How kindness shapes first aid training
When I was in high school, a teacher pulled me aside and said something that would change my life: "You're not bad, you're just a bit naughty. You'll find your way telling stories." It was a small moment of kindness – a teacher seeing past behaviour to potential – but its impact still resonates in how I approach first aid training today.
The power of a kind approach
Every day at Engage First Aid, I witness how kindness transforms learning. It's in the way a nervous participant relaxes when they realise it's okay to not know everything. It's in the supportive nods from others when someone masters CPR. It's in the shared stories and experiences that turn a certification into a meaningful connection.
Why kindness matters in first aid
First aid is, at its core, an act of kindness. It's about being ready to help someone on what might be their worst day. But teaching first aid? That's about creating a chain of kindness that ripples through our community.
Just the other day, an air hostess in the class shared how performing CPR on a flight inspired her to study to become a nurse. Her story reminded me why our unique approach is so important. When we create a supportive, engaging environment, we're not just teaching skills – we're building confidence that could transform lives.
The Engage First Aid difference
You might wonder why a comedian ended up so passionate about first aid training. The answer lies in those moments when I see someone suddenly realise they're capable of saving a life. It's about making people feel comfortable enough to ask questions, confident enough to practice skills, and empowered enough to act when needed.
Our training philosophy is built on a simple truth: people learn best when they feel valued and supported. That's why we:
Create an environment where every question is welcomed
Share real stories that connect skills to real-life situations
Ensure everyone feels comfortable practicing vital techniques
Celebrate each small victory in the learning process
Small acts, big impact
In first aid, as in life, it's often the small acts of kindness that make the biggest difference:
The gentle reassurance that helps someone overcome their fear of getting it wrong
The repetition of techniques until confidence grows
The supportive environment that turns strangers into a community of learners
The stories and experiences shared that help lessons stick
Beyond the training room
The kindness we practice in class extends far beyond certification. When our students leave, they carry with them not just the skills to save lives, but the confidence to be kind in critical moments. They understand that being a first aider means being part of a community that looks out for each other.
The ripple effect
Every time someone learns first aid in a supportive environment, they're more likely to:
Step forward to help in an emergency
Share their knowledge with others
Create safer spaces in their own communities
Inspire others to learn these vital skills
Looking back at my journey from performing comedy in the Melbourne underground scene to first aid training, I realise it's all connected by the power of engagement and kindness. Whether it's making people laugh or teaching them how to save lives, the goal has always been the same: to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Remember that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to create lasting change. Whether it's learning first aid, teaching others, or simply being there when someone needs help, kindness is the thread that connects us all.
Saving lives… or learning to save lives doesn't have to be scary – it just has to be memorable. Perhaps the same is true of kindness. It doesn't have to be grand – it just has to be genuine.
We want to continue building a community where learning is engaging, support is abundant, and kindness is at the heart of everything we do.