ST JOHN NT
NEWSROOM

With first aid training rates in Australia still relatively low, St John Ambulance Australia is raising awareness of the crucial role of first aid in everyday activities, that could help in an accident or emergency situation – even saving a life.

Tomorrow (Saturday 14 September) is World First Aid Day and this year’s theme ‘First Aid and Sports’ is a timely reminder to brush up on your first aid skills so you can be prepared to assist those around you, and know fact from fiction.

St John NT First Aid Trainer, Volunteer and recent winner of the NT Training Awards Trainee of the Year Award Storm Cloud said that like most communities across Australia, the NT has a population that enjoys their sports and outdoor activities.

“There are many misconceptions around tending to injuries including those arising from sports,” she said. “Knowing how to apply first aid can often mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.

“Did you know that in the event of a motorsport crash a helmet should not be removed, and while applying ice to a sprain or strain provides relief, applying ice to a fracture will causing excruciating pain.”

On World First Aid Day St John Ambulance Australia is raising awareness about the crucial role of first aid in saving lives, encouraging everyone to learn first aid and have the skills necessary to act swiftly and effectively in an emergency.

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.

According to a St John Ambulance Australia commissioned survey through PureProfile in June this year only one 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 training. This is something St John Ambulance Australia and its state and territory organisations around the nation, seek to change.

It is also a reminder to ensure you have the appropriate equipment with you when undertaking sports and outdoor activities. Make sure you have a fully stocked and up to date first aid kit that is appropriate for your activity.

Serious injuries should always be assessed by a medical professional. And in the event of an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

For more information on first aid training here