Heart Foundation: Heart Health, Cardiac Arrest & Community Response
Industry Engagement Meeting | Conducted Live Via Zoom
20 August 2026, 6.00pm AEST
In this session, the Heart Foundation will provide a national perspective on heart health in Australia, including trends in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and survival outcomes. The discussion will explore public access to defibrillation, disparities between metropolitan, rural and remote communities, and the systemic challenges impacting early response. Importantly, the session will examine the critical role first aid trainers play in strengthening community preparedness and improving survival outcomes across Australia.
The Heart Foundation is Australia’s national heart health advocate, focused on preventing heart disease, improving care, and supporting those living with heart conditions. Through research, advocacy, guidelines, and community education, they work to reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease, Australia’s leading cause of death.
National First Aid Trainers Conference
In-Person Conference
26 – 28 August 2026, Adelaide
A three-day face-to-face conference delivering advanced professional development, clinical insight and industry connection for first aid trainers.
NIFAT 2026: Key Insights & Clinical Takeaways
Conference Debrief Webinar | Conducted Live Via Zoom
18 September 2026, 6.00pm AEST
A curated debrief of key learnings and clinical updates from the 2026 Conference. Ideal for both attendees and those who were unable to attend.
Presenter: Andy Panes & Jessie Phipps
Andy and Jessie bring combined experience in first aid education, trainer development and industry leadership.
Stroke
Advanced Practice Webinar | Conducted Live Via Zoom
15 October 2026, 6.00pm AEST
Explore stroke recognition, what’s happening in the body, and current evidence. Strengthen both clinical understanding and confidence when teaching stroke response
Presenter: Chris Bertolo
Chris is a registered nurse and educator specialising in clinical education, with experience spanning first aid delivery through to postgraduate teaching.
Managing Challenging Participants with Confidence
Trainer Skills Lab | Conducted Live Via Zoom
13 November 2026, 6.00pm AEST
Practical techniques for managing difficult behaviours while maintaining engagement and control. Build calm authority and confidence in the classroom.
Presenter: Jessie Phipps
Jessie Phipps is a paediatric registered nurse, Program Manager for NIFAT and Head of Education & Clinical Engagement at CPR Kids. Specialising in clinical leadership, training development and first aid education for community and professional audiences.
Anaphylaxis, Asthma or Viral Wheeze? Navigating the Paediatric Grey Zone
Advanced Practice Webinar | Conducted Live Via Zoom
26 November 2026, 6.00pm AEST
Not every wheeze is asthma. Explore how to distinguish common paediatric respiratory presentations. Designed to improve teaching clarity and confident responses to complex classroom questions.
Presenter: Sarah Hunstead
Sarah Hunstead is a paediatric emergency nurse and educator with over 15 years’ experience, a Master’s degree in Clinical Practice, and is the founder of CPR Kids.
2026 Wrap-up: Reflections, Impacts and What’s Next?
Industry Engagement Meeting | Conducted Live Via Zoom
10 December 2026, 6.00pm AEST
An open forum to reflect on the year, review impact and shape priorities for 2027. A chance to contribute to the future direction of NIFAT.
Presenters: Andy Panes & Jessie Phipps
Andy and Jessie bring combined experience in first aid education, trainer development and industry leadership.