First Aid
Ambulance recommends that every person learn basic first aid and CPR. Particularly in the case of a cardiac arrest, time is critical and knowing what to do in the first few minutes can save a life or prevent serious injury.
The Ambulance Service does not conduct first aid courses or CPR training. Organisations, individuals or associations wishing to learn first aid skills should look under ‘first aid supplies and instruction’ in their local telephone directory or contact WorkCover NSW and ensure that they learn from an accredited organisation.
Basic first aid and CPR instructions have been developed by the Ambulance Education Centre and include short animations that demonstrate each step of the CPR process. It is important that every individual knows have to perform CPR. Download a copy of our CPR Chart [PDF, 220kb] and put this in a prominant position in your home and place of work.
A number of First Aid and Safety Tips fact sheets have also been developed to keep you safe and educate you on how to provide basic first aid. Community members are able to print, disseminate and promote these fact sheets within your local area.
Warning signs of Stroke
National Stroke Week commenced on Monday 18 September 2006, and Ambulance is urging the community not to ignore the symptoms of stroke or down play their significance. Early detection is vital, and getting treatment within the first few hours reduces morbidity and mortality of patients who have suffered a stroke. Ambulance officers attend to many people suffering from stroke and often witness the devastating after-effects.
A stroke
may occur with any one, or a combination of the following:
• Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on
either or both sides of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding
• Dizziness, loss of balance or unexplained falls
• Loss of vision, sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or
both eyes
• Headache, usually severe and of abrupt onset or unexplained
change in the pattern of headaches
• Difficulty swallowing
If you experience any of these symptoms yourself or recognise them in someone else, dial ‘000’ and ask for Ambulance, even if the symptoms last for only a short time. There is clear evidence that early treatment greatly reduces the death rate and longer-term effects for survivors.
For more information you can visit the National Stroke Foundation Website at: www.strokefoundation.com.au or telephone: 1800 787 653
Pictured above is Jasper. He was pulled from a pond in his back yard, unconscious and not breathing. His mother performed CPR while an ambulance was on the way. It was basic first aid and CPR provided by his mum that saved his life.