As summer is fast approaching, St John Ambulance is urging all pool owners in Queensland to focus on safety first, by ensuring their first aid knowledge is up to date and that their pool chart complies with government regulations.
Monday 30 November marks the end of a five year grace period, and all pools in Queensland must comply with State regulations, including prominently displaying a compliant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) chart.
St John Ambulance first aid expert Mark Richards said CPR has changed over the past decade and urges the public, particularly those with pools, to update their skills.
“Knowing how to perform CPR will not only save the life of a drowning casualty, but will enhance quality of life after the incident by keeping the brain alive, which decreases chances of severe brain damage,” Mark said.
“There is no doubt Queenslanders love to spend time by the water; if you are faced with a drowning casualty, attempting to perform resuscitation is better than none at all,” he said.
“When a drowning occurs, it is important to follow the DRSABCD Action Plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airways, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation).”
Mark said having a CPR pool chart clearly visible will ensure you remember what to do in an emergency, but it is also important to undergo training so you are better familiarised with the action plan.
“It is important that people are aware of what to do in the event of a drowning emergency, and to act quickly,” he said.
“Learning first aid from a qualified instructor will not only give you the knowledge to deal with an emergency, it will give you the confidence to administer your skills and potentially save a life.”
St John (Qld) stocks CPR pool charts that are compliant with State regulations, and offers nationally accredited one and two day basic first aid courses that include managing a drowning incident. For more information, or to book a first aid course, visit www.stjohnqld.com.au or call 1300 ST JOHN.
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Media contact: Liz Stewart on 0417 785 228