In Port Lincoln, 82-year-old retiree Malcolm Harris collapsed at a car wash with no pulse. Fisherman Andrew Lear, who had been trained in CPR for more than 30 years, and bystander Steve Whait took turns performing CPR until paramedics revived Mr Harris with a defibrillator. 

The incident highlights what countless studies and statistics already tell us — CPR saves lives. What Mr. Lear practised years ago in a classroom became the crucial difference between life and death when faced with a real emergency. 

Be Prepared to Save a Life 

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Over 30,000 Australians suffer a cardiac arrest each year outside of hospitals, and sadly, the survival rate remains low. But when CPR is administered early, survival chances can significantly increase. 

When you complete a CPR certification course, you’ll learn to: 

• Recognise the signs of cardiac arrest 

• Perform effective chest compressions 

• Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) 

• Call for emergency help quickly and clearly 

These essential skills help keep oxygen circulating to the brain and other vital organs until paramedics arrive. 

Build Confidence in an Emergency 

Emergencies are often overwhelming — but when you’re trained, you are better able to handle such a stressful situation. As a bystander, your immediate response in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can double or triple a person’s chances of survival. 

Whether it’s a loved one, colleague, or stranger, you’ll be equipped to step up and make a real difference. Enrolling in CPR training ensures you’re ready for those crucial moments. 

CPR Certification Is for Everyone 

You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to learn CPR — it’s a vital life skill that anyone can (and should) learn. Whether you’re a: 

• Parent or carer 

• Teacher or school staff member 

• Employee in any industry 

• Sports coach or fitness trainer 

• Everyday Aussie who simply wants to be prepared 

CPR training empowers you to respond confidently in an emergency and potentially save a life. 

In fact, many workplaces are required to include CPR certification as part of their first aid compliance. According to Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace, employers must ensure that their workers have access to appropriate first aid training, including CPR. 

CPR certification is generally valid for 12 months in Australia, and regular refresher courses are recommended to maintain confidence and competence. 

Being CPR certified is more than ticking a box — it’s about being ready when it matters most. 

Get Certified Today 

Getting certified is easy, affordable, and potentially life-saving. Whether you’re new to CPR or need to renew your training, our nationally recognised courses are designed to equip you with practical, hands-on experience. 

Already certified? It’s just as important to keep your skills current. Our CPR Refresher Course ensures your knowledge stays aligned with the latest legislation, guidelines, and best practices — without taking up too much of your time. 

This updated course focuses on: 

• Scenario-based learning to strengthen real-life application 

• Streamlined delivery to save time while staying compliant 

• Content that’s culturally and situationally relevant 

• Updated materials aligned with the First Aid Code of Practice and ARC Guidelines 

• Psychological wellbeing with a focus on stress management and debriefing after critical incidents 

Refresher timetables are available just below the main schedule.
To book or enquire about a CPR refresher, contact us directly at [email protected]. 

Don’t wait for an emergency to realise the value of CPR training. Take the first step today — because being prepared could save a life tomorrow. 

Conclusion 

The story of fisherman Andrew Lear reminds us that heroes aren’t only found in uniforms — they can be everyday people who choose to learn the right skills. By remembering his CPR training, Andrew stepped in with courage and determination, keeping Malcolm Harris alive until paramedics arrived. His actions, along with the support of fellow bystander Steve Whait, turned what could have been a tragedy into a life saved. 

Andrew didn’t become a hero by chance. He became one because he had the knowledge, the training, and the confidence to act in a real-life emergency. This highlights the true value of CPR certification — it equips ordinary people with the power to save lives when it matters most. 

Every refresher, every practice drill, every scenario-based session helps ensure that the skills stay sharp, ready to be used outside the classroom when adrenaline is high and seconds are critical. 

Being trained means being prepared — and as Andrew’s story proves, being prepared can make you someone’s hero. 

Sources: 

Australian Resuscitation Council. (2021). Guidelines. https://resus.org.au/guidelines/ 

Safe Work Australia. (2019). Code of practice: First aid in the workplace. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1908/code_of_practice_-_first_aid_in_the_workplace_0_0.pdf 

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. (n.d.). What is cardiac arrest? https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/cardiac-arrest 

Better Health Channel. (2023). Cardiac arrest – first aid. State Government of Victoria. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cardiac-arrest-first-aid 

Heart Foundation. (2023). Cardiac arrest. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/conditions/cardiac-arrest 

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Causes of Death, Australia. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/latest-release