A workplace may need trained first-aid responders, CPR and AED training, or a combination. Those are related subjects, but not identical courses. The right package depends on the workplace’s hazards, emergency response plan, and any applicable employer or industry-specific requirements.
At a glance
A workplace CPR, AED, or first-aid course may cover different skills. Online instruction is not always enough when the employer or credential issuer requires practical demonstration. Confirm the required course and completion format.
When does OSHA require trained first-aid personnel?
Under OSHA’s general industry medical and first-aid standard, employers must have adequately trained personnel available when an infirmary, clinic, or hospital used to treat injured employees is not in near proximity. Training decisions should be based on the actual conditions of the workplace, not a one-size-fits-all card.
CPR, AED, and first aid: Different skills
First aid instruction addresses initial assistance for injuries and illness. CPR focuses on helping someone in cardiac arrest. AED instruction addresses the safe use of an automated external defibrillator. Some providers bundle these skills, while others offer separate programs and completion records.
What about online-only completion?
Some programs offer online knowledge lessons and others pair online learning with an in-person skills session. Before buying, check whether your employer, contract, professional regulator, or certifying organization requires a hands-on demonstration. A recorded lesson and a practical skills card should not be represented as interchangeable.
What employers should check
Identify who needs training, which emergencies are plausible, who can respond first, whether an AED is available, how practical skills are assessed, and when the selected program expects renewal. Keep records aligned with your organization’s emergency procedures.
Official source and review
Reviewed October 9, 2026. Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 and OSHA Medical and First Aid resources.