LifeFlight launches trauma training program

First Minutes Matter Trauma Training is a free community safety education program offered online by LifeFlight’s medical team.

“This is the most significant community initiative undertaken by LifeFlight, since we first launched aeromedical helicopters into Queensland skies, more than 40 years ago,” said LifeFlight Australia Board Chairman Rob Borbidge AO.

The idea to create First Minutes Matter Trauma Training, for the public, came from LifeFlight aeromedical crew members, who know patient outcomes are dramatically improved by actions taken in the first minutes after an incident, before emergency crews arrive.

Helping bystanders to do lifesaving treatments

“Traumatic incidents can happen at any time. You might be the only person on hand to help, until emergency services or a LifeFlight chopper arrives," said LifeFlight Training Academy Director Dr Duncan McAuley. "That's the entire point of the First Minutes Matter program. We really want bystanders and people involved in accidents to be able to do lifesaving treatments, in a safe manner."

In the free, self-paced, online program Dr McAuley shares his knowledge for dealing with trauma incidents including seizures, choking, burns, bleeding, snake bites and cardiac events.

“I would encourage every Queenslander to sign up for this course. It is available online right now. First Minutes Matter is just like the helicopter service that we provide right across Queensland in that it’s completely free of charge. It’s going to be a great asset and addition to the service that LifeFlight’s been providing Queenslanders for so many decades,” said Borbidge.

Almost 350 people received lifesaving care in Townsville, Australia, thanks to RACQ LifeFlight’s rescue jet crew in 2020 – the most patients in the service’s 12-year history.