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First aid is usually associated with physical injury and illness, but looking out for someone who is struggling is part of caring for people too. With MATES in Construction’s Fly the Flag campaign running from 7–11 September 2026, Nick has shared some thoughts on mental health, looking out for your mates, and what it can mean to ask twice when something doesn’t seem right. -Gail Ask Twice I watched a short video recently that stuck with me. A forestry worker has been crushed

What Do Miniature Houses Have to Do With First Aid Training? If you’ve taken a course with us at City First Aid in Christchurch recently, you’ve probably met Claire. Vicky described her best the other day: Claire is a tree. Deeply rooted, calm, completely unflappable, and endlessly generous with what she knows. From Emergency Medicine to First Aid Instruction She joined us after retiring from emergency medicine, and that background shows up immediately. When Claire teaches, s

Women's Health Week: Heart attacks can look different in women It's National Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine here in New Zealand Aug 10-16. When you picture someone having a heart attack, what do you see? For most people, it's probably someone clutching their chest and complaining of crushing chest pain, sweating, and struggling to breathe. That image is so ingrained that we often think these are the only symptoms related to a heart attack. While all these symptoms may be present, this

Few things make a parent/grandparent's/caregiver's heart race faster than seeing a child cough, splutter or struggle while eating. It's one of the most common questions/fears we get on our first aid courses here in Christchurch. This article reflects current New Zealand Resuscitation Council guidelines and is general information only, not a substitute for medical advice or first aid training. First aid training gives you the confidence and hands-on practice to act quickly in

Over the past few weeks, we've shared the journeys that have shaped City First Aid here in Christchurch. The people, past and present, who built a culture where first aid classes feel safe and welcoming. Now we turn to a different journey, yours. Whichever result you found today, remember that first aid isn't about knowing everything. It's about being willing to act when someone needs you. Every First Aid Legend started exactly where everyone else does: by learning one skill

Everyone has a story. We are shaped by the places we have lived, the people we have loved, the traditions we carry, and the experiences that have changed us along the way. Last week, we reflected on the roots that helped establish City First Aid. This week, we celebrate the new growth within our team. Nick, Jodie, and Claire each bring different experiences and perspectives that continue to shape how we teach, support our learners, and work alongside our client organisations.