First-aid student helps keep man alive for paramedics

12/Apr/2011

A HAMILTON Senior High School student administered life-saving first aid to a critically injured man, using techniques he had recently learnt at a school-based senior first aid course.

Year 11 student Dion Sgherza (15) performed CPR on the unconscious man for 15 to 20 minutes before the arrival of paramedics, who continued the treatment with his help and information.

The man was suffering life-threatening breathing constrictions from a throat injury.

Dion, a keen football player, was commended by police for his efforts in saving the man by remaining calm and remembering the skills he was taught at school.

Principal Donna McDonald said the school was proud of Dion, who should be seen as a role model in the community.

“He learnt the skills, he was called upon to use them and he did his absolute best at the time,” she said.

“He’s a real role model.”

Completion of a three-day senior first aid course is compulsory for all students undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses at the school and Mrs McDonald said that up to 40 per cent of staff and students at the school held current certificates.

“We want to give students good skills that are required out in our society,” she said.

“We not only train our senior students, but we also train our staff.”

More than 40 Year 11 VET students attended the Australian Red Cross course in term one this year, helping them to achieve their Tafe training certificates.

School spokeswoman Leeana Manifis-Gott said a first aid certificate provided the mutual benefit of an ideal qualification for a student’s resume and an important skill to have in the workplace and community.

Dion, who is part of the school’s industrial studies program, said he was pleased he had the skills to help in a real-life situation and recommended a first aid course to everyone.

“I would definitely recommend it because there’s a high chance that you may need to use it one day,” he said.