Building Confidence in the Field Through First Aid Training

More than 40 Christchurch-based employees have completed First Aid training as part of our ongoing commitment to employee development, health and safety, and emergency preparedness. 

The training brought together people from across the business, including teams working on our Christchurch International Airport and Christchurch City Council contracts. Participants included project managers, open space maintenance and facilities management team members, amenity cleaners, and fleet and workshop staff. The practical sessions covered CPR, choking response, basic life support, scene assessment, defibrillator use, and how to respond to medical emergencies such as fractures, severe allergic reactions, diabetic episodes, seizures, heart attacks and strokes. 

For many field-based employees, these skills are especially important. They spend their days working in public spaces and alongside the community. In the past, team members have assisted people who have suffered falls, injuries and medical events. Being in the vicinity, they often can be in a position to help before emergency services arrive. 

Health and Safety Advisor Flick Hanton says the training helps ensure staff are prepared to step in and help when needed. 

“Our people are often out in the community, working in places where they interact with the public every day. We hope they never need to use these skills, but there have been times when our teams have helped someone who was injured or unwell. This training gives them the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately, provide immediate support and potentially make a real difference while waiting for emergency services.”

The course is part of a broader focus on building capability across the organisation and investing in skills that support both personal and workplace safety. 

Joel Johnston, Airside Groundsperson at Christchurch International Airport, said the practical nature of the training was one of its biggest benefits. 

“The hands-on scenarios were really valuable because they put you in situations that could genuinely happen. It’s great to know that if an accident occurs, I know the basics to be able to help until emergency crews arrive.” 

Ecological Team Leader, Laura Crantson, said the training reinforced the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. 

"The often remote areas that my team work in mean that if someone is injured it's important to have the basic skills to be able to help them and stay calm until further assistance arrives. You never know what you might come across." 

Flick says the training is another example of the organisation's commitment to fostering a strong health and safety culture. 

“Health and safety is about looking after ourselves, our colleagues and the people around us. Investing in training like this builds skills and confidence. It also reinforces the culture we're continually striving for, where people feel empowered to step up, help others and do the right thing when it matters most.” 

By continuing to invest in practical First Aid training, we're helping ensure our people are prepared to respond, support each other and serve our communities every day.