Teams vie for First Aid title

You sign up for a first aid course with the best intentions—hoping to gain the knowledge that could save a life. The trainers teach you everything, from how to stop bleeding to performing CPR, but with a silent, hopeful wish in the back of your mind: I hope I never have to use this.

Learning first aid isn’t just about the skills—it’s about being ready to step up when you least expect it.

The annual Coal Services Northern Region First Aid Competition, held on Friday 11 April at the Newcastle Mines Rescue station, serves as a platform for teams to test the skills they acquire through training at Mines Rescue. Eleven teams battled for top honours in a fierce and closely contested event, with the team from the Glencore Bulga Coal open cut mine being named the overall winners.

Monique Roberts, Head of Health Operations, explained that the competition is designed to test knowledge, skill and teamwork in a variety of realistic emergency situations.

‘The scenarios reflect incidents that may occur at home, in the community, or in the workplace. Teams are equipped with only a basic first aid kit, like you might have at home or in the car. The idea is to treat injuries and remove other hazards until paramedics arrive.’

Newcastle Mines Rescue Regional Manager, Darren Parker, added that the day is an extension of the theory and skills learnt in the classroom.

‘You never know when you might need to use these vital skills. The competition adds an element of surprise, allowing teams to practice thinking quickly and acting under pressure,’ he said. ‘The ability to assess and manage the scene calmly is what makes a truly effective first aider.’

Bulga team captain, Nick O’Toole, agreed and said that the competition pushed them to think beyond their training to manage each situation.

‘The competition is challenging because of the realism of each scenario. The hardest one was performing CPR on a baby [CPR mannequin] while dealing with a lot of hysterical people in the room,’ he explained.

‘I’d like to thank Coal Services and all the volunteers – they truly make this event one that gives us a chance to learn and grow. I’d especially like to call out Hunter Valley Mines Rescue; we train there once a month, and I think that prepared us for today. We stayed consistent, we had a method that we followed, and the team did great.’