Programme Aims to Enhance Emergency Readiness
In May 2026, Kids Alive Do the Five and Royal Life Saving WA initiated a nationwide campaign to provide free CPR training to parents. This initiative focuses on enhancing caregivers’ emergency response capabilities.
Carers can benefit from the Heart Beat Club, an online education initiative that provides essential skills for handling emergencies involving children. Injuries rank as the top cause of harm among Australian children, making this programme essential.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that over 600,000 injury-related emergency department visits and nearly 89,000 hospital admissions occur each year. These statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced emergency response skills.
Data from the National Drowning Report 2025 shows a 27% rise in drowning fatalities, with 357 deaths recorded last year. This is the highest number since 1996, emphasizing the necessity of immediate emergency action.
Importance of Immediate Action
Laurie Lawrence, founder of Kids Alive, stressed the importance of acting quickly in emergencies. “The first few minutes of an emergency are everything, they can be the difference between life and death,” Lawrence stated.
He added, “You can’t rely on help arriving instantly. The Heart Beat Club is about building the confidence to act when seconds count.”
Lauren Nimmo from Royal Life Saving WA explained that many Australians misjudge where emergencies occur. “People expect emergencies to happen elsewhere, where help is nearby, but they’re far more likely to happen at home,” Nimmo remarked.
Despite frequent home emergencies, only 25% of Australians update their CPR training annually. This statistic has remained stagnant for over ten years, highlighting the importance of the Heart Beat Club.
The Heart Beat Club provides a one-hour online module that covers CPR, choking, burns, scalds, shock, bleeding, and other first aid essentials for young children. This training equips caregivers with the skills and confidence required in critical situations.
Laurie Lawrence also pointed out the necessity of regularly updating CPR and first aid skills. Research indicates that bystander CPR can double a person’s survival chances during a cardiac arrest.
Throughout May, free access to the Heart Beat Club online course is available at www.heartbeatclub.org.au. This initiative aims to ensure that parents and carers are ready to respond swiftly and efficiently in emergencies.
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 3:49 am
