Paramedics urge people to learn CPR to save lives

NSW Ambulance Service is urging Australians to learn first aid to combat a rise in medical emergencies involving water.

NSW Ambulance Service is urging Australians to learn first aid to combat a rise in medical emergencies involving water.

Paramedics used social media to ask the public to learn first aid after more than a dozen people required CPR in twenty-four hours.

The resuscitations were often performed by trained citizens before paramedics arrived on scene.

The latest reminder of the importance of CPR comes as a 33-year-old man was pulled from the surf at Kirra beach yesterday and later died.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the man's death.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service was adamant everyone should take a course in proper first aid.

"Learn first aid," they said.

"That's the message we would like to extend to the community today following a spike in water related incidents around our beaches and swimming pools."

"We encourage everyone to attend an accredited first aid course and CPR Charts are available to download from our website at www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au."

Those interested in learning first aid should contact St John's on 1800 ST JOHN to book their training session.