Listen: The Heart Beat Club offers a month free access to its online training program, covering CPR skills and first aid essentials.

New research shows that Aussie parents are lacking in life-saving CPR skills.

Key points

• “Any attempt at CPR, when a child is not breathing, dramatically increases their chance of survival,” Laurie said.
• Accidents happen – so it’s vital that parents know what to do.
• Learn more and register for free CPR training at heartbeatclub.org.au.

Royal Lifesaving (RLSSA) has revealed that less than three in five Australian parents have completed CPR training, despite 90% acknowledging how important it is.

Salt 106.5’s Jordana spoke with Laurie Lawrence from Kids Alive.

“We know that CPR can help save a life,” he said.

“We know that any attempt at CPR, when a child is not breathing, dramatically increases their chance of survival yet only half of parents out there would know what to do.

“That’s why it’s so important to refresh your CPR skills.”

Tragically, the new research comes after 16 children aged under five drowned in 2022 and 2023 – with eight times as many experiencing a non-fatal incident.

“Any attempt at CPR, when a child is not breathing, dramatically increases their chance of survival,” Laurie said.

The statistics are chilling. 75% of drowning deaths are due to falls, with half of these happening in bathtubs and swimming pools.

Accidents happen – so it’s vital that parents know what to do.

CPR knowledge deteriorates within three to six months of training, so must be regularly updated.

RLSSA has partnered with Kids Alive in launching a free, online training program to help remove barriers to CPR training for parents, empowering Aussies with the skills and knowledge to save the lives of their children.

Accidents happen – so it’s vital that parents know what to do.

The Heart Beat Club offers a month free access to its online training program, covering a range of topics including CPR skills, as well as first aid essentials like how to treat common injuries, choking, burns, scalds, control of bleeding, dealing with shock and control of communicable disease.  The program has been designed to be completed in just one hour.

As Laurie says, “Do the five!

“Fence the pool, shut the gate, teach your kids to swim it’s great!

“Supervise, watch your mate and of course, learn how to resuscitate.”

Learn more and register at heartbeatclub.org.au.

Hear the full conversation in the listener above.

Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro