In yesterday's paper we reported how Rebecca Kersten, 19, saved Iliya Walters, who was choking on a candy cane. Photo / George Novak
The quick thinking this week of a Tauranga woman, who had recently done a first-aid course, saved the life of a 6-year-old.
In yesterday's paper we reported how Rebecca Kersten, 19, saved Iliya Walters, who was choking on a candy cane.
Ms Kersten completed a first-aid refresher course six weeks ago as part of her job at Coast Kids.
The story is a reminder of just how important it is for everyone to know some basic first-aid.
Iliya was innocently munching on a candy cane.
She wasn't being reckless or doing anything dangerous, she was just eating.
It could have happened to anyone, anywhere.
It's just lucky Ms Kersten saw what was happening and knew what to do.
If you saw someone choking or needing first-aid would you know what to do?
Earlier this week a friend collapsed at our house and for a moment my husband wondered if he was going to have to give her CPR.
Both incidents made me question if I would be able to help in such a situation.
I did a first-aid course at school but that was years ago now.
I know the basics and could probably make do if push came to shove and I was forced to give someone CPR or dislodge something stuck in their throat.
But I wouldn't be particularly confident.
I really should do another first-aid course.
For once I'm glad we have strict health and safety regulations in New Zealand which mean most workplaces have someone trained in first-aid.
It's good to know that should someone at work need first-aid, there are people far more confident and qualified than me.
I've been reminded this week just how important it is to know first-aid.
Everyone should do a course at least once in their lives so they have some idea of what to do in case they ever find themselves in a situation where they are the only ones on hand to help.
If you've never taken a first-aid course, I urge you to make the time to do so and learn the basics.
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