It’s Heart Month, and there’s an important reminder for workplaces across Canada: CPR guidelines were updated in October 2025.
If your workplace has first aid procedures, trained staff, or AEDs onsite, this matters for you.
Why CPR Guidelines Get Updated
CPR guidelines are reviewed and updated regularly as new research becomes available. Updates happen because evidence shows there is a better, clearer, or more effective way to respond in real emergencies.
The changes made in October 2025 are about reinforcing what works, simplifying decision making for responders, and improving outcomes during cardiac arrest.
Here’s what changed, in simple terms.
The Biggest Change: CPR for Children and Infants
The new guidelines place more emphasis on giving breaths during CPR for kids and babies, not just chest compressions.
Why? Because cardiac emergencies in children and infants often start as breathing problems. Getting oxygen into the lungs early can make a real difference in outcomes.
This is a shift from the compressions-focused approach that works well for adults. For children, breathing support is now recognized as equally critical.
What Stayed the Same for Adults
For adults, the guidance is very clear and unchanged.
If a bystander sees an adult collapse, pushing hard and fast on the chest right away is still a lifesaving response. You do not need to hesitate.
The adult CPR protocol remains effective and straightforward, making it easier for bystanders to act quickly without overthinking.
Other Important Updates
Beyond the child and infant changes, the October 2025 guidelines include several other important updates:
911 call taker coaching: Call takers may now coach callers on giving breaths for children and infants during an emergency.
Earlier CPR education: CPR education is encouraged at younger ages to build confidence earlier in life.
Improved training methods: Scenario based and gamified learning are recommended to improve skill retention and make training more effective.
Opioid emergency focus: Increased emphasis on opioid related emergencies, including naloxone access and training.
Emotional impact recognition: Greater recognition of the emotional toll emergencies have on responders and caregivers, with support integrated into training.
What Employers Need to Do
For employers, the takeaway is straightforward. If your procedures, training materials, or internal policies were built around older guidance, now is the time to review them.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Review emergency response procedures. Make sure your workplace protocols reflect the updated guidelines, especially if you have staff who work with children or infants.
Refresh first aid and CPR training where needed. If your team was trained before October 2025, consider scheduling a refresher to bring everyone up to date.
Update internal materials. Check that posters, manuals, and reference materials reflect current guidance, not outdated information.
Ensure staff are confident, not just certified. Compliance matters, but confidence matters more. Make sure your team knows what to do and feels prepared to act.
Being Up to Date Matters
Being up to date isn’t about checking a box. It’s about making sure the information people fall back on during a high stress moment is accurate and current.
Preparedness only works if it keeps pace with what we know today.
Get Your Team Updated
If your workplace needs help reviewing procedures, updating training, or ensuring your team is prepared with the most current guidelines, First Aid Canada is here to help.
Don’t wait. If your team was trained before October 2025, now is the time to schedule a refresh. We’ll make sure your procedures reflect the latest evidence and that your staff have the confidence to respond when it matters.
Get in touch today. Let’s make sure your team is ready.