Why First Aid Training Matters: A Real-Life Christchurch Story?

My husband was hit by a car during Waitangi weekend, 2021.

While Brian was on his scooter, a lightweight 50cc moped type. Great for running around the city. Maybe not to travel from Auckland to Invercargill for a pie, but that's another story!

Brian was riding along the Heathcote River in Christchurch on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.

A car wanted to turn right. They didn't have the right of way, but continued to take the turn,

which took Brian out.

The car slammed into him, and he went straight down onto the road, badly hurting his shoulder.

Six operations later, and a shoulder replacement was required.

There were also cyclists on the same road; thankfully, they weren't injured.

Action Stations at the intersection; amazing pedestrians and local runners attended to Brian. He was conscious and breathing, so his airway was good and he could answer any

questions. They removed him from the road onto the footpath, called 111, and did all the right

first aid DRSABC steps, as well as calling me.

AI-generated reconstruction of the first aid response following Brian’s scooter accident.

When I arrived, Brian was in the ambulance, in severe pain and heading to A&E. I chatted with the first aiders who were on the spot. They told me they had just completed a first aid course that week and felt skilled and confident to respond and act.

I was so very grateful, as was Brian.

So, to valuing first aid... it's a double-edged question, as it's valued by more than just the

person doing the course, taking the time and paying the money.

I suppose if I wanted to use the old Visa ad, I would say it's priceless.

You never know when you may need it, but you can always use it.

From the cut at home, to the burn at the BBQ, to an accident you witness.

Do we value first aid?

Actually, a lot of people do, as they see the importance of it, not only for workplace health

and safety requirements, but for their own personal knowledge and confidence.

Sadly, some do not, until it's needed.

Valuing First Aid

Value is the worth, importance, or usefulness of something. It can mean a price in money, but first aid is so much more than that.

First aid is about:

● Preserving life

● Preventing the condition from worsening

● Alleviating suffering

● Calling 111 when required

● Being there to support the person

Doing a first aid course doesn't mean you are the one who will do everything or be responsible for everything.

First aid means keeping yourself safe first, being there for that person, helping and attending to what you can, calling 111 if required, sitting with and reassuring that person, keeping them warm and safe, and learning those little steps that can make a difference.

When I asked people what the best thing about doing a first aid course is, the general answers were:

"Having the confidence."

"Learning just one thing that I didn't know."

"Knowing I can work as part of a team if needed."

"Understanding that every little bit helps."

My take-home from this is: don't think it's a time waster, or think, "I kind of know what to do. I

did one 10 years ago. I'm okay."

Partly, that may be true.

But the information and hands-on practice you get in a first aid course can be priceless.

You just never know when you might need it.

Written by Vicky

Managing Director | City First Aid co-owner.