Women over 18 and living in regional NSW are encouraged to register for free training in mental health and crisis support or first aid. Photo: Michel E.
Free workshops in mental health, crisis support and first aid for women are coming up in Wagga and Albury.
The Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow will run in Wagga from 26 to 27 September and in Albury from 17 to 18 October.
NSW Regional Minister Tara Moriarty said having these skills could “literally be the difference between life and death”.
“It’s so important to equip rural and regional women with the first aid skills that they need to be a crucial first responder during an emergency,” Ms Moriarty said.
“It’s not just about physical injuries either, this program helps develop the skills to identify and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, until professional help is available.”
Data from St John Ambulance found that only one in 10 Australians were confident in their abilities to provide first aid in an emergency situation, with women being less likely to be confident in providing first aid (44 per cent) compared to men (57 per cent).
St John Ambulance Australia CEO Brendan Maher called this statistic “concerning”.
“We don’t highlight these statistics to create alarm, but rather to encourage action,” Mr Maher said.
“First aid skills are relatively easy to learn and we see time and time again what small interventions can do to make a difference or save a life. Boosting confidence is key.”
First aid interventions can range from simple steps to treat a sprain or minor wound, to life-sustaining actions such as effective delivery of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or deployment of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during a sudden cardiac arrest.
These actions can ease suffering, prevent further injury, or even save a life.
The First Aid and Mental Health workshops cover important topics including how to respond effectively in emergency situations, CPR, recognising and supporting people in mental health crisis, mental health issues, as well as providing appropriate interventions and learning where to direct people for further support.
NSW Women Minister Jodie Harrison said the program would bridge an important gap, particularly for women who may have missed out because of cost or travel.
“For the first time women across regional and rural NSW will have access to free first aid and mental health training thanks to this program,” Ms Harrison said.
“We’re not only giving them essential skills but building resilience in regional communities.
“For women living in regional or rural NSW, I encourage you to register for one or both courses nearest to you to help keep your family, workplace and community safe.”
The nationally accredited two-day courses will require a brief online pre-learning component, which will take up to four hours and be sent to participants before the day.
Upon completion, participants will receive a formal qualification in First Aid or Mental Health and Crisis Support training.
The full training program and registration for the courses can be found on the website.
