An Extraordinary Effort for Safety: 12,500 Teachers Trained in Just Four Days

Over four remarkable days, more than 12,500 teachers and education staff across NSW, ACT and Tasmania completed critical professional development in CPR, First Aid, Basic Water Rescues and Anaphylaxis management— making this one of the largest coordinated safety training efforts delivered to the education sector in Australia.

This was not business as usual. It was a clear demonstration of what’s possible when the education and safety sectors come together with a shared commitment to protecting children, teachers and communities.

Led by Royal Life Saving NSW, this large-scale delivery required extraordinary planning, coordination and expertise. Hundreds of first aid trainers and support staff mobilised across multiple regions, working long hours to ensure every participant received high-quality, compliant and practical training — all within tight school and system timeframes.

The impact is immediate and far-reaching.

Each of the 12,500 trained educators now has the confidence and capability to:

• Respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies

• Perform CPR and first aid when seconds matter

• Manage anaphylaxis safely and decisively

• Understand basic water rescue principles that save lives

Beyond the numbers, this effort reinforces a powerful truth: professional development saves lives. It strengthens school communities, supports student wellbeing, and ensures staff are prepared for the moments that matter most.

This program reflects industry leadership at its best — evidence-based training, delivered at scale, with quality never compromised. It is a testament to the dedication of all trainers and system leaders who recognise that safety is not optional — it is foundational.

We are proud to stand alongside the NSW Department of Education in delivering training that protects lives today and builds safer communities for the future.