Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction 03/16 – First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation Training

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2016-10-04

Application: This is an Instruction that applies to all officers and non-commissioned members (NCMs) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Supersession: CMP Instruction 11/06, First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training.

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)

2. Definitions

Automatic External Defibrillator (Défibrillateur externe automatisé)

An AED is a small, portable device used to identify cardiac rhythm and deliver a shock to correct abnormal electrical activity in the heart. As a result of the sophisticated electronics in an AED the operator will only be advised to deliver a shock if the heart is in a rhythm which can be corrected by defibrillation. If a shockable rhythm is not detected, no shock can be given and the provider will be instructed to perform CPR until emergency medical services arrive.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Réanimation cardiorespiratoire)

CPR is two basic life support skills combined: artificial respiration and artificial circulation. Artificial respiration provides oxygen to the lungs and artificial circulation causes blood to flow through the body.

DND Special Centre for First Aid (Centre special pour le secourisme du MDN)

Created in 1922 under the auspices of St. John Ambulance of Canada, the DND SCFA is directed by the Surgeon General and managed by the Director Health Services Personnel (D H Svcs Pers). The Centre is located within the CF H Svcs Gp HQ and is the managing authority responsible for implementing the CAF FA/CPR/AED programs.

First Aid (Secourisme)

Emergency help provided to injured or suddenly ill individuals at the scene, using readily available materials.

3. Abbreviations

4. Policy Direction

Policy Statement

4.1 With the exception of health care providers and first responders, all CAF members shall receive MSFA, CPR level C and AED training to the standard detailed in Military First Aid Instructor's Guide (A-MD-050111/PF-009). Although not managed by DND SCFA, members deploying to risk level two or higher operations will receive Combat Related First Aid (CRFA). In addition, selected members will receive TCCC training to the standard detailed in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (AJCI) A-P3-002-TCCC/PC-B01 once tasked for an operational deployment.

4.2 ADM (HR-Civ) supports the CAF offering DND civilian employees FA/CPR/AED training to the standard detailed in Military First Aid Instructor's Guide as applicable to the position they hold. This training may be provided using the CAF resources described in this policy at no cost to the ADM (HR-Civ) or the employee.

HCP and First Responders

4.3 All CAF Health Care Providers, Medical Officers 00196, Nursing Officers 00195, Medical Technicians 00334, Physician Assistants 00334-02, Dentists 00191, Dental Technicians 00335, SAR Techs 00101, First Responders, Fire Fighters 00149, Military Police, and other designated trades, are required to recertify annually in HCP/CPR level C.

Context

4.4 The CAF FA/CPR/AED Training Program provides individuals with the knowledge and necessary skills to apply basic life saving techniques to the ill and injured until qualified health care providers arrive.

FAI/FAIT

4.5 For Annual Performance Readiness Verification (APRV), First Aid Instructors and First Aid Instructor Trainers will not require First Aid training as long as they stay current in accordance with Annex A (certification/recertification).

5. Program Content

CAF FA/CPR/AED Training Program

5.1 The CAF FA/CPR/AED Training Program is based on standards established by the DND contracted training agency. DND qualified FAIs are located at Bases, Wings and Ships across the country, and provide training to personnel in their respective locations. Training is repeated every three years to maintain currency. When necessary, the program will be supplemented with advice provided by medical personnel and national level support.

5.2 The CAF FA/CPR/AED Training Program provides training at various levels, to meet the needs of the CAF. The Program also includes Instructor and Instructor-trainer courses. Annex A describes the different courses in detail and indicates which group(s) each level of training applies to.

5.3 The CAF FA/CPR/AED Training Program is cost neutral for instruction, as instructors are qualified volunteers. All course materials (publications) are procured through the DND contracted agency.

6. Responsibilities

Responsibilities Table

6.1 The table below describes the responsibilities for implementation of this instruction.

7. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Associated DAOD

• N/A

Other References

• DCDS Direction International Operations, Chapter 16 Health Services Supports (HSS)
• SJS 001 011430Z Feb 06 First Aid Training for Deployed Operations
• A-MD-050-111/PF-009, Military First Aid Instructor’s Guide
• CFS-7 scale D07-103 (material authorization notification)
• C-02-040009/AG 001, General Safety Program, Volume 2, General Safety Standards
• A-P3-002-TCCC/PC-B01, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (AJCI) Dated 2005-12-13

8. Annex

1. Annex A – FA/CPR/AED Requirements and Course Summary