Every year, thousands of Australians find themselves in situations where knowing basic first aid could mean the difference between life and death. A child chokes at a birthday party. A co-worker collapses at their desk. A friend has a seizure at the beach. In those first critical minutes before an ambulance arrives, the person nearest … Continue reading
Author Archives: coastalfa
How to Help Someone Who Is Choking – First Aid Guidelines
Choking can happen to anyone, at any age, and without warning — during a meal, while playing, or even in the middle of a conversation. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly could be the difference between life and death. At Coastal First Aid, we follow the latest Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation … Continue reading
When an Opera Singer Steals the Show — and Saves a Life
It’s not every day a 21-year-old aspiring opera singer performs two showstoppers before lunchtime. But that’s exactly what Freddy Shaw did on the morning of 4 June 2026 — and one of those performances was considerably more dramatic than anything on stage. The Story: A Hero Hits All the Right Notes As the Manly Observer … Continue reading
What to Expect on the Day of Your First Aid Course in Port Macquarie
You’re looking to book your first aid course in Port Macquarie — great move! But if it’s your first time (or it’s been a few years), you might be wondering what the day actually looks like. Here’s everything you need to know before you walk through the door at our first aid courses. Whether you’re … Continue reading
Snakebite in the Bush: Why Good First Aid and Fast Action Matter
A recent incident in Morton National Park is a strong reminder of just how critical correct first aid can be when things go wrong in the Australian outdoors. As ABC News report, a bushwalker was bitten twice by an eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) and survived largely due to early first aid and very rapid … Continue reading
Critical First Aid Lessons from the Bondi Beach Tragedy
The tragic events at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, remind us that emergency preparedness can save lives. While nothing can diminish the profound loss felt by the victims’ families and the Jewish community, we can honor those affected by learning from the emergency response and ensuring we’re better prepared to help when crisis strikes. … Continue reading
Major Update to ANZCOR Guideline 9.2.3: What’s Changed for First Aiders
The Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) has released a significant update to their first aid guidelines for recognizing and managing seriously ill persons. This update consolidates and expands previous guidance, making it more practical and comprehensive for first aiders in the community. What’s New? ANZCOR has merged two separate guidelines into one … Continue reading
