Ready for a Close Call

GEOFF Hick was an ambulance officer for 30 years and tells of a phone call from a three year old girl who said mummy was asleep and she could not wake her up.

Geoff knew the little girl and knew her mum was a diabetic who had likely slipped into a coma.

He uses this story to explain why it is important for everyone to learn first-aid and for children it begins with the simple process of teaching them how to call 000.

“Everyone should learn first-aid and it’s important for people to stay up to date, because we are learning new things all the time,” said Mr Hick.

“It’s important to know CPR even if people don’t do mouth to mouth the heart massage is the important thing,” he said.

“In the US (United States) now they are not using mouth to mouth as much and they are getting as good if not better result.

“It’s not the best of things to have to give mouth to mouth if someone has just vomited, so this kind of new information can help,” he said.

“We also don’t teach to do a 5 inch chest compression anymore, because in thin people it’s just not possible, what we do teach is about a third of the chest depth for everyone,” he said.

“Every person who has a drivers licence should have a first–aid certificate, if you are at an accident you are expected to be able to get out and assist others with first aid, so you need to know what to do to help,” Geoff Hick said.

Lee Watts, manager of the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre has organised for Geoff Hicks to run a first-aid course on Wednesday, June 15.

“The course is WorkCover accredited and since every workplace needs a first-aid officer it is important people are trained and that their training is up to date,” said Mrs Watts.

“I’d encourage everyone to learn CPR and basic first-aid, whether it is for work or in the home you could save someone’s life,” Lee Watts said.

• WHEN: 9am-5pm, Wednesday, June 15
• WHERE: Council Building, 135 Liverpool Street, Scone.
• COST: $125
• ENROL: Visit the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre, 130 Liverpool Street, Scone.
• MORE INFORMATION: T: 02 6545 2562