How First Aid Training Saves Lives – Real Stories from the Field

When people think of First Aid, they often imagine it as a skill they’ll never really need — a certificate to tick a box or a “just-in-case” measure. But at Essex First Aid & Wellbeing (EFAW), we’ve seen again and again that First Aid training makes the critical difference in real-life emergencies.

In this blog, we share true stories from people who’ve used their First Aid knowledge in high-stress, real-world situations. These are stories of quick thinking, calm under pressure, and lives saved — all thanks to training, preparation, and courage.

Story 1: CPR Saves a Gym Member’s Life

One of our course graduates — a personal trainer in Essex — contacted us weeks after completing our Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course. During a regular morning session, a gym-goer collapsed on the treadmill, unresponsive and without a pulse.

The trainer immediately began CPR and instructed another member to get the gym’s defibrillator (AED). Within minutes, they delivered a shock and revived the individual before paramedics arrived.

“I was terrified, but because I’d just trained with EFAW, I knew exactly what to do. It wasn’t instinct — it was practice. That man is alive today because we were prepared.”

Story 2: First Aid on a Family Holiday

A parent who attended our Paediatric First Aid course reported an incident while on holiday in Cornwall. Their toddler began choking on a grape during lunch.

Because of their training, the parent quickly delivered back blows followed by an abdominal thrust — and the grape dislodged.

“Without the course, I think I’d have frozen. But I remembered what Wes taught us: Stay calm. Act fast. I still get emotional thinking about it.”

Story 3: Workplace Accident on a Construction Site

During routine work, a builder on a site in Colchester suffered a deep cut from a circular saw. The team had recently completed on-site training with EFAW.

A colleague applied direct pressure, elevated the wound, and used a sterile dressing while calling 999. The injured worker later required stitches but made a full recovery with no complications.

“We had everything we needed — training, kit, and confidence. The site was back up and running the next day, and the injured guy said we helped him stay calm while he waited for the ambulance.”

Story 4: School Staff Respond to Allergic Reaction

A teacher at a primary school in Chelmsford told us how one of their pupils suffered an anaphylactic reaction after unknowingly eating food with nuts.

Trained staff immediately recognised the signs — swelling, difficulty breathing — and administered the child’s EpiPen. Emergency services were called and arrived shortly after. The child was stabilised and returned to school the following week.

“EFAW made sure our whole team knew what to look for and how to respond. We rehearse our drills now, and that day, it paid off.”

Story 5: Mental Health First Aid in the Office

A line manager who completed our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course shared how they intervened when a colleague began showing signs of distress — missed deadlines, withdrawal, and uncharacteristic anger.

Using MHFA principles, they approached the individual with empathy, asked open-ended questions, and encouraged them to speak with HR and a GP. That employee later shared they’d been considering self-harm, and that conversation helped them seek support.

“I didn’t ‘fix’ anything — but I showed up. I listened. MHFA taught me how to spot the signs and what not to say. That’s all it took to change the outcome.”

How These Stories Happen

These are just a few examples from the hundreds of learners we’ve trained. What connects them?

• Recent training

• Confidence from hands-on practice

• Supportive team environments

• Access to First Aid kits and defibrillators

• Clear protocols and preparedness

You don’t need to be a medical professional. You just need the knowledge, the tools, and the readiness to act.

Why First Aid Training Matters

• Increases survival rates in cardiac arrest by up to 70% when AED is used

• Reduces the impact of injuries, speeding up recovery

• Decreases panic and uncertainty during emergencies

• Saves lives — plain and simple