With some of the highest rates of death from coronary heart disease in the country, regional Australians are being reminded of the importance of learning lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Speaking at the 80th national conference of the Murray Darling Association in New England, NSW, representatives of the Public Safety Training and Response Group introduced attendees to their Don’t Die July online CPR campaign.
Public Safety Training and Response Group’s James Baker said regional Australians often find themselves further from major medical facilities than their city counterparts.
‘Each year, about 25,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests get reported in Australia,’ Mr Baker said.
‘When you look closely at the numbers, very often regional Australians are having fewer heart attacks, but more people are dying from them, and one reason for that could be the distance from major medical facilities.
‘That underlines the reasons to learn CPR and to stay current, so we can be there when our loved ones, neighbours or complete strangers need us most.’
CPR training vital to lowering higher regional death rates
Speaking in Tamworth, James Baker pointed out that Heart Foundation data showed local numbers exceeded national and state averages across all risk factors of smoking, hypertension, obesity and lack of exercise, making CPR training even more important.
‘About 80 per cent of out-of-hospital cardiac events occur at home, so we are encouraging everyone to become certified in CPR 101 through an online training course people can do from the comfort of their own home,’ he said.
‘Successful completion of this course will empower members of a household, sporting club, or community, to recognise when a person is in cardiac arrest and respond to this life‐threatening emergency to maximise chances of survival.’
Know how to save a life
Aussie Police Rescue TV star Steve Bastoni, former military paramedics and Australian first responders are all part of a campaign to get more Australians to learn CPR and know how to save a life when it’s most needed.
‘Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, at any time, so we are offering this course that costs just $30 and takes just 30 minutes, so that people can gain the skills and confidence to save a life,’ Mr Bastoni said.
‘We know that every second counts when it comes to saving a life and carrying out CPR, so I would encourage you to visit www.dontdiejuly.com and register to become a lifesaver today.’
The Public Safety Training and Response Group is headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, but has global experience in both public safety training and operations.
