Cardiac arrest is one of the main causes of death in New Zealand according to Hato Hone St John [HHSJ], with about six people experiencing cardiac every day in New Zealand, only one in 10 [11 per cent] of whom survive.
However, prompt action with cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] and the use of an automated external defibrillator [AED] can increase a patient’s chance of survival by up to 40 per cent.
The ambulance service has so far this year equipped about 500 people in Wairarapa with first aid training – including performing CPR and using AED – while 1136 children in the region have learnt basic first aid through the ASB St John in Schools programme.
HHSJ head of training Simon Barnett told the Times-Age that last year, over 95,000 people enrolled in a HHSJ first aid course nationwide, more than 100,000 school students learnt first aid through the ASB St John in Schools programme, and more than 4000 young people learnt first aid through the St John Youth programme.
“Knowing basic first aid is an important skill for everyone to have, as it helps build community resilience,” Barnett said.
“The more people who are trained in first aid, and how to perform CPR and use an AED, means more people are capable of helping someone in a medical event.”
HHSJ delivers several in-classroom first aid courses throughout the country including First Aid Level 1, refresher courses, and Child First Aid.
Through HHSJ’s Shocktober campaign last month, more than 17,500 people were armed with lifesaving skills such as how to administer CPR and how to use an AED.
Meanwhile, Barnett also noted that the organisation offers a mental health first aid that can be completed in a classroom setting and online.
If you are interested in learning first aid or doing a refresher course, visit www.stjohn.org.nz/firstaid.
