\nCPR on a family member, friend, or coworker rather than a stranger.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
In this blog, we\u2019ll cover the five most searched first aid topics and share essential tips that everyone should know. Whether you\u2019re a parent, a workplace safety officer, or just someone who wants to be prepared, this guide will help you feel more confident in handling emergencies.<\/p>\n
1. CPR \u2013 Every second counts<\/h3>\n
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is one of the most critical skills in first aid. When someone\u2019s heart stops beating, CPR helps circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain until professional help arrives.
\nHow to Perform CPR (Adults & Teens)<\/p>\n
In an emergency, follow the DRSABCD action plan to assess the situation and provide life-saving care.<\/p>\n
1. D \u2013 Danger <\/strong>\u00a0Check for any dangers to yourself, the casualty, and bystanders (e.g., traffic, fire, electricity). \u00a0Only proceed if it is safe to do so. \u2764\ufe0f Remember: Even if you\u2019re not confident in giving breaths, hands-only CPR (continuous chest compressions) is still highly effective in keeping the person alive until paramedics arrive! <\/p>\n AEDs are portable devices that shock the heart back into rhythm. They\u2019re found in workplaces, shopping centres, and public spaces\u2014but would you know how to use one? \u2764\ufe0f Remember: The \u2018Send for Help\u2019 step is where you send for resources such as more people to help, a first aid kit and finding a Defibrillator. Setting up the Defib can take some time, unpack and place the pads on the casualty, remember the defib will not shock if a shock is not required, you can\u2019t hurt them \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Fact: AEDs are safe to use on adults and children over one year old. If a child-specific pad isn\u2019t available, you can use standard adult pads, place one on the front and one on the back of a child or smaller casualty.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Choking is a serious and time-sensitive emergency. If the airway is completely blocked, the person can lose consciousness in minutes. The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) provides clear guidelines on how to respond.<\/p>\n How to Help a Choking Adult or Child (Over 1 Year Old)<\/strong> \u2764\ufe0f Remember: If they are coughing they are breathing! Allow them time to clear the obstruction themselves, keep smiling (remain calm!) encourage them to keep coughing but be prepared to act.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Do NOT use abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre) in Australia! They are not recommended due to the risk of internal injury. Chest thrusts are safer and just as effective.<\/p>\n What to Do If a Baby (Under 1 Year Old) Is Choking<\/strong> \u2764\ufe0f Remember: Infants will test their gag reflex; it may sound like they are choking but remember if they are coughing they are breathing.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Fact: A common cause of choking in children is small objects like coins, toys, and food items such as grapes and popcorn. Always supervise young children while eating.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Download: Free downloadable choking poster<\/a> for home or the workplace<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Burns are one of the most common household injuries, whether from hot drinks, cooking mishaps, or even sunburn.<\/p>\n What to Do for Burns<\/strong> \ud83d\udca1 Fact: In Australia, hot beverages are the number one cause of scalds in children under five! Always keep cups out of reach.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Download: Free downloadable Burns poster<\/a> for home or the workplace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s a paper cut or a deep gash, proper wound care can prevent infection and save a life.<\/p>\n How to Stop Bleeding<\/strong> \ud83d\udca1 Did you know? The average adult has about 5 litres of blood, and losing just 1.5 litres can cause shock. Quick action is critical.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Download: Free downloadable Burns poster<\/a> for home or the workplace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Under Australian workplace health and safety laws, businesses must have adequate first aid training, supplies, and emergency procedures in place. Employers are required to: \ud83c\udf1f Download: Learn more Worksafe Act Code of Practice<\/a>, or call us for a free consultation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Learning first aid means you\u2019ll be prepared to help a colleague, friend, or family member when they need it most. Whether it\u2019s CPR, treating burns, or stopping bleeding, knowing what to do could save a life. Don’t forget to download our FREE Posters for the Top 5 Most Searched First Aid Topics<\/strong><\/p>\n Book a course for an individual<\/a> The Life-Saving Skills Everyone Should Know: Top 5 Most Searched First Aid Topics Accidents can happen anywhere\u2014at home, at work, or out and about. Knowing how to respond in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. That\u2019s why first aid and CPR skills are among the most searched topics online. People want […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4347,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[157],"tags":[212,626,472,554,862,861,842,252,204,392,722,643,835,583,721,840,720],"class_list":["post-4140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-first-aid-cpr-education","tag-aed","tag-bandaging","tag-breathing","tag-burn-gels","tag-burns","tag-choking","tag-choking-infant-first-aid","tag-cpr","tag-defibrillator","tag-drsabcd","tag-first-aid-emergencies","tag-first-aid-hacks","tag-first-aid-management-for-sprains-and-strains","tag-first-aid-tips","tag-first-aid-topics","tag-fractures-and-dislocations-first-aid","tag-life-saving-skills"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n2. R \u2013 Response <\/strong>Tap the person on the shoulder and ask loudly, \u201cCan you hear me?\u201d \u201cOpen your eyes!\u201d \u00a0If there\u2019s no response, the person is unresponsive, and you need to act quickly.
\n3. S \u2013 Send for Help<\/strong> Call 000 (or ask someone else to call) and explain the situation.\u00a0If available, ask someone to bring an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
\n4. A \u2013 Airway <\/strong>Check the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. If there is anything blocking the airway (e.g., food, vomit), roll the person onto their side and clear it with your fingers.
\n5. B \u2013 Breathing <\/strong>\u00a0Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. \u00a0If the person is not breathing normally (gasping or silent), begin CPR immediately.
\n6. C \u2013 CPR (Compressions & Breaths) <\/strong>\u00a0Compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, place your other hand on top, and push down 1\/3 of the chest depth. \u00a0Give 30 compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute. Breaths: Tilt the head back, pinch the nose, give 2 rescue breaths, watching for the chest to rise. \u00a0Repeat 30 compressions, 2 breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
\n7. D \u2013 Defibrillation (AED) <\/strong>\u00a0If an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. \u00a0Attach the electrode pads to the person\u2019s chest and ensure no one is touching them before delivering a shock (if advised).<\/p>\n
\n\u2714\ufe0f Did you know? Hands-only CPR can double or triple survival rates if performed immediately after cardiac arrest! Remember any attempt is better than no attempt at all.
\n\ud83c\udf1f Download: Free downloadable DRSABCD poster<\/a> for your fridge at home or workplace noticeboard<\/p>\n![\"assessing](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/child-are-they-breathing.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n
2. Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)<\/h3>\n
\nHow to Use an AED<\/strong>
\n1. Turn it on<\/strong> \u2013 AEDs give voice instructions, so just follow the prompts.
\n2. Expose the chest<\/strong> \u2013 Remove clothing and ensure the chest is dry.
\n3. Attach the pads<\/strong> \u2013 Place one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side.
\n4. Let the AED analyse \u2013 It will assess the heart rhythm and decide if a shock is needed.
\n5. Deliver the shock<\/strong> (if prompted) \u2013 Make sure no one is touching the patient before pressing the button.
\n6. Resume CPR<\/strong> \u2013 Keep doing chest compressions until help arrives.<\/p>\n![\"AED](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/images-300x156.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n
3. Choking \u2013 What to Do When Someone Can\u2019t Breathe<\/h3>\n
\n1. Encourage them to cough<\/strong> \u2013 If they are coughing forcefully, let them try to clear the obstruction on their own.
\n2. Give back blows<\/strong> \u2013 If coughing doesn\u2019t work and they are no longer breathing, stand to the side and slightly behind them. Support their chest with one hand and give up to 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
\n3. Perform chest thrusts<\/strong> \u2013 If back blows don\u2019t work, give up to 5 chest thrusts. Place your hands in the same position as for CPR (centre of the chest) and push firmly, but slower and sharper than CPR compressions.
\n4. Call 000 if the blockage remain<\/strong>s \u2013 Continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unresponsive, you will then start CPR.<\/p>\n
\n1. Lay the baby face down along your forearm, supporting their head.
\n2. Give up to 5 back blows \u2013 Use the heel of your hand between their shoulder blades.
\n3. Turn them over and give up to 5 chest thrusts \u2013 Place two fingers in the centre of their chest (just below the nipple line) and push firmly.
\n4. Repeat as needed and call 000 if the obstruction is not cleared.<\/p>\n![\"child](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/choking.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n
4. First Aid for Burns and Scalds<\/h3>\n
\n1. Cool the burn<\/strong> \u2013 Run cool (not ice-cold) water over it for at least 20 minutes.
\n2. Remove tight clothing\/jewellery<\/strong> \u2013 Swelling can happen fast.
\n3. Cover the burn<\/strong> \u2013 Use a clean, non-stick dressing or cling wrap (but not over the face).
\n4. Do NOT use butter, toothpaste, or creams<\/strong> \u2013 These can trap heat and worsen the burn.
\n5. Seek medical help<\/strong> if the burn is deep, larger than a 20-cent piece, or affects sensitive areas like the face or hands.<\/p>\n![\"first](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/burn-first-aid-management.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n
5. Controlling Bleeding and Wound Care<\/h3>\n
\n1. Apply pressure<\/strong> \u2013 Use a clean cloth or bandage and press firmly.
\n2. Apply a bandage<\/strong> \u2013 Secure with a sterile dressing.
\n3. Do NOT remove embedded objects<\/strong> \u2013 Instead, pad around them and get medical help.
\n4. Seek help<\/strong> \u2013 If bleeding doesn\u2019t stop after 10 minutes, call 000.<\/p>\n![\"2](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/15-300x300.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n
Workplace First Aid \u2013 Legal Requirements<\/h3>\n
\n– Ensure sufficient number trained first aid staff based on ratio requirements. Remember to take into account people may be off site, on holidays or out getting a coffee. Better to be over than under.
\n– Have a fully stocked first aid kit that is easily accessible. Remember to check and top up your kit regularly, a good time is after an incident replace what was used or once a month do a check.
\n– Conduct regular first aid training to stay compliant and up to date.
\n-For businesses: We offer onsite first aid training that\u2019s fast, fun, and relevant to your workplace. Get a quote today, we guarantee fast, fun and relevant training!<\/p>\n![\"group](\"https:\/\/fasttrainingaustralia.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/staff-cpr-and-first-aid-training-onsite-300x300.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n
Why First Aid Training is a Must-Have Skill<\/h3>\n
\nReady to learn first aid?
\nWe offer public CPR and First Aid courses in Ipswich and onsite workplace training in South East Queensland tailored to your team.<\/p>\n
\nGet a group quote<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"