Nurses encourage first aid certified residents reach out to the neighbours

Two Darling Downs woman have reached out to their community and provided help for minor injuries and ailments that could have otherwise led to an unnecessary trip to the emergency room.

A pair of nurses has put themselves forward to help with minor injuries and ailments in an effort to reduce pressure on the Darling Downs ambulance network and the hospital emergency departments.

Maddison Hayward said she started her First Aid Army Facebook page with Kelli-Jade Martin about a month ago and already they have helped dozens of people, mostly with minor pain management or backyard injuries.

“Being in a rural location there can be a delay in accessing medical care, hence Kelli and I started offering first aid and support to the community,” she said.

“Sometimes people just need a friend to drive them to the hospital rather than getting an ambulance or someone has rolled their ankle while doing yard work on a Sunday afternoon,” she said.

Maddison Hayward (left) and Kelli-Jade Martin, trauma nurses offering services as first aiders to folks in their neighbourhoods. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“We had one lady whose son had a bleeding nose and she was worried about how much blood was coming out.”

As registered nurses both women have extensive experience providing care and Ms Hayward said she would encourage other people with First Aid certifications to make themselves known to their neighbours.

“Trying to share just a nice idea,” she said.

“It is very informal and I would encourage people to reach out to their neighbours to say ‘I have my First Aid Certification and if you need a hand or for someone to sit with you while you wait for an ambulance.

“It’s about making that community connection.

“If you are worried about doing the wrong thing when providing First Aid then call 13 Health or Triple-0 for advice, you can call for Cub Care for kids or the Poisons Information Centre.”