SustainHealth: Life-Saving Skills and Insights from Our First Aid Training Experience
At SustainHealth, we empower our team not just professionally, but personally. This commitment to holistic development led four of our team members—Guido, Liam, Ciara, and Sharleen—to participate in the “How to Save a Life: First Aid Training.” Each came away with invaluable skills and insights. Here’s what they learned and why they believe this training is essential for everyone.
Guido’s Takeaway: Infant CPR as a New Parent
As a new parent, Guido found the infant CPR segment of the course particularly crucial. He learned the proper techniques for performing CPR on an infant, including the correct hand placement, depth of compressions, and timing for rescue breaths. “The training emphasised the importance of quick action and proper technique, which is vital as infants are highly vulnerable to emergencies like choking and respiratory issues,” Guido noted. He highly recommends this training for all parents and caregivers.
Ciara’s Takeaway: Preparedness in Public Emergencies
Ciara was struck by a startling statistic: less than 10% of people in Australia survive a cardiac arrest in public due to a lack of training. She valued learning about managing such emergencies and the basics of handling bites and stings—knowledge she hadn’t needed back in Ireland. “It’s essential to be prepared, no matter where you are,” Ciara reflected.
Sharleen’s Takeaway: The Importance of First Aid Training
Sharleen highlighted the low percentage of Australians trained in first aid—fewer than 5%. The training covered Basic Life Support and the DRSABCD action plan:
- Danger: Ensure the area is safe for both the rescuer and the victim.
- Responsive: Check if the victim responds to verbal cues or physical stimuli.
- Send for help: Call emergency services and ensure clear access for their arrival.
- Airway: Clear the airway appropriately based on the victim’s age.
- Breathing: Check for normal breathing and act accordingly.
- CPR: Perform CPR suited to the age of the victim.
- Defibrillator: Attach and use an AED if available.
Sharleen emphasised that the knowledge and confidence to perform these steps can truly save lives.
Liam’s Takeaway: Understanding CPR Variations
Liam appreciated learning the differences between CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants. He noted, “Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective intervention in a crisis.” The expertise and approachability of the trainers made the learning experience both informative and enjoyable, making him an enthusiastic advocate for the training.
Why Everyone Should Consider First Aid Training
First aid training equips individuals with the knowledge to act confidently and competently in crisis situations—skills that can save lives. Whether it’s responding to a severe allergic reaction, a cardiac arrest, or a simple fall, knowing what to do can make a critical difference.
We encourage everyone to consider taking such a course, not just for personal safety but for the well-being of those around them.
And, if you are looking for an agency that consistently highlights the importance of being ready email us at info@sustainhr.com.au.