OVER a 25-year career, Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) nurse Shareen Bickerton has seen way too many examples of young people getting sick or injured.
Now as part of GSHS’s community engagement program, she’s trying to help the next generation of teenagers to be better prepared to help their friends when emergencies happen.
Ms Bickerton, an urgent care nurse and also one of GSHS’s clinical nurse educator, will be part of the panel at a teen first aid education session in Korumburra on Tuesday, May 20.
GSHS, in partnership with Ambulance Victoria and Headspace, is presenting the free practical conversation starter to help young people make the most of the first five critical minutes after an emergency.
Ms Bickerton will outline some of the practical first aid options that young people can use if they come across an unwell patient or someone who has been injured.
“It’s about what you need to do in emergency situations – remaining calm, how to stop bleeding, what to do if someone is unresponsive, being aware of the impact of drug and alcohol and threat of overdose and knowing your DRSABC (Danger, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation),” she said.
Ms Bickerton said it was vitally important for young people to have a basic understanding of first aid. “A lot of times they will be at parties or out with friends without an adult. They may have to be the first responders if a friend is injured when they’re out camping, motorbike riding or at a party.
“We want to make sure everyone has got someone looking out for them. We don’t expect teens to perform miracles, but it helps to know to remain calm, call 000 or a parent if needed, and what to do in different situations until help arrives.”
Participants won’t get a first aid certificate but they will get important information that could help them to save a life.
“It’s important for parents to start a conversation with their children about what they would do in different situations,” Ms Bickerton said.
Ms Bickerton said she had seen hundreds of young people present at urgent care after coming off their bikes, being injured at skate parks, or drinking so much that they become unresponsive.
She has been a nurse for 25 years, including the past 15 at GSHS. Her roles have been varied, including about 10 years in Urgent Care.
Speaking in the lead-up to International Nurses Day 2025 on Monday, May 12, Ms Bickerton said she loved the versatility of nursing. “No day is ever the same and it is constantly still challenging me,” she said.
The first aid session from 7-8.30pm on May 20 will focus on common situations where young people may be first on the scene – including parties, skateparks, farms, or social gatherings – and aims to empower them to call for help, stay calm, and provide basic support until professionals arrive.
Presenters will include paramedics, youth mental health professionals, Urgent Care Centre nurses who will discuss what to do when the unexpected happens.
The session is part of a series of life-saving first aid and healthcare support education sessions being hosted by GSHS this year.
Seating is capped and bookings are essential. People can save a seat at www.trybooking.com/DBGZX.
