A local volunteer with St John Ambulance NSW is encouraging the entire Dubbo community to undertake training in how to be equipped with lifesaving skills this World First Aid Day.
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Saturday, September 12 is World First Aid Day, an initiative aimed at raising public awareness for first aid and its ability to save lives within the community
Dubbo's Helen Harris has been a part of the charitable organisation for many years and said it was the best thing she has ever done.
"My very first incident I came across was very unpleasant and I felt very helpless. I didn't know what to do, but having done a first aid course, while I know I can't save everyone at least I now have an understanding of what to do," she explained.
"I have a lot of confidence now and it's no burden to carry.... you never know when or where you will be called on to use the skills in first aid."
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This World First Aid Day, St John Ambulance NSW are focusing on encouraging people to learn first aid including life-saving techniques such as CPR, and how to use equipment like a defibrillator.
According to a study conducted in 2017, only five per cent of Australians are first aid trained. This is one of the lowest rates in the world.
The Orana Combined Division volunteer encourages all members of the community - especially school leavers and parents - to learn first aid, adding that it is a very rewarding skill to have.
"In addition to feeling good about themselves, it means they have felt confident enough to stop and assist someone else in our community, someone who may have suffered even more without the first aid" Ms Harris said.
"That's important because there are so many people these days who are really struggling with things and accidents are still happening...."
Ms Harris said she has noticed that since the global health pandemic, many people are reluctant to see their GP or medical aid.
"But by knowing first aid then they've got a good idea of what is serious and it needing to be followed up and seeking further medical aid," she said.
This World First Aid Day is a reminder to enrol in a first aid training course, or update any training completed in the past.
St John Ambulance NSW offer basic, advanced and online first aid training, making it incredibly easy to become accredited with a course that suits your needs.
To enrol in a first aid course, or to learn more about the importance of CPR and First Aid, visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au
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