Emergencies can happen at any moment.
From medical events to mental health challenges, taking a few simple steps now can help you and your team stay calm and capable when it counts.
You can’t prepare for everything, but a bit of planning can make a big difference in your workplace. Here are three easy ways to get started.
1. Get an AED
Having an automatic external defibrillator (AED) handy in a health emergency can make all the difference. In fact, sudden cardiac arrest that is treated quickly by an AED has a 44% survival rate - compared to just 6% with CPR alone.
You’ll find Heart Saver’s high-quality, easy-to-use AEDs in businesses, organisations, schools and community groups across New Zealand. Make sure to place your AED in an accessible, clearly signposted spot - having one on-hand in an emergency can be a lifesaver.
Browse our collections of AEDs, AED accessories, first aid supplies and signage.
Rent and rent-to-own options are also available.
2. Train Your Team in First Aid
Equip your team with the confidence, techniques and practical skills to provide first aid in your workplace. Heart Saver’s online First Aid course teaches all the basics of first aid and providing emergency care - everything from burns, fractures, allergic reactions and asthma attacks through to strokes and seizures.
For learners that have completed their online course and wish to upgrade to a certification*, a further four-hour ‘classroom’ session is required to assess your practical application of the skills.This blended structure means less time spent in the classroom, with only four hours of in-person attendance required to become a qualified first aider.
3. Learn Mental Health First Aid
Just like physical first aid, knowing how to respond to mental health distress is a vital skill to have in your workplace toolkit.
To deliver this, Heart Saver have partnered with Behaviour Change Specialist Dr Louise Schofield and Professor of Public Health Grant Schofield to create an online mental health workplace training designed specifically for New Zealand workplaces.
This online course teaches practical, science-backed approaches to support others and take care of yourself, too. It focuses on immediate support and skills such as recognising early signs, checking in, non-judgmental listening and guiding people to the appropriate professional help if necessary.
The course is designed for non-clinicians and is suitable for managers, team leaders, and anyone who wants to play a proactive role in supporting mental wellbeing at work. It’s not about being a therapist or having all the answers - it’s about learning how to recognise when someone is struggling and providing practical mental health support in a calm, supportive and effective way.
Enrol in Mental Health First Aid training.
Preparing for an emergency doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right tools, training and expertise, your workplace will be in the best place possible to respond with confidence when it matters most.
*Our first aid courses are not assessed for NZQA unit standards, so we do recommend checking your organisation / industry body requirements for first aid to determine whether our training course options will provide you with the level of assessment and / or certification you require.
