TAFE NSW’ delivery of first aid training is coming at the right the time ahead of the summer holiday season with only five per cent of Australians first aid trained, one of the lowest rates in the world, according to an Australian Red Cross study. 

The Bureau of Meteorology’s declaration of an El Niño weather event this summer means Australians can expect less rainfall and drier conditions, leading to busier beaches and pools, and more outdoor activities this Christmas.  

A Statement of Attainment in Provide First Aid at TAFE NSW offers students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and practical skills to apply first aid and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Graduates attain the confidence to treat anaphylaxis, burns, cuts, cardiac arrest, and other emergencies both at work and in the community. 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Health Sciences, Karen Quinn, says first aid is a skill for life. 

“Whether it is calling 000 or starting CPR, knowing how to do even one thing is better than nothing. We love the ocean and spending time outdoors, so gaining a first aid qualification is such an essential skill for Australians.  

“It only takes one day at TAFE NSW to learn the skills that could save a life. 

“At TAFE NSW, we engage educators that have direct industry experience in health care, and the full day of training offers interactive and hands-on training throughout the entire course. 

“At the end of the full day course, we often see a class of unknown students become very close, and they leave with the confidence that will allow them to put their new skills into practice when they’re most needed,” Ms Quinn said.  

Student Jade Kirk, who works as a Nursing Assistant for BaptistCare, completed her Statement of Attainment in Provide First Aid in November, and said it was the best she has done.  

“I’ve done a lot of first aid courses and undertake yearly CPR refresher training, and I normally find them quite dry. The course at TAFE NSW is the best I’ve ever done – the teachers have industry experience, and their stories kept the training personal, relatable, and interesting,” Jade said. 

TAFE NSW’ Karen Quinn said refreshing first aid skills is essential.  

“Even with previous first aid training, things are constantly updating in the medical field. When an event happens, you need to be able to act immediately. Refreshing your skills or gaining them for the first time in an environment like TAFE NSW, where you get hands-on training and real-time support from teachers, is a fantastic way to become a confident first-aid practitioner and potentially save a life.” 
 
To find out more about all first aid courses on offer, visit tafensw.edu.au.  
 

Media contact: Emily Graham, TAFE NSW Communication Specialist, emily.graham40@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7921 3756.