More than 140 general practice nurses and staff have been provided with free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training across North Queensland by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).

The sessions took place in Mackay (21 participants), Cairns (26), Townsville (44), Charters Towers (25) and Atherton (25), conducted by Australia Wide First Aid, and the trainer was Cheryll Koop.

Reception staff Carol Johnson and Donna Young at Cairns Central Medical Centre took part in the training and were impressed.

“Every year we have to do a refresher course. We did e-learning the day before and then took part in practical training for two hours the next day,” Ms Johnson said.

She said the trainer ran through the course and then participants took part in revival exercises on a dummy.

“It was quite good, and I got more out of it than last year,” Ms Johnson said.

“It was very good, to the point, and delivered very well,” Ms Young said.

“Every time we do CPR we retain more information than previously.”

Ms Johnson said the course “gave them more confidence”.

The two receptionists, who each have 18 years’ experience in healthcare and have worked at Cairns Central Medical Centre for more than four years each, said they fully recommended the course to other general practise staff.

NQPHN Chief executive Officer Robin Whyte said NQPHN decided to fund and organise the training after it was found that CPR education and training of non-clinical staff was not being met in general practice.

“It is also noted that general practices are required to have completed basic life support training to maintain their accreditation,” Ms Whyte said.

“As a result, NQPHN have invested in the provision of CPR training across the NQ region to support general practice in maintaining their high standard of care.

“By providing hands on training NQPHN have assisted General Practice to also meet RACGP standards for continuous improvement and risk management by ensuring their staff are appropriately trained.

Ms Whyte said the training had to be conducted face to face. Training completed solely online did not meet the requirements.

She said participants were also required to demonstrate their skills at the end of the course.

Ms Whyte said the training was delivered to staff who might be required to provide CPR in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.

“We are delighted that so many took part in the free training, particularly the 50 people in rural sessions.

“As we all know CPR saves lives and those who can perform CPR before a nurse, doctor or paramedics arrive can play a critical part in the patient’s future.