It’s a job he says is extremely rewarding as his skills often make the difference between life and death.
While Brad underwent years of advanced training to be on the frontline of critical care, he says everyone can learn the basic skills needed to administer help when it’s urgently needed.
“With basic first aid skills, loved ones and bystanders can play a critical role in the outcomes and survival of a patient while help is on its way,” Brad says.
“We’ve flown to many patients who were given a fighting chance because a family member or a complete stranger stepped in.
“The first responders may have completed a one-day course for work and were able to use their skills when it really mattered.”
Brad says simple manoeuvres learnt in basic first aid courses can save lives and are something most people can learn.
“I know of kids as young as six performing lifesaving techniques as first aiders,” he said.
Brad is so passionate about saving lives and the work he does with CareFlight, he began donating his time running accredited first aid courses.
He currently runs one-day courses, charged at $80 per person to groups of six or more in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast and 12 or more on the Sunshine Coast and in Toowoomba.
All proceeds are donated back to RACQ CareFlight Rescue’s lifesaving service topping-up fundraising efforts for a charity ride Brad will be part of.
He will join 70 cyclists next month for the CareFlight Base to Base Cycle Challenge riding 260 kilometres in a single day from the Gold Coast to CareFlight’s Toowoomba Hangar.
Last year’s event raised $60,000 and organisers expect to top that with the biggest to-date goal of $100,000 next month.
To find out more about Brad’s courses and to book, visit www.careflight.org.au/firstaid or email BradS@careflight.org.au