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Our mission is to empower you to recognise quickly, react calmly and respond appropriately to a baby or child health emergency
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Servicing the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Regions
Learn vital skills from someone who has walked both worlds. First Years First aid was born from over a decade as an Intensive Care Paramedic and every day as a mum. Our workshops combine professional expertise with real life parenting insight, giving you realistic, practical and confidence building first aid skills for your whole family.
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At the First Years Workshop, we focus on the newborn stage right through to around 8 years of age. The best part is that while everything is tailored to your family's needs, many of the skills you’ll learn can also be used for adults. With our simple and supportive approach, you’ll leave the 3.5 hour workshop feeling confident, prepared, and ready to respond calmly when it matters most.​
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"I have been a Paramedic and facilitated first aid courses for years, but it wasn’t until I had my own babies that I truly understood how frightening it can feel when they are sick or injured. I experienced postnatal anxiety with my first baby’s health, and I often felt helpless and overwhelmed. That’s why I’m so passionate about using my education, experience and empathy when helping parents feel empowered, not fearful, when their little ones are unwell, hurt, or in need of care."
ABOUT US
First Years First Aid is led by owner and trainer, Jess. As a boutique first aid trainer, Jess tailors every workshop to meet the real needs of busy families. It’s her specialised experience and genuine passion that set First Years apart when helping parents feel confident, capable, and supported. You can read more about her story below. ​
We pride ourselves on being:
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Baby and Breastfeeding Friendly - we just love babies!
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Flexible in our hours and days to accommodate your needs
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Encouraging of Private bookings and small groups.
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Trainer Bio:
Jess is an Intensive Care Paramedic based in the Hunter. After completing her Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedics), she began her career in 2010 with Ambulance Victoria as an Advanced Life Support Officer. In 2012, Jess returned home to the Hunter region to be closer to family, joining NSW Ambulance and working across both rural and metropolitan areas. During this time, she completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Intensive Care Paramedics and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
In 2016, Jess was selected to advance to Paramedic Specialist (Intensive Care Paramedic). Alongside her frontline role, she now works in Ambulance Education, delivering high-quality training for qualified Paramedics. With over a decade of experience facilitating first aid training, Jess combines professional expertise with lived experience as a mum, making her uniquely placed to support parents in building confidence and practical skills
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The First Years Workshop was created after Jess saw so many mums struggling with decisions in moments of health emergencies. As a Paramedic, being welcomed into people’s homes at their most vulnerable is a privilege, and it inspired her to share the knowledge and skills that can make those frightening moments feel more manageable. Knowledge is power, and by equipping yourself with simple, practical skills, you can confidently advocate for your child’s health.
The First Years Workshop is designed to give parents and caregivers the confidence to do the small things well, because those small things can make a big difference in a child’s health journey. To ensure the very best clinical care and training, all content has been peer reviewed by registered paediatric nurses and midwives.
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Workshop Description and Bookings
First Years Workshop
At some point, every family will experience a baby or child health concern.
Learn how to deal with it calmly in our specialised baby and child health workshops.
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When faced with a medical emergency, many of us simply don’t know what to do—especially when it involves our own child. It’s natural to freeze or panic, but those reactions don’t help in the moment. That’s why our goal is to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to act with calm and confidence.
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The First Years Workshop is the perfect starting point. You’ll gain practical tools to make informed decisions about when to seek help, while also learning what you can do in the moment to support your child.
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Across 3.5 hours, we cover the most common medical complaints and injuries children may face. Together, we’ll focus on building essential skills that will leave you feeling more prepared before you ever need them.
In this workshop, you will learn:
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How to recognise common childhood illnesses and injuries
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How to monitor for red flags and know when to seek help
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Practical first aid skills that can make a real difference in your child’s health outcomes
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Where to find the right help when you need it most
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First Years Workshop
3.5 hours
$90 per person
First Year Workshop
+ HLTAID011
Provide First Aid
4 hours
$150
First Years Workshop
+ HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
4.5 hours
$170
Contact for other personalised requests
CPR & FIRST AID TRAINING
On request we can facilitate accredited training with our courses in:
HLTAID009 - Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 - Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
We also offer a hybrid course for Daycares and Educators.
HLTAID012 in your workplace, plus an hour of red flag recognition
in breathing problems, fevers, rashes and more.
RTO 45193
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GIFT VOUCHER
What better gift to give someone than the security of knowing they are prepared for an emergency?
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Our Gift Vouchers are beautifully presented and make the perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays or even to give to grandparents that may help with caring for your precious baby. Because we understand that life isn't predicatbale with a baby, gift vouchers can be used 2 years from date of purchase.
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Contact us to purchase your Gift Voucher now.
PRIVATE IN HOME BOOKINGS
We encourage Private Bookings. As long as you have a minimum of 6 people, Jess can come to a location of your choice - a home, workplace or mothers group. Learn vital skills and information in the comfort of your chosen environment with friends or family.
We can add on accredited first aid certificates to these workshops as well if required.
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To Book, email to discuss a date and Jess will create your personalised booking which will be password protected to ensure only your group can purchase tickets to your event.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Sally
I'm feeling alot more confident in being able to handle a frightening situation after attending the workshop. It was easy to sign up and I could take bub with me. I'm a first time mum who wanted to upskill. Jess has a great nature and has really tailored this to everything a family wants to know about.
Maddi
I just wanted to say thankyou. The course really taught me to be calm and collected and act quick. I didn't freak out, I just knew what I needed to do straight away.
Louise
Jess was very knowledgable and an excellent educator. The information was delivered in an easy to understand way and she encouraged interaction and questions throughout the session. HIghly recommend for family and friends who spend time with little ones.
GET IN TOUCH
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out today with any questions, or simply to learn more about First Years First Aid.
Newcastle NSW, Australia
Workshop Location as of June 2025 will be become Newcastle Health Enterprise, Pearson Street Mall, Charlestown.
Best parking may be Charlestown Sqaure or Hilltop Plaza
