Local stage three primary school students have had hands-on experience learning a life-saving skill this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Senior aquatic lifeguard Cameron McFarlane has returned to Inverell to conduct Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sessions with Year 5 and 6 students.
CPR manikins have allowed the youngsters to put Mr McFarlane's teachings into practice to prepare them for any future situations that may require CPR.
"I've experienced five mayor incidents where I have had to use CPR in my life time and all five times the CPR I performed saved those peoples lives proving CPR is a simple but effective life skill," he said.
Mr McFarlane said in one hour sessions students learnt different CPR procedures for infants and adults.
SEE MORE:
A group discussion sees students speak about emergency procedures, the steps of CPR, the traumatic experience that may come with performing CPR and recovery roles.
Originally Mr McFarlane taught Year 6 students only, but found but found more success in including Year 5 as well.
"I think because they get two cracks at the sessions it is more beneficial. They seem to be more confident to answer questions the second time around.
"I believe stage three is an ideal age mentally and physically to start teaching CPR before they go onto high school," he said.
Surrounded by dams, rivers and huge waterways Mr McFarlane said it was just as, if not more, important to teach rural youngsters the vital skill.
The Royal Life Saving educator visited Inverell Primary School, Ross Hill Public School and Holy Trinity.
Last week he was in Dubbo and was ready to head west once completing all Inverell sessions.
"I encourage all people, no matter their age, to learn the simple skill of CPR because it really does save lives."