Learn how to save a life on World First Aid Day

9 September 2016

Red Cross encourages New Zealanders to learn how to save a life on World First Aid Day

This World First Aid Day, Red Cross is calling on Kiwis to learn lifesaving skills to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe.

Red Cross believes one person in every household should be trained in first aid, enabling them to respond to medical emergencies quickly and safely.

Knowing what to do in an emergency is often the difference between life and death, Red Cross Secretary General Tony Paine says.

“The first people at an accident aren’t doctors or paramedics. They’re mums and dads, your workmates and your friends, the supporters on the sideline at the rugby match.

“You never know when you might need to save a loved one’s life. If you have the skills and confidence to act quickly and safely, you can make a real difference.”

World First Aid Day, celebrated on 10 September, this year focuses on first aid for and by children.

New Zealand Red Cross delivers free first aid training in primary schools across Aotearoa through its People Savers course. People Savers equips 8- to 12-year-olds with essential first aid skills, preparing them to act in an emergency situation.

Tawa student Eleesha Stevens was able to use her first aid skills to save her choking grandmother, just weeks after completing the People Savers course.

“Getting children involved is so important. Even something small, like teaching your child how to call for help, could save your life,” Mr Paine says.

Red Cross is the largest first aid educator and provider in the world. In 2014, more than 15 million people were trained worldwide by Red Cross national societies, including New Zealand Red Cross.

New Zealand Red Cross reaches more than 60,000 Kiwis every year through its NZQA-approved first aid training.

To book a course, head to redcross.org.nz

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