First aid at the beating heart of the North Midlands

• Beach Energy together with its joint venture partner, Mitsui E&P Australia, have made a donation of almost $30,000 to St John WA to enable the delivery of ‘First Aid Focus’ to five schools across Eneabba, Mingenew, Three Springs, Morawa and Carnamah;
• As well as two accredited adult first aid courses to train community first responders in CPR and cardiac arrest; and
• Service 86 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across North Midlands and add four new publicly available AEDs in Dongara.

North Midlands’ towns in the Mid West have benefited from almost $30,000 worth of first aid training and equipment to help save lives thanks to Beach Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia.

Dongara, Mingenew, Three Springs, Carnamah and their surrounds have received free first aid education at three primary schools and two high schools, plus two accredited adult first aid courses to train community first responders. In addition, these funds will go to the servicing of 86 AEDs and the installation of four new publicly available AEDs in Dongara.

More than 400 students at Eneabba Primary School, Mingenew Primary School, Three Springs Primary School, Morawa District High School and Carnamah District High School have received St John WA’s (SJWA) specialised First Aid Focus program.

First Aid Focus is a free in-school program offering age-appropriate first aid classes for Western Australian students ranging from pre-kindy to Year 12, ensuring they are empowered to take the right steps to save a life in the event of a healthcare emergency.

Dongara District High School Deputy Principal Robyn Niemack said Beach Energy’s generously funded First Aid Focus training had inspired future paramedics, doctors and nurses.

“The visit from St John WA’s Youth and Community trainer Rachel was enjoyed by all, and the children took away so much valuable information,” said Ms Niemack.

“In addition to this, after talking to many of the students, it seems that Rachel has also inspired some of them to pursue careers in Health. What an impact she has had.”

First Aid Focus is part of SJWA’s commitment to building a strong and resilient communities across the state, which is supported by corporate and community donors.

Beach Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia’s donation also serviced 86 AEDs across North Midlands and added four new public AEDs that could be accessed 24/7 in the Dongara township.

“Thanks to Beach Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia funding, people in these regional communities have the confidence to step forward in a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and assist until the ambulance arrives,” said SJWA Social Sustainability Manager Angel Robins.

“By strengthening CPR skills and providing AEDs to help monitor hearts, the odds of survival increases – we call it the chain of survival and without the community, the chain would be broken.

“So we are very grateful to Beach Energy and Mitsui E&P Australia for their ongoing commitment to St John WA and we hope to continue a long and meaningful partnership.”

Executive Vice President Onshore and Offshore Assets Glenn Watt said Beach was committed to ongoing partnerships which support the communities where the company operates.

“St John WA provide a valuable service, and Beach is proud to support them to deliver vital services to our local communities,” he said.

“Together with Mitsui, our partnership with St John WA is one of more than a dozen we have with local Mid West organisations focussing on health, education, First Nations ranger programs, and business development initiatives.”

The North Midlands Sub Centre also provides free first aid training to more than 860 residents through an annual Three Springs Golf Club fundraiser held in July each year.

To join the North Midlands Sub Centre as a volunteer, or to find out more about volunteering anywhere in WA, click here.

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