Goldfields parents learn lifesaving skills

Parents and carers in Kambalda and Coolgardie have learned vital lifesaving skills after attending Heart Beat Club courses led by Royal Life Saving WA with the support of the Shire of Coolgardie. 

Heart Beat Club is a community education course designed to teach parents and carers of children under the age of five the basic skills they need to perform first aid treatment for common childhood injuries including burns and scalds, choking, and drowning. Importantly, the course equips parents and carers with the confidence to perform first aid and CPR during an emergency. 

18 enthusiastic parents and grandparents attended the sessions at their local community recreation facilities which were coordinated by Shire of Coolgardie Leisure and Recreation Development Manager, Kathy Brooking and delivered by Royal Life Saving WA resuscitation trainer Jessie Lemusu. The initiative was a success in both Goldfields towns, with participants acknowledging the benefit of the sessions in refreshing their CPR skills and providing them with some worthwhile practice.

Shire of Coolgardie President, Malcolm Cullen, says the Shire supports the delivery of services and courses which empower the community with knowledge to navigate safely around water.

“Education is paramount and providing Heart Beat Club courses within our Shire increases accessibility, especially for families with young children. It also teaches vital skills which they can pass on to their families and in turn benefits the wider community,” he said.

Unfortunately, drowning remains the leading cause of preventable death for children under five years of age. Yet, research conducted by Curtin University and Royal Life Saving found less than a quarter of WA parents had completed CPR training in the past year, meaning they are potentially not adequately prepared to respond should their child drown or stop breathing.

“In many emergency situations, a parent or carer will be the first person on the scene. Having the confidence and CPR skills to respond can genuinely be the difference between life and death,” said Royal Life Saving Senior Manager Health Promotion and Research, Rachel Murray. 

Thanks to the support of our Principal Community Partner BHP, Royal Life Saving can deliver free classes such as these to a wide sector of the community, ensuring all parents and carers of young children can learn first aid and CPR skills. 

Royal Life Saving would like to thank the Shire of Coolgardie who were able to deliver the program to residents. With the successful attendance at these recent Goldfields sessions, the education initiative has given these communities a much-needed CPR and first aid refresh!

To learn more about the Heart Beat Club and enrol in an upcoming session, visit the link below.