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First Aid Without Barriers

First Aid Without Barriers delivers free, non‑accredited community sessions for people who face physical, cognitive, sensory, or socio‑economic barriers to standard courses — and for the carers and community workers who support them.

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First Aid Without Barriers

First Aid Without Barriers is an inclusive program by St John Tasmania that makes lifesaving skills accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or background.

Many Tasmanians face emergencies each year, yet barriers such as cost, mobility, language or learning needs prevent people from accessing first aid training. This program exists to remove those barriers.

We provide free, community-based sessions and adapt our training to suit different groups—from seniors wanting confidence to live independently to people with physical or learning disabilities who need extra support.

Our goal is simple: give everyone the knowledge, skills and confidence to save a life, and build a safer, more connected Tasmania where no one is left behind.

Program Streams

Older man talking to St John trainer about CPR

Accessible First Aid

For people living with mobility & access barriers

This session is for anyone experiencing mobility limitations, vision or hearing loss, or other access challenges that make traditional training difficult. Learn practical skills such as how to respond safely to falls, choking, or sudden illness, and how to use an AED confidently — all adapted for comfort and accessibility.

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St John trainer demonstrating an AED

Calm First Aid 

For people with cognitive & sensory barriers

Designed for people living with dementia, brain injury, autism, or mental-health challenges — and for their carers and support workers. This gentle, sensory-aware session focuses on staying calm in an emergency, recognising key warning signs, and providing reassurance and first aid using clear, step-by-step guidance.

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First Aid training class teaching bandaging skills

Practical First Aid

For people experiencing homelessness

Created for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and the community groups who support them. Learn practical, low-resource first aid — from bleeding control and burns care to overdose awareness and responding to cardiac arrest — using what’s available in real-world settings.

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Who books these sessions?

These sessions are organised by community groups, not by individuals. Ideal hosts include:

  • Neighbourhood houses and community centres
  • Aged care and retirement communities
  • Disability support providers and day programs
  • Homelessness, family violence, and youth services
  • Multicultural and refugee services
  • Councils, libraries, Rotary/Lions, Men’s Sheds, sports and hobbies clubs
Session logistics (for hosts)
  • Cost: Free for eligible groups (funded by community partners and donations)
  • Group size: 8–25 people (we can adapt outside this range)
  • Duration: 60–90 minutes (allow 15 mins setup/pack‑down)
  • Venue: Step‑free access preferred; chairs and a table; power outlet if available
  • We bring: Trainer, demo manikins (as appropriate), visual aids, simple take‑home guides
  • Lead time: Please allow 3–4 weeks to schedule
Want to come as an individual? 

St John runs regular free public sessions for community members who can’t join accredited training. 

To stay in the loop about upcoming sessions sign up via the button below.

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FAQs

Are you experience other barriers?

We understand that every person’s situation is unique. If you or your community face barriers to accessing first aid training that are not listed here, please get in touch with us at community@stjohntas.org.au.

Explore more community programs

First Aid Without Barriers is part of St John Tasmania’s commitment to creating a safer and more connected community. We run a range of programs designed to share lifesaving skills, raise awareness, and support Tasmanians of all ages and abilities.

Find out more about our other initiatives:

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