"Every year, we recognise people who helped save a life- whether they're members of the public, StJohn volunteers,or our colleagues from other emergency service organisations'' Sarah Lance, CEO, St John Ambulance (NSW).
Usally it is the Member for Hornsby Matt Kean MP who gives out the awards, but recently he was pleased to accept the 'Save a Life Award' from St John Ambulance.
The prestigous 'Save a Life' Award was awarded to Mr Kean after he administered first aid to a woman who collapsed at a community event.
Having only just completed his St John training, Mr Kean was able to respond by checking the woman's airways and moving her into a recovery position until paramedics arrived.
"I'd encourage everyone to sign up to a St John Ambulance course today. You never know when it might come in handy," said Mr Kean.
The StJohn (NSW) Annual Awards celebrate the actions of those who have used first aid to save or sustain the life of another person.
All recipients have been nominated by their peers or a member of the community, and show how first aid skills can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
St John (NSW) CEO, Sarah Lance, said, "These awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge the actions of those who have saved lives using first aid. The first five minutes after an emergency or accident are the most crucial, and knowing how to help in even a really simple way can truly be the difference between life and death. These stories are clear examples of why it's so important to know first aid." says Ms Lance.
Article appeared in The Bush Telegraph Weekly
