Putting First Aid First

Since opening their doors in 2009, Andrew and Wendy Barker have been at the forefront of first aid training and supplies in the Whitsundays, dedicating their work to equipping the community with life-saving skills.

Their business, specialising exclusively in first aid courses and supplies, offers everything from basic CPR and first aid to advanced resuscitation and occupational first aid.

They tailor their courses to suit a wide range of industries including mining, construction, education, and emergency services.

Andrew, a qualified tradesman, firefighter of 19 years, and SES volunteer, brings hands-on experience to every course. His background ensures each session is relevant, practical, and relatable, particularly for high-risk workplaces. Wendy complements the team by focusing on training childcare providers, schools, and community groups.

“We run small courses, and we like our courses small for two reasons,” said Andrew.

“One, people feel more comfortable to ask questions and get involved, and two, there’s nowhere to hide, so nobody comes into the course and sits in the corner. Everyone has to participate.”

The duo strongly believes that first aid education should start early. They advocate for mandatory first aid training in schools and as a prerequisite for obtaining a driver’s licence.

“There are tree reason why people should get first aid as a bare minimum,” Andrew said.

“Number one, they leave school. Every child should be leaving school with a first aid certificate. We think it is so important.

“Number two, every child that gets a their license should have their first aid, we believe it should be a prerequisite to have first aid before you get their license.

“Lastly, is when you become a parent.”

Andrew explained that 85% of first aid is done at home, and not in the workplace.

Customisation is a key part of their service. At AWB First Aid First courses are taught either at their store, or they will visit you. They also tailor the training to specific workplace, providing real workplace or real world scenarios into their courses.

What sets the business apart is their dedication to first aid, their whole business is first aid focussed, they even have a specialised first aid shop with first aid kits ready for purchase.

Beyond training, Andrew and Wendy stay engaged with the community by updating their shopfront with seasonal and relevant health messages, from cyclone preparation tips to snake bite awareness.

The two of them like their job but the main reason they do it, is to make sure that people in this community are safe.

While Andrew and Wendy joke that they missed their calling to become a paramedic, they have no regrets.

“It’s a strange industry,” Andrew said. “We teach people first aid, but I hope they never have to use it.”

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Wendy and Andrew Barker are ready to teach you all things First Aid. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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