Mayo
Clinic Staff, 2018).
The importance - Explain to trainees that 88% of people who - Verbal Information
of CPR suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die - Refer to handout:
(Cardio Partners, 2018). Knowing how to The Basics and
administer CPR can increase survival rates and Importance of CPR
will make anyone equip to respond to a cardiac
emergency and save lives.
Understand Before Emphasize to trainees that before - Verbal Information
and perform performing CPR administering CPR, it is important to check
the steps of (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018):
CPR on an - Is the environment safe for the person?
adult - Is the person conscious or unconscious
(check pulse)?
- If the person appears to be unconscious, tap
and shake them and ask them loudly if they are
okay. If they do not respond, immediately
begin CPR and if another person is available,
make them call 911.
The steps of - First, teach trainees the acronym C-A-B - Verbal information
CPR for an adult (Compressions, Airways, and Breathing) to - Visual
help them remember the steps of CPR (Mayo Demonstration
Clinic Staff, 2018). - Refer to the
Compressions: Restore Blood Circulation: handout:
 1. Put the person on their back on a firm Summarization of
surface. the Steps of CPR
2. Place the heel of the hand in the center
of the person’s chest and place other
hand overtop. Ensure that elbows are
straight.
3. Use upper body weight to push down
on chest at least 2 inches down, but no
more than 2.4 inches down. This action
should be done at a rate of 100 to 120
compressions per minute.
Airways: Open the airway:
1. After 30 chest compressions have been
performed, open the person’s airway
using the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver.
Gently tilt the person’s head back and
lift the chin forward.
Breathing: Breathe for the person:
1. With the airway open, pinch nostrils
shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and
completely cover the person’s mouth
with yours, effectively making a seal.
2. Give two rescue breaths. The first
should last one second and watch the
person’s chest to ensure that it rises. If
it does, administer the second breath. If
not, reposition the person’s head and
then give a second breath.
3. Resume chest compressions to restore
circulation.
- Position yourself in front of the class and
demonstrate all steps mentioned above on the
CPR mannequin while on the mat. Verbally
explain each step while performing the visual
demonstration to all trainees.

*All steps mentioned above were received

from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-
cpr/basics/art-20056600
Activity - Begin by playing the song “Stayin’ Alive” by - Play the song
the Bee Gees. Call every trainee to the front of “Stayin’ Alive” from
the class and get them to perform 5 chest the speaker and have
compressions on the mannequin until each each trainee come to
trainee has completed the activity. the front of the class
- Explain to trainees that this activity will and perform chest
 allow them to practice the correct pace at compressions to the
which they should be performing chest beat
compressions.
Activity - Allocate 30 minutes for trainees to practice - Provide 30 minutes
CPR steps on their designated mannequin with for trainees to work
their group. in groups and
- Walk around the class to observe and practice CPR steps
determine if any trainee needs help with
practicing CPR.
Recognize What is an - Explain to trainees that an automated external - Verbal Information
when and how AED? defibrillator (AED) is used to help those who - Refer to the
to safely use are experiencing cardiac arrest (American Red handout: Quick List
an AED on an Cross Training Services, 2020b). An AED of How to Use an
adult who is should be used in conjunction with CPR. It is a AED
experiencing simple medical device that can analyze the
cardiac arrest heart’s rhythm and administer electrical shocks
to help the heart establish an effective rhythm
(American Red Cross Training Services,
2020b).
When and how - Express to trainees that if an AED is close by - Verbal Information
to use an AED and someone is experiencing cardiac arrest, an - Visual
AED should be used. An AED can be found in Demonstration
many public places, including schools, offices, - Refer to the
shopping malls, and airports (FDA, 2019). handout: Quick List
- How to use an AED (American Red Cross of How to Use an
Training, 2020a): AED
1. The user will turn on AED and follow
the voice prompts.
2. Open the person’s shirt so that they
have a bare chest. Make sure that the
bare chest is dry.
3. Attach the AED pads and plug in the
connector if necessary.
4. Make sure that no one is touching the
person. Push the analyze button and
allow the AED to analyze the person’s
heart rhythm.
5. If the AED asks to deliver a shock,
press the shock button. Make sure no
one is touching the person.
6. Begin CPR after delivering the shock.
If no shock is advised, begin CPR.
Look for signs of consciousness.
- Take AED out of the case. Stand at the front
of the class and show the correct placement of
the AED pads on the mannequin. The AED
 should be in training mode and will
demonstrate to the trainees what using an AED
is like.

*All information regarding how to use an AED

was found at https://www.redcross.org/take-a-
class/aed/using-an-aed/aed-steps
Conclusion - Ask trainees if they have any questions and - Verbal Information
ask them to fill out an evaluation survey and a - Multiple-choice
multiple-choice exam. exam
- Evaluation survey

Evaluation
Immediately following the completion of the training program, all trainees will be
required to complete a 20 question multiple-choice exam. Questions will consist of asking
trainees about essential information that was taught such as what the correct steps are for
performing CPR and the proper way to use an AED. This will directly test if participants had
retained the information that was presented during the training session and will measure the
utility aspect of the reaction variable of Kirkpatrick’s Hierarchical model (Saks & Haccoun,
2019, p. 331). Additionally, every trainee will immediately be required to complete a post-
training survey that will measure their likes and dislikes of the training program and allow them
to comment on the training session (affective) (Saks & Haccoun, 2019, p. 331). One week
following the completion of the training program, trainees will be emailed and asked to complete
a quick self-assessment. These self-assessments will be analyzed by the instructor and if it is
determined that the trainee does not feel confident in their skills, they will have the opportunity
to have a one-on-one interview with the trainer to fill in any knowledge gaps.
Follow-up
Following the training session, trainees will be given the instructor’s email and will be
able to ask questions about the training content at any time. Trainees will also be required to
attend a three-month follow-up, refresher session to ensure that they have retained the
information that was taught and can effectively use their newly acquired skills. In this follow-up,
they will have to perform a sequence of tasks that will test their knowledge of CPR and AED
usage and the instructor will evaluate the trainee. If the trainee does not display the recently
learned skills and knowledge, the trainer will have the opportunity to invite them to an additional
training session. To implement this training program, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
will have to work with their staff CPR instructors to schedule sessions for community members
to attend. Furthermore, the organization will need to ensure that they are offering training
sessions at the correct times and providing enough sessions to meet the demand for individuals
seeking to learn basic CPR and AED skills.
Conclusion
This lesson plan will offer assistance to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s
CPR instructors in conducting effective basic CPR and AED training sessions. Overall, training
community members in CPR and AED usage directly aligns with the organization’s objective of
having more Canadians prepared to deal with cardiac emergencies and ultimately, save lives
(The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, n.d.b).
 References
American Red Cross Training Services. (2020a). AED steps. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-
class/aed/using-an-aed/aed-steps
American Red Cross Training Services. (2020b). What is AED? https://www.redcross.org/take-a-
class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed
Canadian Red Cross. (n.d.). Equipment needs for red cross standard, emergency and CPR level
a courses. https://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/What-We-Do/First-Aid-and-CPR/
Training-Partners/equipment_list_en.pdf
Cardio Partners. (2018, January 1). 10 reasons why you should learn CPR.
https://www.aed.com/blog/10-reasons-why-you-should-learn-cpr/#:~:text=Anyone
%20can%20learn%20CPR%20and,or%20their%20training%20has%20lapsed.
FDA. (2019, November 19). How AED in public places can restart hearts.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-aeds-public-places-can-restart-
hearts
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, February 16). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): First aid.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600
Saks. A. M., & Haccoun, R.R. (2019). Managing performance through training and
development (8th ed.). Nelson Education Ltd.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (n.d.a). Cardiac arrest.

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/cardiac-arrest
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (n.d.b). Saving lives.
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/what-we-do/our-impact/saving-lives
The National Organization for Rare Disorders. (n.d.). Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
https://rarediseases.org/organizations/heart-and-stroke-foundation-of-canada/