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St John Ambulance (Victoria) has revealed that only 21% of Australians are confident to respond in a First Aid emergency while just 13% of Australians have been First Aid trained in the last year.

The not-for-profit organisation’s research of over 1,000 adults also found almost half of Australians have never been trained in First Aid and are therefore unlikely to have the ability to save a life if required.

With the provision of First Aid often the difference between life and death, St John is calling for more Australians to get trained, calling for at least one person in every household and workplace to be First Aid prepared.

The appeal is spearheaded by Carlton FC Vice-Captain Kade Simpson, a first-hand witness to the importance of being First Aid trained having had to assist in the rescue of victims caught in a rip current when on holiday in Bali.

Unable to provide CPR, he was fortunate the victims survived but realised how important it was to be able to assist in a life-threatening situation.

Simpson explained “after the incident I realised if anyone had needed First Aid or CPR I wouldn’t have been able to save them.

“I’ve since undertaken First Aid training with St John and have seen how important it is as there are so many First Aid situations I could encounter in my daily life - out jogging in the park, on the field, at home with the family, the list goes on.”

St John Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Gordon Botwright said keeping First Aid skills up-to-date was integral to responding quickly and efficiently in an emergency, advising “no one expects a crisis to happen to them, but they can strike at any time.

“First Aid is the crucial first step to keeping someone alive until paramedics arrive.

“First Aid training should be refreshed yearly to ensure that skills are current and to maintain the confidence to deliver First Aid in an emergency situation.

“The skills you learn could help you save a life.” 

Image courtesy of St John Ambulance Victoria.

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