When Every Second Counts: How First Aid Champion Aaron Saved a Neighbour’s Life
When security guard Aaron Forster heard a loud gunshot outside his Cranbourne home one night in August 2024, his instincts, and his first aid training, kicked in immediately.
Aaron ran to his front door and saw his neighbour’s daughter screaming for help. Lying on the road was her father, critically injured from a gunshot wound.
Aaron rushed inside, grabbed his first aid kit, and returned to assess the scene. His neighbour had a penetrating chest wound, and every second mattered.
He stayed calm under pressure, controlling the bleeding, monitoring his neighbour’s condition, and keeping the family focused and reassured while help was on the way.
“In a crisis, you’ll fall back on your level of training,” Aaron says. “Because I’d done the training, I knew what to do, put on the gloves, get to work, and go through the steps.”
Soon after, police and Ambulance Victoria arrived and took over care, transporting the victim to hospital. Thanks to Aaron’s quick actions, his neighbour survived and has since made a full recovery.
A career built on preparedness
Aaron has worked in the security industry for over 13 years, including at the casino, where first aid training is mandatory. Over the years, he has had multiple opportunities to put his skills into practice.
“First aid training gives you a foundation, like dropping a rock into a pond, the ripple effect can be huge,” Aaron explains. “Small actions can have a massive impact on someone’s life. You can change a life. You can save a life.”
Aaron and his proud wife, Leah, at the First Aid Champion Awards Event, at Marvel Stadium
Why workplaces should invest in first aid training
Aaron’s story is a powerful reminder that emergencies can happen anywhere, at home, in the street, or at work. Having trained first aiders on site can make the difference between life and death.
At St John Ambulance Victoria, we believe every workplace should have staff trained and confident to act in an emergency. Not only is this best practice, but it is also a requirement in the Safe Work Australia First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice. We offer nationally accredited courses designed to equip people with the skills and confidence to respond quickly, safely, and effectively when every second counts.
Because when every second counts, preparation saves lives.
Learn more about why your workplace should be first aid trained: stjohnvic.com.au/first-aid-training/whytrain
Onsite Training
St John Onsite Training is a convenient and flexible training solution, designed for workplaces and organisations who want to train a group of staff at the same time.
7 Reasons Onsite First Aid Training is a Vital Tool in the Quest for Workplace Safety
Every workplace, no matter the size, needs trained first aiders on hand. Employees should go to work knowing that they are in a safe and healthy environment.
First Aid Products
Trusted Australia wide in homes, workplaces, on the road and by St John Volunteers, you can rely on our range of kits, components, defibrillators, accessories and other equipment to respond in an emergency.