Two St John Ambulance volunteers who assisted at a recent car accident at Pokolbin are urging local residents and business owners to learn first aid.
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Em Worthington and Tamara Hilton were among the first on the scene at the accident on Palmers Lane on July 30, having driven past the car just moments before it collided with the tree.
"I saw the gumtree leaves shake in my mirror and I thought, 'we need to turn around'," Em said.
Recognising the driver's airway was compromised, Em provided first aid to the injured woman, clearing and supporting her airway, tending to her head wound and stabilising her condition until further help arrived.
Paramedics and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were tasked to the scene, and the woman was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital with serious head injuries.
Em and Tamara - who are also third-year nursing students at the University of Newcastle - say the accident highlights the importance of learning first aid, and keeping a fully-stocked, up-to-date first aid kit in your car.
"Volunteering with St John and getting free first aid training can translate into saving real lives," Em said.
"Even just keeping a first aid kit in your car and knowing how to use it can make all the difference, especially on back country roads."
St John Ambulance provides first aid kits and runs a range of courses for workplaces or individuals, and its 15,000 volunteers deliver event health and community care services, fundraising and youth programs all around Australia.
To buy a kit, or to find out more about learning first aid or becoming a volunteer, visit stjohn.org.au.
The accident has also prompted local residents and business owners to call for a reduction of the speed limit on Palmers Lane (read more here).
Ward C councillor John Fagg will raise the issue in a notice of motion to Wednesday's council meeting, asking that council write to Roads and Maritime Services to review the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h.
