Taking his CPR awareness campaign around NSW, Cameron McFarlane is up to a tally of 21 people whose lives have been saved thanks to the training.
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Mr McFarlane brought his campaign to four Border schools in a bid to fill gaps in training for regional students and to push for the life-saving skill to be made mandatory in the curriculum in all primary schools.
“I believe the regional schools miss out as the coastal schools often have learn to swim and surf life-saving programs,” he said.
“I find a lot of the smaller schools don’t often get much exposure and many teachers said it was the first time students had touched a manikin.”
Mr McFarlane began the NSW Primary School CPR Awareness Campaign in Tamworth after having someone's life in his hands – five times.
“I was fortunate they lived, because I knew how to do it, and I realised what a vital skill it was,” he said.
“So I started a program to get it into our schools.
“Many kids in regional NSW are off the farm but it’s not always about water – it may need to be done on the street.
“I’ve had a cardiac arrest incident on a soccer field and one where a person with epilepsy had a fit.
“Of the 2500 students I’ve spoken to, I’m up to 21 people who are walking around today because someone knew CPR.”
Mr McFarlane said there was no consensus in approaches to the training across schools.
“The teachers all get it as it’s compulsory for their employment but there’s not many programs going around directly like this,” he said.
“Someone might come in and give students a briefing but it needs to be part of the curriculum and something mandatory that needs to be passed like any subject.
“I’m trying to get schools and councils behind it and through to the education minister.”
Albury City deputy mayor David Thurley attended a session at St Patrick’s Parish School and said he would discuss the program with other councillors.
A NSW Department of Education spokesman said first aid procedures, including CPR protocols, were part of the health curriculum for students in years five to 10 but it was up to the discretion of schools to integrate additional CPR training.
“First aid is part of the mandatory PDHPE key learning area,” he said.
“Principals make decisions about the teaching and learning programs and resources which meet students’ needs.
“Some schools choose to use external agencies to complement existing teaching.
“This may include programs such as the St John’s Ambulance Certificates and Surf Lifesaving Awards.”