Saving lives, one class at a time

Posted on 1 October, 2024

Local First Aid Courses – making a difference on the northside of Canberra.

Being prepared and confident can make all the difference when accidents happen, big or small.

That’s where Local First Aid Courses comes in, a family-run business on a mission to bring accessible and flexible first aid training to the northside of Canberra.

Emma Hely and Rob May are the dedicated duo behind Local First Aid Courses. As the owner and operator of Massage for Health and Baby & Bump Massage, Emma has over 20 years of healthcare and business experience. With an extensive career in training, including teaching at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), Emma envisioned a more personalised approach to first aid education. Together with Emma’s partner, Rob, and his background in healthcare and training, the two have created Local First Aid Courses to support the first aid needs of the Canberra community.

“We want to empower people, not intimidate them,” says Emma. “Our small and affordable classes, with four to eight participants, allow for focused learning and confidence building.”

According to Emma, 60 percent of injuries requiring first aid happen in the home, but only five percent of Australians are qualified for first aid.

“As parents, an early motivation for Rob and myself was to learn first aid for the safety of our children in an emergency,” Emma explains.

“When we discovered the low numbers of people with first aid skills, it motivated us to do something about it. Now, with every person who trains with us, we get a sense of benefit to the community and the increased potential that lives can be saved. Even more so, it’s incredibly rewarding to hear about our students who have used their life-saving skills to make a difference. That is what it is all about.”

Local First Aid Courses cater to anyone interested in learning first aid –  from new families and grandparents to professionals in trades, security, childcare, health, and aged care. For Emma and Rob, it’s not just about qualifications, it’s about empowerment. Their interactive and engaging classes ensure participants walk away feeling confident in their ability to help.

“Some are motivated by personal needs, while others have professional requirements,” explains Emma.

“Either way, first aid training is vital for keeping our community safe and improving outcomes in emergencies.”

With over two decades of small business experience herself, Emma understands the challenges faced by Canberra businesses. She is passionate about ensuring business owners are aware of their legal requirement [1] to provide first aid training to staff.

“Many businesses operate unaware of their legal and insurance responsibilities,” Emma says.

“Depending on the size of the business, there may be training requirements that, if not met, could leave them exposed in emergencies. Of greater concern, this could lead to serious injury or loss of life. Further, to provide the greatest benefit to our business clients we work with and recommend Risk Management Essentials in Mitchell to help businesses protect themselves and the community.”

Traditionally, first aid training requires a full day. Local First Aid Courses’ blended learning approach combines online modules with engaging face-to-face sessions, reducing in-person time significantly. They offer courses tailored for teenagers, working professionals, and senior citizens, ensuring everyone has access to the training they need at national standards.

“We understand businesses are busy,” says Emma. “Our blended learning approach gets people confident and certified without sacrificing a full day. It’s also great for people who just need to refresh their qualifications, with a one-hour face-to-face session available.”

Located conveniently in Oatley Court in Belconnen, Local First Aid Courses offers training for anyone new to first aid or needing a refresher.

[1] Work Health and Safety (First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice) Approval 2020.

Photography: Photos by Laurinda