Each year, about 2.5million Australians are so badly injured at home or at work they require hospitalisation.
St John Ambulance (Qld) Blackwater Divisional Manager Col Harris said the impact of these injuries is greatly reduced when first aid treatment is administered.
“Learning first aid is extremely important because the help given in an emergency situation can literally mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
“First aid can preserve life, prevent further injury, promote recovery and keep a casualty alive before professional medical help arrives.
“Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.”
Mr Harris said most people with first aid training use their knowledge to assist their family, close friends and work colleagues.
“It’s the people we are closest to that we’re putting at risk if we don’t take the time to learn basic first aid,” Mr Harris said.
St John Ambulance offers a range of comprehensive first aid training courses, the most popular being the Provide (Senior) First Aid certificate.
The two-day course covers CPR, management of injuries and how to provide emergency care. Courses are run on demand and include a workbook, first aid equipment and a copy of Australian First Aid (a comprehensive 500 page book which details how to handle any emergency situation). The certificate is valid for three years, with yearly resuscitation updates recommended.
For more information and to book a course, contact Col Harris on 0421 559 505 or email monto@stjohnqld.com.au.
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Media contact: Angela Madden on (07) 3253 0579.