There are many good reasons for getting some basic First Aid training but you won’t read any further if I try to list them. I think you should consider how easy it is to get a recognised St John First Aid Certificate via the Confederation.

The Senior First Aid Certificate and the Remote Area First Aid Certificate are available at a discount (i.e. cheaper than elsewhere) to club members.

Each year the Senior course is offered twice as well as on demand to clubs. It is always offered on the Last weekend of May and October so for this year that means May 24/25 and October 25/26. Bookings must be made in the month leading up to the course by phoning me, Keith Maxwell, on (02) 9622 0049. I will not take bookings outside of May or October. The course requires 8 hours instruction each on Saturday and Sunday. The exam is held a week later one evening and takes around 90 minutes. Your Certificate is then valid for three years.

Alternatively your Club Secretary could arrange a course for your club provided that you can guarantee at least 10 definite starters. You pick the weekend to suit yourselves in consultation with the Wilderness Rescue First Aid co-ordinator, David Sheppard on (042) 26-6565.

The Senior First Aid Certificate teaches you a lot of skills and is not taught as though the Ambulance is just around the corner as is assumed when you go to other instructors. An even more detailed and practical course is available called the Remote Area First Aid Certificate. Now there are two ways in which you can do this Certificate. If you have a current Senior First Aid Certificate you need only do another 16 hours (two days) training. IF you do NOT have a current First Aid certificate you will need to do three days training spread over two weekends. Wilderness Rescue only offers this course (two or three day) on demand via our First Aid Co-ordinator, David Sheppard on (042) 266 565. You can also contact St John Ambulance to book into the next available course. Either way the cost will be the same -

$110 for the two day course

$160 for the three day course.

So there you have it. For less than 0.5% of your potential bushwalking time (52 weekends x 3 =156 weekends but don’t forget three years of annual leave - discussion is welcome on the sums; it proves you have read the article) and minimal expense you can gain some invaluable skills.