Clear answers to the real questions people ask about first aid, CPR, courses, workplace requirements, and mental health. Written in plain English, based on how emergencies actually happen in Australia.
Perth and Regional Western Australia — delivered by REACHAU
Most people do not hesitate in an emergency because they do not care. They hesitate because they are not sure what to do.
This page answers the real questions people ask about first aid and CPR, in plain English, based on how emergencies actually happen. If you are working out what course you need, how to respond in a real situation, or whether you are allowed to help, you will find the answer here.
REACHAU also delivers non-accredited mental health first aid alongside accredited physical first aid. Because in the real world, the heart attack and the panic attack rarely happen in isolation.
The right course depends on where you work and what your employer requires. Here is a plain English guide.
Most people need HLTAID011 Provide First Aid. It is the standard workplace first aid qualification and meets Safe Work Australia requirements.
If you work in childcare or an education setting, you need HLTAID012. If you work in a remote or isolated environment where emergency services may take time to arrive, HLTAID013 is more appropriate. If you are a safety officer or first aid team leader managing complex situations, HLTAID014 is the advanced option.
Not sure? Contact REACHAU and we will point you in the right direction before you spend a cent.
All higher-level courses include the lower-level qualifications on the same Statement of Attainment.
CPR (HLTAID009) is already included in all first aid courses. You do not need to book it separately.
When you complete HLTAID012, 013, or 014, your Statement of Attainment also includes HLTAID011 and HLTAID009 as part of the one qualification.
No. If you complete a full first aid course, your CPR is renewed at the same time. You only need to book CPR on its own if you want to renew CPR without renewing your full first aid certificate, or if your employer requires annual CPR renewals between first aid refreshes.
Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines recommend renewing CPR every 12 months to keep the skill sharp.
First aid certificates (HLTAID011, 012, 013, 014) are valid for three years. After three years, you need to complete the course again to renew.
The CPR component (HLTAID009) should ideally be refreshed every 12 months to stay current with guidelines and keep the skill sharp. Many employers in healthcare, mining, and education require annual CPR renewal as a workplace policy.
Theory can be completed online before your training day, but practical assessment must be done in person for the certificate to be nationally recognised and valid under Australian standards.
REACHAU uses a blended delivery model. You complete online theory at your own pace, then attend a practical session for hands-on skills and final assessment. This approach means you spend more time on the practical work that actually matters.
Be cautious of providers offering entirely online first aid certificates. A certificate earned without any in-person practical assessment is not valid for workplace compliance purposes in Australia.
Yes. Anyone working in an early childhood education and care service in Western Australia must hold HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting. This includes HLTAID009 CPR and must be renewed every three years, with CPR renewed annually.
HLTAID012 replaces the older HLTAID004 qualification. If your certificate still says HLTAID004, it needs to be renewed as HLTAID012.
The most common fears and misconceptions about CPR, answered honestly.
Yes. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
If someone collapses and is unresponsive with no normal breathing, push hard and fast in the centre of the chest until help arrives. Aim for 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Keep going until emergency services take over.
Bystander CPR doubles or triples the chance of survival. The ambulance cannot save someone who has had no CPR for 10 minutes.
In Australia, Good Samaritan protections apply. If you act in good faith, you are legally protected.
For most adult cardiac arrests, hands-only CPR is effective and is the recommended approach for untrained bystanders.
However, rescue breaths remain important in these situations:
In these cases, 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths gives the best chance of survival. Trained first aiders should always follow the full DRSABCD protocol.
No. Gasping is not normal breathing.
Agonal breathing, the occasional gasping or gurgling sound after cardiac arrest, is one of the most misread signs in first aid. Many bystanders wait because they think the person is still breathing. They are not.
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. Gasping is a sign that CPR is urgently needed, not a reason to wait.
No. CPR does not restart the heart. What it does is keep blood and oxygen circulating to the brain and vital organs while you wait for an AED or emergency services to arrive.
An AED (defibrillator) is what delivers the shock that can restore a normal heart rhythm. CPR buys the time needed to get to that point.
This is why starting CPR early and getting an AED quickly are both critical. One without the other is much less effective.
Rib fractures can happen during CPR, particularly in older adults. This does not mean you are doing it wrong and it is not a reason to stop.
Ribs heal. Without effective CPR, the person will not survive. Press hard enough to compress the chest by at least 5 to 6 centimetres, allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions, and keep going.
A broken rib is survivable. Cardiac arrest without CPR is not.Yes. Start CPR as normal. A pacemaker or wearable device does not stop you from performing compressions.
When applying AED pads, place them at least 3 centimetres away from any visible pacemaker bulge under the skin, usually in the upper left chest. The AED will guide you with voice instructions.
Do not delay CPR because of concern about a device. The priority is keeping blood moving to the brain.
| What | Standard (2026) | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Compression rate | 100 to 120 per minute. Think "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees or "Baby Shark" for rhythm. | Going too fast. The heart needs time to refill between compressions. |
| Compression depth (adults) | 5 to 6 centimetres. Push down firmly. | Not going deep enough out of fear of injury. |
| Hand position | Heel of both hands on the centre of the chest, lower half of the breastbone. | Too high on the chest or on the ribs. |
| Chest recoil | Allow the chest to fully rise between each compression. | Leaning on the chest and preventing full recoil. |
What to actually do when something happens. No jargon.
Follow DRSABCD:
Act immediately. The first few minutes are critical.
Start CPR immediately. Do not wait for an AED to begin compressions.
Early CPR can double or triple survival chances even without a defibrillator. Every minute of delay without any action reduces the chance of survival by roughly 10 percent.
Consider downloading the GoodSAM or Defib Finder app. They use your location to show the nearest registered AED and can alert trained bystanders to cardiac arrests nearby.
If the person can be safely moved to a firm flat surface, do it quickly. A hard floor is much better for effective compressions than a car seat.
If moving them is not possible, get yourself into the best position you can and prioritise chest compressions even if the depth or angle is not perfect. Imperfect CPR in a difficult space is still far better than no CPR.
If there is a passenger seat, reclining it fully can give you slightly better access. Keep calling instructions through with Triple Zero on speaker.
First, check if they can cough. If they can cough, speak, or breathe, encourage them to keep coughing. Do not slap their back yet.
If they cannot cough, speak, or breathe, act immediately:
For infants under 12 months, use back blows and chest thrusts only. No abdominal thrusts on infants.
Always seek medical attention if symptoms involve any of the following:
When in doubt, go. It is always better to be checked and sent home than to wait too long.
The fear of getting it wrong stops people from acting. Here is the truth about what the law actually says.
No. In Australia, Good Samaritan legislation protects people who act in good faith to help someone in an emergency.
Each state has its own version of this protection, but the principle is consistent: if you genuinely try to help and do not act recklessly or with criminal intent, you are protected from civil liability.
Do not let fear of legal consequences stop you from acting. The legal and moral risk of doing nothing is far greater.
No. You are not only allowed to help without any training, you are encouraged to. Current first aid messaging across Australia focuses on "doing something is better than doing nothing" because bystander action saves lives.
First aid training builds confidence and competence, but it is not a legal requirement to step in during an emergency. If someone near you needs help and you do nothing, that is a far worse outcome than an imperfect response.
Yes. All modern AEDs are designed to be used by anyone. They provide clear step-by-step voice instructions and will only deliver a shock if the device detects a shockable heart rhythm.
An AED will not shock someone who does not need it. You cannot accidentally harm someone by using one correctly.
The key steps are: turn it on, attach the pads as shown in the diagrams, follow the voice instructions, and keep the AED running until emergency services arrive.
Doing nothing is far more dangerous than doing something imperfectly.
CPR that is not quite perfect still circulates blood. A rescue breath that is not ideal is still better than none. An AED applied slightly off is still capable of saving a life.
First aid training gives you the confidence to act, not just the technical knowledge. That is the most important thing it does. The goal of training is not perfection; it is action.
REACHAU delivers first aid training onsite for businesses across Perth and regional Western Australia.
Yes. REACHAU delivers first aid and CPR training onsite for businesses, schools, community organisations, and high-risk workplaces across Perth metro and regional Western Australia.
Onsite delivery removes travel time for your team, allows training to be scheduled around your operations, and can include site-specific scenarios relevant to your work environment.
Contact Britt at [email protected] or call 0481 123 204 to discuss your requirements.
The number of first aiders required at your workplace depends on several factors:
As a general guide, Safe Work Australia recommends at least one first aider per 50 workers in a low-risk environment, and one per 25 workers in a high-risk environment.
For remote or isolated workplaces, additional first aiders and higher-level qualifications such as HLTAID013 may be required. Check with your state WHS regulator for specific requirements.
Yes. REACHAU delivers training across Perth and regional Western Australia including the Great Southern, South West, Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance, Midwest, and further into the Pilbara and Kimberley for group bookings.
Travel costs may apply for remote locations. Get in touch to discuss delivery to your area.
Yes. For every 10 participants booked, 2 places can be upgraded to Advanced First Aid (HLTAID014) or Remote First Aid (HLTAID013) at no extra cost.
This allows workplaces to train safety officers at a higher level without increasing the overall training budget. It is particularly useful for teams that need a mix of standard and advanced qualifications.
Contact us for a group quote tailored to your team size and requirements.
Yes. REACHAU offers non-accredited mental health first aid training for workplaces and community groups, delivered alongside or combined with accredited physical first aid.
The workplace mental health program covers recognising the signs of stress, burnout, and psychological distress, supporting colleagues using a non-clinical approach, how to have a difficult conversation, and linking someone to professional help.
The combined physical and mental health program is designed around the idea that you rarely deal with one in isolation from the other. If your team handles both, they are genuinely prepared.
Australia has specific risks that standard first aid content does not always cover in enough depth.
Follow the pressure immobilisation technique (PIT) for all suspected snake bites in Australia:
Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or try to catch or identify the snake.
It depends on the type of sting, which is why this can cause confusion.
If someone asks for the water to be extremely hot, they need proper medical pain relief, not hotter water.
Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. This is the single most important first aid step for burns.
For a mild to moderate allergic reaction (hives, itching, swelling without airway involvement): remove or avoid the trigger, give antihistamine if available and conscious, and monitor closely.
For anaphylaxis (severe reaction involving breathing difficulty, throat swelling, drop in blood pressure, or collapse):
REACHAU delivers non-accredited mental health first aid combined with accredited physical first aid. Because a physical emergency and an emotional crisis rarely happen independently of each other.
Psychological first aid (PFA) is about helping someone feel safe, calm, and connected in the immediate aftermath of a distressing event. It is not therapy. It does not involve diagnosis or clinical treatment.
The goal is stabilisation. You are not there to fix the problem or counsel the person. You are there to reduce immediate distress, provide a calm presence, and link them to professional support if needed.
Anyone can learn it. You do not need a mental health background. You need the ability to stay calm, listen without judging, and know when to refer on.
Look, Listen, Link is a simple framework for responding to someone who may be struggling, used in non-clinical mental health first aid training:
Observe changes in behaviour. Withdrawal, irritability, a drop in performance, being physically present but not engaged. These are often early signs that something is wrong.
Use active, non-judgemental listening. Ask "How are you?" then ask again: "No, how are you really?" Most people give a surface answer the first time. The second question opens the door.
You are the bridge, not the destination. Your role is to connect the person to professional support, whether that is an EAP, a GP, a crisis line, or a trusted person in their life.
Stay calm. Your nervous system has a direct influence on theirs. A slow, steady voice and controlled breathing will help regulate them.
Panic attacks are distressing but not physically dangerous. The priority is remaining calm yourself and not adding to the person's sense of alarm.
Start with curiosity, not a diagnosis. If someone seems withdrawn, disengaged, or unlike themselves, approach them with care rather than concern about their performance.
Something as simple as "I have noticed you do not seem like yourself lately. Is everything okay?" opens the door without pressure. You do not need to have solutions. You just need to create a space where they feel they can be honest.
Keep it private. Keep it simple. Phrases that help:
What does not help: minimising ("everyone feels like that"), fixing ("you should just..."), or projecting ("you look really burnt out").
Yes. Asking about suicide does not plant the idea. Research consistently shows that asking the question directly provides relief, not risk.
If you are worried about someone, it is safer to ask directly than to avoid the conversation. You might say: "I want to ask you something directly because I care about you. Are you having thoughts of suicide?"
If the answer is yes, do not leave them alone, do not panic, and do not promise to keep it secret. Listen, stay present, and help connect them to professional support. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or encourage them to go to their nearest emergency department.
Current guidance from mental health organisations in Australia is clear: asking the question is the right thing to do.
Compassion fatigue is a gradual erosion of empathy and emotional capacity that can affect anyone who regularly supports others through difficult situations. It is common in workplace first aiders, carers, healthcare workers, and community support people.
The signs include emotional numbness, cynicism, exhaustion even after rest, and a growing sense of helplessness. It is not weakness. It is a natural response to repeated exposure to others' distress without adequate support for yourself.
If you are the first aider in your team, you deserve the same support you give others. REACHAU covers the concept of the helper's self-care in our mental health first aid training, because the person everyone else leans on needs their own network too.
Performing CPR on another person, particularly someone you know, is a significant traumatic event. Once the paramedics take over, the adrenaline drops and many people experience shock, shaking, replaying of events, guilt, or emotional distress.
This is a normal physiological response to an abnormal situation. It does not mean something is wrong with you.
In the immediate aftermath, it helps to: have someone stay with you, not be left alone with your thoughts, debrief with someone you trust, and access your organisation's employee assistance program (EAP) if one is available.
Seeking support after a traumatic event is not a sign of weakness. It is part of the recovery process.
First aid guidelines are updated regularly. Here is what is current in 2026 and what has changed from older information you may have seen.
The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines for CPR are based on the latest international evidence. Key current standards are:
| Topic | Current Standard | Common Misconception |
|---|---|---|
| Compression rate | 100 to 120 compressions per minute | Faster is always better. It is not. The heart needs time to fill. |
| Compression depth (adults) | 5 to 6 centimetres | "I will break their ribs." You might. Keep going anyway. |
| Agonal gasping | Sign to start CPR immediately | Gasping means they are still breathing. They are not. |
| Hands-only CPR for adults | Effective for witnessed cardiac arrest in adults when rescue breaths are not possible | Always required for any CPR situation. Not true for drowning or children. |
| Compression-to-breath ratio | 30 compressions to 2 breaths for trained responders in most situations | Older 15:2 ratio (this has been updated). |
AEDs are commonly located in shopping centres, airports, gyms, sporting facilities, community halls, schools, and many workplaces. They are usually mounted on walls in bright yellow or red cases.
Apps that can help locate the nearest AED:
Consider noting the location of the nearest AED in your workplace and at venues you visit regularly. In a cardiac arrest, the first 3 to 5 minutes are the critical window.
No. In an opioid overdose, the heart may still be beating but breathing has stopped or is critically suppressed. This is a respiratory emergency, not a cardiac one.
Hands-only CPR is not sufficient in this situation. Rescue breaths are critical to getting oxygen into the body.
If you suspect an opioid overdose:
The core technique remains back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre) for adults and children over 12 months. This remains the Australian Resuscitation Council recommendation.
There is increasing interest in suction-based airway clearance devices, and some workplaces with high-risk environments are starting to keep them on hand. However, back blows and abdominal thrusts remain the standard first response and require no equipment.
For infants under 12 months: back blows and chest thrusts only. No abdominal thrusts on infants under any circumstances.
Accredited first aid courses combined with practical mental health first aid, delivered across Perth and regional Western Australia. Because in the real world, they rarely happen in isolation.