From CPR to Mental Health: First Aid Training That Supports Your Whole Team

The Basics: CPR & Physical First Aid Still Matter

Before we dive into mental health, let’s be clear: physical first aid skills still save lives.

Every workplace needs:

• Trained first aid officers

• Annual CPR refresher training

• Up-to-date first aid kits

• Clearly communicated emergency response procedures

Whether it’s choking, a seizure, or sudden cardiac arrest, your staff must know what to do in the first few minutes before help arrives.

💡 If your team hasn’t updated their CPR in the last 12 months—it’s time.

Mental Health First Aid: The Missing Piece in Most Workplaces

Mental health first aid is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s fast becoming an expected part of workplace WHS compliance.

Just as physical first aid teaches us to stabilise someone until medical help arrives, mental health first aid equips your team to:

• Recognise early signs of mental distress

• Approach conversations with confidence and care

• Offer support without judgment

• Encourage appropriate professional help

And no—you don’t need to be a psychologist. Just a calm, informed colleague who knows how to listen and guide someone safely.

Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2025

• 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health condition this year

• 40% of mental health-related absences could be prevented with earlier support

• Psychosocial hazards (like burnout, bullying, or trauma exposure) are now legally recognised under WHS laws

If your workplace hasn’t addressed mental health in its safety plan, you may already be falling short of legal requirements.

A Whole-Team Approach to Workplace First Aid

The most effective organisations aren’t just compliant, they’re proactive.

Here’s what they put in place:

💡 When staff feel safe to speak up, they’re more likely to seek help before things escalate.