First Aid Academy is a locally owned training academy dedicated to providing quality training We create confidence to care.
Our experienced and enthusiastic trainers make the training fun and engaging, so that all first aiders remember the important information when they need it most.
26/02/2026
When the Croydon Shire Council calls, we hit the road.
Brad made the long drive west this past week to deliver First Aid and CPR training for council staff, along with a public course for the wider community.
As always, the council looked after him beautifully — accommodation at the campgrounds is always a lovely stay, and the welcome is as warm as the outback sun.
While in town, we also completed a full check of all council‑managed AEDs across the community and restocked their First Aid kits, making sure everything is ready to go when it matters most. In remote regions, that preparedness isn’t just important — it’s lifesaving.
Croydon itself is a gem of the Gulf. Once a booming gold‑rush town in the late 1800s, it was home to more than 7,000 people at its peak. Today, it’s a small but proud community surrounded by wide horizons, red earth, and some of the most striking natural landmarks in the region — including the heritage‑listed Lake Belmore and the sweeping savannah landscapes that stretch out in every direction.
Grateful to the Croydon Shire Council for the invitation, the hospitality, and their commitment to keeping their community safe and prepared.
26/02/2026
You asked and we delivered!
Cooktown... we are on our way back!
This time we are utilising the amazing space at Gungarde Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation
We'll bring the bikkies 🍪🍪..... all you need to bring is a smile 😁
Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere — at home, in public, or in workplaces.
Let’s break it down step by step:
1️⃣ Danger — ensure the scene is safe
2️⃣ Response — check for responsiveness
3️⃣ Send for help — call 000
4️⃣ Airway & Breathing — open airway, check breathing
5️⃣ If Breathing is inadequate → consider NYXOID
Use nasal spray if available
Follow the device instructions
6️⃣ CPR
Place in recovery position if breathing
Begin CPR if not breathing
7️⃣ Defib
Ensure Defib is near by
Follow instructions for use
8️⃣ Monitor & repeat
NYXOID may wear off in 2–3 minutes
A second dose may be required
9️⃣ Stay with the person until paramedics arrive
Remember: NYXOID does not replace CPR – It supports it.
18/02/2026
🚙On the Road… with Brad — Napranum edition.
Last week, we were invited by the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council to head up and get their team refreshed, confident, and fully up to date with their First Aid and CPR training. It’s always a privilege to support communities where these skills make a real, everyday difference.
Brad touched down in Weipa, headed over to collect his hire car and then on to The Heritage Resort for another fabulous stay not to mention 1 or 2 cold brews & seriously delicious meals!
Napranum itself is something special — a small community on the edge of Albatross Bay, surrounded by red earth, mangroves, and some of the most striking sunsets in the Cape. Originally established as a mission settlement, it’s now a proud, close‑knit community with deep cultural roots and a landscape that stays with you long after you leave.
Grateful for the warm welcome, the commitment of the Napranum team, and the chance to keep building safer, stronger workplaces across the Far North 💚
If you suspect an opioid overdose, the priorities remain the same:
1️⃣ Call 000
2️⃣ Start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally
3️⃣ Administer intranasal naloxone as soon as it’s available — without delaying CPR
If you suspect an opioid overdose, you don’t need to be certain.
ANZCOR emphasises: If in doubt, treat it as an overdose.
When NYXOID may be used:
• When someone is unresponsive and breathing is inadequate
• When opioid overdose is suspected
• While following DRSABCD and calling 000
NYXOID won’t harm someone if opioids aren’t involved — another reason it’s safe for first aiders to use.
It buys time. You save lives
12/02/2026
We are off on another adventure... this time out to Croydon!
We will be running a public course:
📆 19th February
⏰8.15am arrival
📍Doris Casey Hall
Get in touch to secure your spot!
Croydon Shire Council
11/02/2026
Short on time? Our Express Courses have you covered!
Complete your theory online, then pop in for a quick in‑house practical.
We’re proud to support two incredible local organisations — the Frog Hospital Supporters and Remote Animal Assistance - FNQ — with a fresh batch of supplies that would otherwise go to waste.
Expired first aid products can’t be used for human treatment or resold, which means a huge amount often ends up in landfill. At First Aid Academy, we’re committed to reducing that impact wherever we can by redirecting suitable items to groups who can put them to good use. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference for our environment AND our community.
We’re grateful to these hardworking animal carers for everything they do — and we’re glad these supplies will help support their vital work.
If you know of a school, community group, or organisation that could benefit from donations like these, 👇drop their name in the comments so we can reach out.
06/02/2026
ANZCOR has updated its guidelines within Provide First Aid — and it’s an important shift.
In a suspected opioid overdose, first aiders are now advised to administer intranasal naloxone (NYXOID) as soon as it’s available, while keeping interruptions to CPR to an absolute minimum.
Why this matters:
• Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere – at home, in public, at events or in the workplace
• NYXOID is safe, easy to use and available without prescriptions in many places
• First aiders are now encouraged to understand when and how naloxone may be used in an emergency
First Aid Academy trainers are already across the changes — and we’re here to keep our community informed, confident and prepared.
05/02/2026
Innisfail........we are back with you next week Thursday 12th!
New Year, New Skills.... or refreshing the ones you have!
We supply everything you need....right down to the bikkies 🍪🍪for morning tea..... all you need to bring is a smile!😁
04/02/2026
Over the weekend, our team was invited to deliver First Aid and CPR training for the incredible staff at Lady Gowrie Queensland on Waiben (Thursday Island). 🌸
It’s always a privilege to support workplaces that play such an important role in their community — and in remote regions like the Torres Strait, these skills aren’t just helpful, they’re essential.
Between sessions, Brad captured the beauty of the island: the bright blues of the channel, the quiet streets & the sense of history that lives in every corner. Thursday Island has long been a meeting place — from Torres Strait Islander culture to its role as a WWII defence point.
Grateful for the warm welcome, the commitment of the Lady Gowrie team & the chance to bring lifesaving skills to one of the most unique places in Australia
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First Aid Academy - RTO 40920 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
First Aid Academy Pty Ltd is an innovative, professional First Aid Training centre. We create confidence to care by providing nationally accredited courses and other services, including sales & hire of rescue equipment as well as provision of first aid provision local events. We cater for a wide variety of local organisations, nationally owned corporate businesses, government agencies, and the general public of Cairns & Far North Queensland.
Our training department, which has been successfully operating since 2005, is headed by Alex van Welderen, an Instructor Trainer (PADI Course Director) with over twenty five years’ experience in training. His team is a highly dedicated and enthusiastic group of instructors who are fully qualified according to standards set out by the Australian Quality Framework (AQF), and hold current certification for the training they are delivering. They hold a current Working with Children Blue Card, as well as the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
“I am proud to head the First Aid Academy, as we are a growing business but we are still small enough to care a lot.”
– CEO Alex van Welderen –
Scope of Services Provided
Training in Health Packages (listed below)
First Aid Kit Restocking & Sales
Sales, Servicing & Hire of Equipment including Advanced Resuscitation (oxygen), Rescue Equipment, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and First Aid Training Material
First Aid provision for Events including Sporting, Community, Charity and Private functions
Public courses are held 6 days per week (excluding public holidays). Visit our online Course Calendar to see dates and times and book when it suits you.
Training can be conducted for groups, either at our training centre or onsite at your business (click here for more information).
Nationally Accredited Courses
HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
HLTAID003 Provide First Aid
HLTAID004 Provide an Emergency Response First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting
HLTAID005 Provide First Aid in Remote Situations
HLTAID006 Provide Advanced First Aid
HLTAID007 Provide Advanced Resuscitation (Oxygen)
UETTDRRF06 Perform Rescue from a Live LV Panel
Other training programs provided (non-accredited- awarded with a Statement of Attendance)
Airway Management – Training in iGel insertion
Parents First Aid – Infants, Toddlers and Parents
Our Shop
First Aid Academy is a one-stop-shop with a large range of first aid kits (to suit your car, workplace, boat, 4WD etc) and supplies to re-stock first aid kits – enquire or bring in for a free inspection. We also provide a great selection of rescue equipment, ranging from face shields to full Ambulance fit-outs, with some famous brand names like:
FERNO RESCUE EQUIPMENT
LAERDAL RESCUE AND TRAINING EQUIPMENT
AQUATICA OXYGEN BAGS and FIRST AID KITS
ZOLL, LAERDAL, DEFIBTECH-LIFELINE and SAMARITAN DEFIBRILLATORS
FIRST AID ACADEMY (home brand) Pocket masks and face shields
Our service includes finding the right equipment for your business and organising the compulsory yearly service for oxygen and defibrillator equipment. We guarantee the service and maintenance of any of your gear at the best rate possible.
We Have Moved!
Since the end of 2015, First Aid Academy is located at 36 Florence St, Cairns. Our modern training centre is centrally located with good parking facilities and 4 classrooms fitted with the latest media equipment for training. Come in and say hello to our friendly staff, have a coffee, and have a look at our range of first aid and rescue equipment.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. Please contact us for any questions you might have.
