LifeFlight is helping Surfing Queensland with critical lifesaving skills through its First Minutes Matter program.
Launched today at the Tallebudgera Beach on the Gold Coast, participants learned practical techniques to control severe bleeding, including direct pressure, tourniquet application and wound packing.
Participants also practiced applying what they learned in real life surfing scenarios, such as a board strike, hitting rocks and shark bite.
The three-hour workshop formed part of LifeFlight’s First Minutes Matter program, which teaches people how to respond in the critical first minutes of a medical emergency.
LifeFlight First Minutes Matter regional medical educator Tim Hair said the ocean is full of hidden dangers such as rocks, reefs and sea life.
“Accidents happen, and if they happen to you or a loved one, there are critical skills that will help before first responders arrive,” he said.
Surfing Queensland CEO Luca Liussi said they were excited to partner with First Minutes Matter to deliver the workshop.
“This partnership will provide surfers and beach goers with the valuable tools to help on the beach, in the crucial first minutes of a medical emergency,” Mr Liussi said.
“Surfing Queensland is widely known and trusted in the community, and our goal is to deliver this training to our surfing communities across the state.
“LifeFlight has the proven experience to deliver these workshops and we’re looking forward to educating as many communities as we can.”
To register for a workshop or to find out more, visit firstminutesmatter.org.au or contact firstminutesmatter@lifeflight.org.au.
