Lexi Webster
First aid can be the difference between life and death. However, according to a 2017 Australian Red Cross study, only five per cent of Australians have been trained in first aid, one of the lowest rates in the world. This means that nearly half of Aussies lack the CPR knowledge to save a life. While 72% of Australians have witnessed a health or medical emergency, less than half are confident in their ability to provide first aid. This is particularly apparent in relation to paediatric CPR, with only one in ten having been involved with providing CPR to a child or baby. In Victoria, nearly three in five adults do not feel confident providing first aid, making them the least confident first aiders in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Australians trained in first aid | 5% (2017) |
| Australians' agreement on the importance of CPR | 80% |
| Australians who have personally performed or been involved in administering CPR | 34% |
| Confidence in performing CPR on a child or baby | 18% |
| Confidence in providing first aid in Victoria | 44% |
| Confidence in providing first aid in Queensland | 42% |
| Confidence in providing first aid among working adults | 50% |
| Confidence in providing first aid among retired Australians | 59% |
| Confidence in providing first aid among non-working individuals | 62% |
| Confidence in providing CPR after a drowning in Queensland | 22% |
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What You'll Learn
First aid training in Australia
First aid training is an important skill that can help save lives. In Australia, however, only about 5% of the population has been trained in first aid as of 2017, according to a Red Cross study, making it one of the lowest rates in the world. This means that out of every 100 Australians, only about 5 know how to provide first aid assistance.
To address this gap, organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service and St John Ambulance Australia offer first aid training courses to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to potentially save lives. These courses are designed to meet the needs of both workplaces and the general public, with specific topics such as workplace infection control, defibrillation awareness, and first aid in schools. The SafeWork Australia model Code of Practice recommends that first aid skills be renewed every three years, and resuscitation skills be updated annually.
Additionally, Australia Wide First Aid, the leading first aid course provider in the country, offers online and in-person courses to suit different learning preferences. They aim to spread the message that knowing first aid transforms ordinary individuals into life-saving heroes, giving them the confidence to act in emergencies. Their data reveals that while 80% of Australians agree that CPR is the most important first aid skill, only about a third have ever assisted in providing it, and even fewer are confident in performing CPR on children or babies.
First aid training can cover a range of topics, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), providing first aid in an education and care setting, and managing common injuries and emergencies such as asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and snake bites. By enhancing their first aid skills, individuals can be empowered to act confidently and effectively in a variety of situations, potentially improving Australia's first aid literacy rate and saving more lives.
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CPR knowledge
According to a 2017 Australian Red Cross study, only about 5% of Australians have been trained in first aid, one of the lowest rates globally. This figure also represents the percentage of Australians trained to perform CPR.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a critical skill that can significantly increase a person's chances of survival during a cardiac or breathing-related emergency. When a person's heart stops, their chance of survival is 80% if CPR is administered within the first minute. However, if CPR is not initiated within 10 minutes, the survival rate drops to less than 5%.
Despite recognising its importance, nearly half of Australians lack the knowledge and confidence to perform CPR effectively. Only a third have ever assisted in providing CPR, and even fewer are confident in their ability to perform CPR on children or infants. This gap in paediatric CPR knowledge is particularly concerning, as it can make a significant difference in emergencies involving young ones.
To address this knowledge gap, organisations like Australia Wide First Aid and Australian Red Cross offer comprehensive CPR training courses. These courses blend online theory with in-person practical sessions, ensuring individuals can effectively respond to and manage cardiac and breathing emergencies. The training covers essential skills such as performing uninterrupted CPR for at least 2 minutes on an adult or child manikin, using a defibrillator, and understanding the legal aspects of CPR.
By empowering more Australians with CPR knowledge, the nation can become better equipped to handle life-threatening situations and increase the chances of positive outcomes during emergencies.
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Confidence in administering first aid
First aid training is essential in ensuring people have the skills and confidence to react in emergency situations and save lives. However, data shows that only about 5% of Australians have received first aid training, which is one of the lowest rates globally. This lack of training translates into a lack of confidence in administering first aid.
Confidence in CPR Administration
According to a report by Australia Wide First Aid, while 80% of Australians agree that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the most important first aid skill to know, 47% find providing CPR intimidating. Furthermore, only about a third of Australians have ever assisted in providing CPR, and even fewer 10% have experience with paediatric CPR. A staggering 82% of people admitted they wouldn't be confident in performing CPR on a child or baby.
Confidence in Other First Aid Areas
In addition to CPR, Australians lack confidence in treating other life-threatening situations. Over 70% of Australians do not feel assured about treating asthma attacks or allergic reactions. For example, anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, requires the administration of an EpiPen, yet many Australians may not feel equipped to handle such a situation.
Confidence Through Training
First aid training can significantly improve confidence in administering first aid. Ms. McCullagh, a Red Cross trainer, emphasizes that "once you have the knowledge, it stays with you for life and gives you the confidence to react in the event of an accident." Melissa Dos Santos, Chief Operating Officer at Australia Wide First Aid, also stresses the importance of CPR knowledge, stating that it "gives people the confidence to act decisively in emergencies."
Workplace First Aiders
In the workplace, designated first aiders are responsible for administering first aid. These individuals undergo regular training to maintain their skills and qualifications. First aiders should be provided with appropriate training based on the level of risk in the workplace. This includes training on using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which can be crucial in saving lives during cardiac arrest.
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First aid in the workplace
The importance of first aid in the workplace is reflected in the obligations that a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must adhere to. These obligations relate to the provision of first aid and ensure that it is available when required. Each workplace must have at least one first aid kit, with more required if the workplace is spread out so that the kits are easily accessible. The kits should be checked and maintained regularly, with the specific contents dependent on the type of work and the workplace. For example, if there are hot surfaces or fire hazards, burn treatments should be included. Other considerations could include treatments for asthma attacks, allergic reactions, snake bites, and heart attacks.
In addition to having first aid kits, it is important to have trained first aiders in the workplace. While this is not a legal requirement, it is highly recommended. First aid training can empower individuals to act confidently and effectively in emergency situations, increasing the chances of a positive outcome. For example, knowing how to provide CPR can turn an ordinary individual into a life-saving hero, as a person whose heart has stopped has an 80% chance of surviving if CPR is started in the first minute. This drops to less than 5% if CPR is not administered within 10 minutes.
To become a trained first aider, individuals can enrol in a first aid training course or update their previous training if necessary. It is also beneficial to stay up-to-date with the latest first aid techniques and practices. By investing in first aid training for employees, workplaces can enhance the safety and well-being of their staff and ensure that they are prepared to handle a range of emergency situations.
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First aid for children
According to a 2017 Australian Red Cross study, only about 5% of Australians have been trained in first aid, making it one of the lowest rates in the world. This is particularly concerning given that more than 33,000 Australians suffer from heart attacks each year, with under 10% survival rates.
First aid training is crucial for everyone, especially when dealing with children. When a child or baby is in an emergency, it is imperative to act swiftly and provide care while seeking immediate help. Their smaller bodies are more delicate and require different care than adults. Here are some essential steps to follow when administering first aid to children:
Check the Scene and Safety:
Always ensure the scene of the incident is safe before approaching. Form an initial impression and assess any potential dangers to yourself or the child.
Obtain Consent:
It is important to obtain consent from the parent or guardian of the child before providing any first aid treatment.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Protect yourself and the child by donning appropriate PPE, such as gloves, a face mask, or any other necessary equipment.
Assess Responsiveness:
If the child appears unresponsive, use the "shout-tap-shout" method. Shout to get their attention, and if they don't respond, tap their shoulder and shout again. This helps determine their level of consciousness.
Check for Vital Signs:
Check the child's breathing, pulse, and whether there is any life-threatening bleeding or other obvious injuries.
Call for Emergency Services:
If the child is unresponsive, not breathing, or has life-threatening conditions, immediately call emergency services and provide care based on their specific condition and your level of training.
Perform CPR:
If the child is not breathing, immediately begin CPR. Start with chest compressions, followed by rescue breaths. Continue giving sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency services arrive or the child recovers a pulse.
It is important to note that first aid training is continually evolving, and it is recommended to stay up to date with the latest techniques. Organizations like the Red Cross offer comprehensive first aid courses, including instructor-led, online, and blended learning options, to ensure individuals are equipped with the skills and confidence to provide care during emergencies.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2017 Australian Red Cross study, only 5% of Australians have been trained in first aid, one of the lowest rates in the world.
Only a third of Australians have ever assisted in providing CPR. However, 80% agree that it is the most important first aid skill to know.
First aid training can make a real difference in an emergency. For example, a person whose heart has stopped has an 80% chance of surviving if CPR is started in the first minute. Survival goes down to less than 5% if CPR is not started within 10 minutes.
