Workplace first aid acronyms and abbreviations
In a workplace emergency, every second counts.
Whether you’re in an office, warehouse, construction site, or remote worksite, the ability to respond quickly and correctly can mean the difference between life and death.
One of the most effective tools for rapid response is learning first aid acronyms and abbreviations. These short, memorable phrases guide first aiders through critical steps in high-stress situations.
In Australia, Safe Work Australia and state-based workplace health and safety regulators promote first aid training in line with national codes of practice.
Understanding and using first aid acronyms correctly is essential not just for compliance but for workplace safety culture.
Remembering to use the right first aid acronym at the right time could save a life.
AED
An AED is a portable device that analyses the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed. AEDs are designed to be used by laypeople with little-to-no first aid training. The AED abbreviation stands for:
- A - Automated
- E - External
- D - Defibrillator
These life-saving devices should be located in clearly marked, accessible areas. They provide step-by-step voice prompts and are most effective when used within the first 3–5 minutes of patient collapse.
Employers are increasingly installing AEDs in offices, warehouses, schools, and transport hubs as part of their first aid equipment. Using an AED in combination with CPR significantly improves survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.
BLS
BLS is a broader framework that encompasses CPR, AED use, and maintaining airway and breathing support until emergency responders arrive. The BLS abbreviation stands for:
- B - Basic
- L - life
- S - Support
BLS includes:
- Recognising emergency situations
- Calling Triple Zero (000) for help
- Performing CPR
- Using an AED
- Placing a person in the recovery position when appropriate
In Australian workplaces, BLS is typically taught as part of Level 2 First Aid (HLTAID011) and provides employees with the confidence and competence to take action in a life-threatening situation.
CPR
CPR is the acronym for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
CPR is a vital first aid skill that helps maintain circulation and breathing in a person whose heart has stopped. In Australian workplaces, accredited CPR training is required for first aid officers and strongly recommended for others.
The standard approach in a workplace setting is:
- 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (if possible but not essential)
- Compressions delivered at a rate of 100–120 per minute
- Compression depth at approximately 5 cm for adults
Many first aid trainers now teach hands-only CPR, especially for untrained responders or when rescue breaths aren’t safe. Quick and confident CPR can double or triple the chances of survival.
DRSABCD
The cornerstone of any first aid response in Australia is the DRSABCD action plan. It’s taught in all accredited first aid courses and widely recognised in workplaces:
- D – Danger - Check for dangers to yourself, bystanders, and the patient
- R – Response - Check if the person is responsive
- S – Send for help and a defibrillator if possible. Call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services
- A – Airway - Ensure the airway is open and clear
- B – Breathing - Check for normal breathing
- C – CPR - If not breathing, start CPR with 30 compressions, 2 breaths
- D – Defibrillation - Apply an AED if available and follow its prompts
This acronym provides a clear, logical sequence that ensures no vital step is missed. It’s especially useful in high-stress moments when people may panic or freeze.
FAST
Stroke is one of Australia’s leading causes of death and disability. Recognising stroke early can make a major difference to a victim’s recovery. The FAST acronym helps spot warning signs:
- F – Face - Is one side drooping?
- A – Arms: Can the person lift both arms?
- S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time: Time is critical. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately
Employers should consider including stroke awareness in workplace health initiatives, particularly for ageing workforces.
HARM
The HARM acronym is used alongside RICER (below). It lists things to avoid for the first 48–72 hours after a soft tissue injury:
H – Heat including hot packs or baths
A – Alcohol which can increase bleeding and swelling
R – Running or any form of exercise
M – Massage which can worsen the injury early on
Including HARM in workplace first aid refreshers can prevent employees from unknowingly worsening injuries before treatment.
MHFA
As psychological hazards become a growing concern in Australian workplaces, MHFA is gaining widespread recognition. MHFA equips employees with the skills to recognise, respond to, and support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges:
- M - Mental
- H - Health
- F - First
- A - Aid
MHFA is essential for supporting workers facing anxiety, depression, substance misuse, trauma, or self-harm.
Employers are encouraged to integrate MHFA into their health and safety systems, particularly in line with new WHS regulations on psychosocial risks introduced across Australian jurisdictions in recent years.
PIT
Australia is home to many venomous creatures, including snakes, spiders, and jellyfish. The PIT acronym is used to manage venomous bites and stings:
- P - Pressure
- I - Immobilisation
- T - Technique
Steps in the PIT method include:
- Apply a pressure bandage over the bite site
- Extend the bandage over the entire limb
- Immobilise the limb with a splint if possible
- Keep the person still and calm
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately
PIT slows the spread of venom through the lymphatic system and is essential knowledge in outdoor, regional, or agricultural workplaces.
PPE
The acronym PPE is crucial in any first aid response. It protects both the responder and the injured person from infection or contamination:
- P - Personal
- P - Protective
- E - Equipment
Examples of PPE in workplace first aid include:
- Disposable gloves to prevent contact with blood or other bodily fluids
- Face shields or pocket masks for safe CPR
- Eye protection if there’s a risk of splash
- Protective clothing in high-risk environments
Australian employers are legally obligated to provide appropriate PPE under the WHS regulations. First aid kits must include basic PPE items.
RICER
Soft tissue injuries such as sprains or strains are one of the most common workplace injuries in Australia. The acronym RICER is a trusted approach:
- R – Rest the injured area
- I – Ice to reduce swelling
- C – Compression using an elastic bandage
- E – Elevation above the heart if possible
- R – Referral to a healthcare professional
Employers should ensure their first aiders are trained in RICER, especially in workplaces with physical demands.
How to teach and reinforce first aid acronyms at work
Learning acronyms once during a training session isn’t enough.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed in any first aid emergency. Here’s how to keep them front of mind:
- Include acronyms in your first aid policy – Posters, checklists, and digital signage can help reinforce recall
- Use realistic scenario training – Simulated emergencies build confidence in applying acronyms under pressure
- Test knowledge during toolbox talks – Especially in high-risk industries like construction or transport
- Encourage periodic refreshers – Particularly for workplace first aid officers, where practical application matters
Reinforcement ensures these life-saving steps become instinctive under pressure. The more familiar workers are with acronyms, the more confident and capable they’ll be in real emergencies.
Conclusion
Workplace first aid acronyms are much more than memory aids.
They empower employees to act fast, think clearly, and respond appropriately under pressure. From DRSABCD to FAST, PIT to PPE, these tools create a shared language of safety and care.
In Australian workplaces, where regulations are clear and employer obligations are high, training in first aid acronyms can boost compliance, improve outcomes and even save lives.
Businesses should go beyond minimum compliance and actively embed first aid knowledge into their culture.
When it comes to workplace safety, it’s not just about ticking a box - it’s about protecting people.
References
Safe Work Australia – First aid in the workplace - Code of Practice
WorkSafe Victoria - Compliance code: First aid in the workplace