Why It’s Time to Rethink First Aid Training in Australia: Moving Beyond DRSABCD

Many people would consider Australia as one of the greatest and safest countries to live and work in. And of course they wouldn’t be completely wrong, however Australia still has a record of WHS incidents that is way too high.

Our country is built on many industries that are inherently high risk, and yet our WHS system is well and truely behind the ball.

Too many high-risk industries rely on off-the-shelf first aid kits and outdated training methods that simply wouldn’t save lives in real emergencies.

Catastrophic trauma risks are very real, especially on construction sites, mining sites, transport depots and agricultural workplaces. Yet these industries are still being supplied with basic first aid kits designed for minor injuries like paper cuts and sprained ankles.

The harsh reality is that when serious injuries occur, without the right equipment, you have much less time than you think.

→ Catastrophic haemorrhage? Death can occur in under 3 minutes.

→ Penetrating chest wounds? Fatal within 10 minutes or less.

→ Most First Aiders? Undertrained and underequipped.

Too often, training is delivered by individuals lacking genuine pre-hospital trauma experience, using unrealistic props like pool noodles for limbs. The scenarios often bear little to no resemblance to actual workplace conditions and emergencies. This simply isn’t effective training.

The Problem with Current Guidelines

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) continues to remain silent on critical lifesaving interventions like chest seals, still promotes the simplistic DRSABCD approach, and publishes guidelines that are increasingly disconnected from real-world risks and best practice. Despite over two decades of evidence from military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and extensive trauma registry data, our system continues to prioritise basic compliance over genuine, lifesaving competence.

We are still training First Aiders to respond after cardiac arrest—but on worksites, warehouses, and farms, spontaneous cardiac arrest rarely occurs in isolation. It’s typically caused by trauma:

Falls from height

Crush injuries

Electrocution

Penetrating trauma

Massive bleeding

If you don’t control the injury fast, CPR won’t save them.

Yet most First Aid courses still focus on:

AED use

Minor wound care

Neat, controlled scenarios

And neglect:

→ Massive bleed control

→ Airway management for trauma

→ Chest injury treatment

The Case for TECC: Tactical Emergency Casualty Care

Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) represents the future of civilian trauma care. Developed from battlefield trauma management principles, TECC is already adopted by emergency services globally, focusing specifically on immediate, pre-ambulance lifesaving interventions. The TECC framework addresses real-world risks head-on, preparing first responders and workers to handle catastrophic injuries effectively and confidently.

To genuinely improve workplace safety and survival outcomes, significant changes are needed:

ARC guidelines must evolve to include evidence-based trauma care.

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) must upgrade their training content beyond basic first aid from decades past.

Businesses in high-risk industries must demand and adopt higher standards for emergency preparedness.

When someone dies at your workplace from a preventable injury, mere compliance won't protect you—or your employees. Practical, realistic, and robust first aid measures can.

Realistic Training, Effective Equipment, Better Outcomes

Australian workplaces, particularly in high-risk sectors, need:

Reality-based training that equips workers with the skills and confidence to manage catastrophic injuries.

Effective medical equipment specifically designed for severe trauma situations.

Up-to-date national guidelines that align with global best practices and evidence from trauma care.

If you’re operating in a high-risk industry and still relying on standard first aid approaches, it’s time to reconsider your capabilities. Could your team genuinely stop a severe bleed in time?

If the answer is no, it’s time to demand better and shift towards proven solutions like TECC. There is training available that is effective and moves beyond basic compliance.

How Life International Training Can Help

At Life International Training, we’re committed to helping workplaces move beyond basic compliance, offering realistic, hands-on training tailored to your specific risks and needs.

Let's start preparing your team to respond effectively, confidently, and competently when every second counts.

Our Courses Call 1300 888 765