Lifesaver takes CPR program to rural primary schools
After being personally involved in five successful cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) incidents over a two year period, Tamworth lifesaver and long-time CPMC delegate Cameron McFarlane came to the realisation of just how important this simple and effective skill can be.
“As it is can be the difference between whether someone lives or not, I really wanted to promote this life saving skill into primary schools and the community,” he says.
“I really felt Year 5 and Year 6 primary students were a great age group to educate with this skill, as they are big water users and its good knowledge to have just before going to high school. So I developed a one-hour CPR session designed for primary schools.”
The program consists of 30 minutes going through the CPR protocol chart with demonstrations and questions, followed by a 25-minute session with students breaking into groups and having hands-on practise of techniques. The last five minutes includes a quiz and the presentation of a Royal Life Saving participation certificate.
McFarlane contacted the local principals and had great success getting the program into local schools. This became an annual event, growing every year to cover approximately 27 local primary schools and 2500 students over the past four years.
“Realising how well the students interacted and enjoyed this program, I was determined to push it into more primary schools outside Tamworth and into other regional schools. I worked out I would need approximately $3500 from sponsors to do a state trip. As it had turned out I managed to secure $11000 from sponsors, and 21 motels around the state have offered to put me up for no charge. All sponsors will have their logos printed on my car,” he says.
McFarlane is using his own car and also his own time to carry out this important road trip – taking seven weeks of his annual leave to complete the journey. He is covering 27 towns, running the program at two schools each day. He is likely to reach approximately 5000 students in total.
Everything has been arranged with the approval of the education department, and he has informed the directors of the areas he is visiting and has permission to send invitations to principals.
Any sponsorship funds left after completing the state-wide trip will be donated to the Samuel Morris Foundation, the chief Australian charity for non-fatal drownings; and Royal Life Saving Society Northern Branch to put back into CPR awareness.
He is undertaking the tour from May 2 to June 10, 2016.
Townships covered are: Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Deniliquin, Corowa, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Junee, Cootamundra, Young, Cowra, Bathurst, Orange, Wellington, Mudgee, Muswellbrook and Scone.
You can follow his journey and show your support at the NSW Primary School CPR Awareness Campaign Facebook page.
Contact: 0439 244 026
