01 April 2026
Eight students from Yandeyarra Remote Community School have taken their knowledge of safety to another level after completing their First Aid Certificate.
The students were keen to show off what they had learned.
For the first time at the school, located in the remote Pilbara, students took part in a course run by Royal Life Saving Society WA and learnt valuable skills that could help them and others.
For people living in remote areas, this training could literally be lifesaving.
Principal Samantha Dalton said the course also provides students with vital skills to become work ready.
“This course gives students a nationally recognised qualification and builds their confidence in responding to emergencies,” she said.
“First aid is especially important in remote areas, where there may be no clinic nearby and the nearest hospital can be two plus hours away.
“It also opens up pathways into employment, particularly in roles such as lifeguarding, community services, teaching, and other jobs where first aid is essential.”
Students covered skills such as basic triage and DRSABCD, the steps to manage an emergency, which include danger, response, send help, airway, breathing, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation.
Mrs Dalton said the students were incredibly engaged in the program, and the first aid trainer was very impressed with their commitment and attitude.
“I am incredibly proud of our students,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see students continuing to practise their skills independently in the classroom, whether it was CPR or responding to a simulated snake bite, which is highly relevant to our environment.
The skills obtained the course can help students with their future career pathways.
“Opportunities like this not only build skills but also inspire confidence and open doors for their future.”
Students also participated in practical, hands-on learning by acting out real-life scenarios.
Year 9 student Jozariah Flatfoot said they all travelled to Port Hedland to learn first aid.
“I learnt about snake bites and how to do CPR,” she said.
“I enjoyed working with my friends to fix people who were injured on a bus.
“If I had to [in a future situation], I could do CPR and ring an ambulance for help.”
Mrs Dalton said she’s already made plans to continue the program next year.
“Students at Yandeyarra deserve the same opportunities as students in metropolitan areas. Access to training and pathways into employment should not be limited by location,” she said.
“These kinds of programs help bridge that gap and ensure our students are equally prepared for future work opportunities.”