A worker suffers an injury every 10 minutes during the course of an average eight hour working day in South Australia. In 2002-2003, 35 children aged from 0-5 drowned in Australia. For every child that drowned, up to 10 were admitted to hospital as a result of drowning accidents. These statistics are tragic. Tragic in the sense that many deaths and injuries that occur are preventable by learning a simple action - first aid.
		Minister Conlon practises his skills.

Today, Thursday 25 March, the Minister for Emergency Services, Patrick Conlon, will highlight the importance of learning first aid when he officially opens the new Australian Red Cross First Aid Training Centre in Marleston.

"Ensuring that people are appropriately trained to help someone in a life threatening situation is something to which we are committed. Injuries hurt people and businesses," Minister Conlon said.

Australian Red Cross has relocated its Training Services to ensure easier access for people undertaking first aid courses.

"Our new premises offer greater accessibility for people undertaking a first aid course and its modern layout allows for a more efficient training environment. Last year we trained 21,612 South Australians through 1,809 accredited first aid courses and hopefully our new venue will encourage even more people to learn first aid," said Dale Cleaver, Executive Director, Australian Red Cross, South Australia.

The official opening will take place on:

WHEN:  Thursday 25 March @ 4.30pm
WHERE: 229-233 Marion Road, Marleston
Media welcome.

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW 
* Patrick Conlon, Minister for Emergency Services
* Dale Cleaver, Executive Director, Australian Red Cross