This World First Aid Day (Saturday 14 September), Australian Red Cross is aiming to host the nation's largest-ever multicultural first aid training session with free sessions held simultaneously in numerous locations around the country.

Australian man Ian Hutchinson, 56, will join the training session at Australian Red Cross headquarters in Sydney. Ian had a cardiac arrest whilst cycling almost 12 months ago and was clinically dead for 19 minutes. He is alive today because his best mate Don MacKee - who was with him at the time - knew CPR.

Fronting the campaign as the Australian Red Cross World First Aid Day official spokesperson is renowned orthopaedic surgeon, author, and former Iraqi refugee, Associate Professor Munjed Al Muderis.

“Australia still has one of the poorest rates of first aid training in the world. This is worrying because unless timely first aid is provided many severely injured people stand no chance of survival. It can literally be the difference between life and death,” warns Associate Professor Al Muderis.

This may be particularly concerning for the nearly 50 per cent of Australians for whom English is a second language. Research shows that culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities can be less likely to be able to identify, describe, or communicate a medical emergency due to language barriers. This has the potential to put some migrant and refugee Australians at greater risk should they find themselves experiencing or witnessing an emergency situation.

“Not knowing how to respond in an emergency situation can have tragic consequences for all involved, so it is vital that every Australian is equipped with first aid knowledge to handle an emergency,” said Associate Professor Al Muderis.

By aiming to host the nation's largest-ever multicultural first aid training sessions around Australia, Australian Red Cross is ensuring that more Australians have access to first aid knowledge. Training sessions are being held in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Sydney, Wollongong, Western Sydney, Albury, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, and Darwin.

“A first aid education is universal. It is not culturally or linguistically specific. As a multicultural country, it is important that all members of the community can access this knowledge,” said Amanda Lindsay, Australian Red Cross spokesperson and trainer.

“On September 14, we intend to increase and improve Australia’s low first aid knowledge rates amongst new Australians,” said Ms Lindsay. “We are also inviting all Australians to take action and learn this vital life skill through doing a first aid course.”

Do you know first aid? Do you think more people should know first aid?