This World First Aid Day (14 September 2024) St John Ambulance Australia is encouraging all Australians to brush up on their First Aid Training.
First Aid training rates in Australia are still relatively low compared to other parts of the world, yet 33 per cent of Australian Adults surveyed recently, had witnessed a health or medical emergency in last 12 months alone. It was concerning that only 1 in 10 Australians felt ‘very confident’ to provide first aid in such a situation. Further to this, 31 per cent of Australian Adults surveyed had never done First Aid training1. This is something St John Ambulance Australia and its State and Territory organisations around the nation, seek to change.
St John Ambulance Australia CEO, Brendan Maher expressed the ongoing importance of improving first aid rates in Australia, and increasing the skills and confidence of people to provide first aid in their homes, workplaces, schools and communities.
“It’s concerning how few people truly feel ready and confident to provide first aid in health or medical emergency, given how frequently accidents, illness or injury can occur, and how important bystander first aid is in those moments,” said Mr Maher.
“We don’t highlight these statistics to create alarm, but rather to encourage action. First Aid skills are relatively easy to learn, and we see time and time again what small interventions can do to make a difference or save a life. Boosting confidence is key.”
First Aid interventions can range from simple steps to treating a sprain or minor wound, to life-sustaining actions such as effective delivery of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or deployment of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. These actions can ease suffering, prevent further injury, or even save a life.
Various activities around Australia for World First Aid Day this September, are drawing attention to the vital need for First Aid skills and supplies in all settings and communities.
“We want Australians to ask themselves if they are truly First Aid ready in their homes, workplaces, schools or communities. That means having the equipment they need nearby, such as a stocked first aid kit and AED, and having people trained-up, confident and ready to help,” said Mr Maher.
St John across Australia is celebrating World First Aid Day in many different ways, from public CPR demonstrations, to Automated External Defibrillator (AED) placements at sporting venues, open day style events, sharing of stories, and children’s activities to inspire the next generation of First Aiders.
The community is encouraged to check out what their local St John Ambulance is up to, or to get in contact to enrol in training or purchase supplies, details can be found at www.stjohnqld.com.au
