First Aid Courses For All Ages And Situations
Illawarra Mercury
Friday April 5, 2002
The Red Cross has had a presence in Wollongong for many years and has taught thousands of people the life-saving techniques of first aid.
First aid health and safety education coordinator for the Southern Region of the Red Cross, Betty Stone, said, however, that first aid was one of those areas where a little knowledge could be dangerous.
``It is really important that people be properly trained to know how to safely help in the case of an emergency, whether at home, in the workplace or anywhere else," she said.
``Although learning first aid is a serious business, our classes are fun, relaxed and not at all stressful but naturally participants have to be shown to be competent before we issue a certificate."
Ms Stone said Wollongong Red Cross first aid classes were WorkCover and VETAB accredited and conducted for everyone, from five-year-olds to the more mature aged.
``The little ones learn how to deal with accidents in the home, how to stop bleeding and how to phone for help whilst many of the senior first aid courses are geared towards workplace safety," she said.
``When it comes to the workplace, it is absolutely essential a first aid-trained person be on site all the time and that qualified and trained person should also be able to recognise risks and do something to prevent accidents before they happen."
First aid courses were held across a weekend or on weekdays and courses could be customised to suit a particular workplace need.
``For example, we can do a module for those working in parks and gardens who may have to deal with stings and bites; those who work with chemicals or in places where chain saws and other types of machinery present particular hazards," Ms Stone said.
A new course for the Red Cross is being held now in preschools for teachers and parents to understand the dangers of allergies in children.
``It has been estimated that five in every 100 children have severe allergic reactions to a range of things, from peanuts to bee stings.
``An attack can be really frightening and even life-threatening so it's important that those working with children know what to do.
``We also teach them how to use an Epi-Pen."
Ms Stone said that course was being conducted in-house at several preschools but if there was enough interest from the general community, similar sessions would be run at Red Cross headquarters in Wollongong.
Interest should be registered by phoning 4227 3433.
© 2002 Illawarra Mercury