Frequently Asked Questions

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation in someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

CPR is important because it can keep blood flowing and oxygenated to the brain and other vital organs until professional medical help arrives. This can greatly increase the chances of survival for someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

Anyone can learn CPR, and it is recommended for anyone who wants to be prepared in case of an emergency. This includes parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who works with the public.

 Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness. 

 Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2001 by Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor. More information on the history of the course is available at Mental Health First Aid™ Australia. 

  Mental Health First Aid teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help.

This evidence-based, early-intervention course uses community-specific scenarios, activities and videos to help you be prepared to provide support to those in need in your community. Participants learn a 5-step Action Plan (ALGEE), which includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in need, and identifying appropriate professional help and other support.

 Topics covered include depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis and substance use disorders. Trainees are taught how to apply the 5-step action plan in a variety of situations such as helping someone through a panic attack, engaging with someone who may be suicidal, or assisting an individual who has overdosed. An important component of the Mental Health First Aid course is the opportunity to practice the intervention strategy rather than to just learn about it. This simple experience can make it easier to actually apply the knowledge in a real-life situation. Read more on these strategies.