--- title: Rural and remote students learning first aid skills for life  date: 2025-11-12T13:12:00+11:00 author: Courtney Hayles canonical_url: "https://maib.tas.gov.au/news/rural-and-remote-students-learning-first-aid-skills-for-life" section: News --- # Rural and remote students learning first aid skills for life Posted 12 November 2025 | [Article,](https://maib.tas.gov.au/news/article) [Video](https://maib.tas.gov.au/news/video) In a proactive initiative supported by the MAIB Injury Prevention and Management Foundation, Scottsdale High School, located in the rural north-east of the state has successfully delivered vital first aid training to over 90 students across Years 10-12 in the past three years. Living in rural and remote areas of Tasmania has the benefits of a quieter lifestyle, close access to our natural environment and a stronger sense of community. While rural and remote areas may offer fewer healthcare, education, and transport services, these communities continue to find innovative ways to overcome these limitations and thrive. In a proactive initiative supported by the MAIB Injury Prevention and Management Foundation, Scottsdale High School, located in the rural north-east of the state has successfully delivered vital first aid training to over 90 students across Years 10-12 in the past three years. The program not only equips students with essential life-saving skills but also contributes Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) points, helping students progress toward their educational goals. The training involved both theory and hands-on components, including CPR, treating snake and jellyfish bites, managing allergic reactions with EpiPens and bandaging for injuries and fractures. Elizabeth Stanfield, Advanced Skills Teacher for Years 11–12, highlighted that the course was deeply embedded in the school’s curriculum and vocational pathways. “It’s a life skill, it’s educational, and it’s even part of other training packages. It can get students across the line in VET courses,” Elizabeth said. Students have responded enthusiastically to the training with Tom putting his skills to use at a cadet camp to treat a friend’s wrist injury. “The training helped me feel prepared for the moment and I was able to successfully bandage the injury,” Tom said. Another student Maya said she now feels confident responding to help with injuries whether while camping, playing footy or hockey or other emergency situations. Assistant Principal Belinda Fletcher highlighted the program’s value for students in rural areas like Scottsdale, where access to immediate medical assistance is limited. “First aid training is especially important in remote communities. Students can be the first responders in bush settings, camps or on the farm.” The success of the program is evident not only in student participation but in how it’s become part of broader educational planning and strong take up from students each year. Scottsdale High’s experience is a positive example of how the MAIB Injury Prevention and Management Foundation funding can deliver practical outcomes for young Tasmanians. [Read more on the Foundation and how to apply here.](https://maib.tas.gov.au/foundation) [ ![MG 0030](https://maib.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Images/Articles/_2100x1350_crop_center-center_none/10531/MG_0030.webp) ](https://maib.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Images/Articles/_1800xAUTO_crop_center-center_80_none/10531/MG_0030.webp) [ ![MG 0005](https://maib.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Images/Articles/_2100x1350_crop_center-center_none/10530/MG_0005.webp) ](https://maib.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Images/Articles/_1800xAUTO_crop_center-center_80_none/10530/MG_0005.webp) [ ![Justin and Emily MAIB 2](https://maib.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Images/Articles/_600x600_crop_center-center_none/10542/Justin-and-Emily-MAIB-2.webp) Prev post ### Building safer roads through connection and shared knowledge After completing the 2025 MAIB Road Safety Scholarship through a program at Monash University, Tasmania Police Inspector Justin Lawson and Department of State Growth Policy Officer Emily Studley have brought home practical strategies to help improve Tasmania’s road safety standards. ](https://maib.tas.gov.au/news/building-safer-roads-through-connection-and-shared-knowledge) [ #### Next post ### Finding strength through support Road crashes are sudden and can have lifelong impacts. Road Trauma Support Tasmania provides a free confidential, caring and supportive counselling service, specialising in trauma and grief counselling. The service support for those who have been involved in a road crash or affected by a road crash is funded by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board. ![Patricia 2](https://maib.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Images/Articles/_600x600_crop_center-center_none/10499/Patricia-2.webp) ](https://maib.tas.gov.au/news/finding-strength-through-support)