APU staff strengthened their emergency response skills at a First Aid Workshop with St. John Ambulance of Malaysia where the training covered key emergency skills such as CPR, AED, and injury management, and participants reported increased confidence in handling emergencies.

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It was essential for technicians and lab staff to be trained in first aid at the workplace, as they often worked in environments where accidents could occur suddenly and without warning. 

In such situations, the first few minutes following an incident were often critical and could significantly influence the outcome.

In laboratories and technical workplaces, staff were regularly exposed to chemicals, sharp instruments, electrical equipment, heat sources, and heavy machinery. 

Despite strict safety procedures being in place, incidents such as cuts, burns, fainting, chemical splashes, and electrical shocks could still occur. With proper first aid training, staff were able to respond immediately rather than waiting for medical assistance to arrive.

Another crucial factor was time. In emergency situations, ambulance services or professional medical support might not have been able to reach the site immediately. 

A trained technician or lab staff member could stabilise the situation by stopping bleeding, flushing chemical splashes from the eyes, or assisting an unconscious casualty until further medical treatment was provided. 

Such timely intervention often prevented minor injuries from escalating into serious conditions.

Recognising the importance of preparedness, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised a First Aid at Workplace Workshop on 18 to 19 June 2026 in collaboration with St. John Ambulance of Malaysia.

The training was conducted by three experienced instructors from St. John Ambulance of Malaysia: Mr Wong Sin Jie, Mr Duncan Oh Yeok Hwa, and Ms Chew Hoong Ling.

A total of 12 participants from various departments, including the School of Engineering (SoE), Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE), Centre of Technology and Innovation (CTI), Corporate Training, and the School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD), took part in the two-day workshop.

The participants included Mr Prathap Appakutty, Mr Zulhairy Sahari, Mr Nor Azwan Othman, Mr Muhammad Safri Basruddin, Mr Mohamad Hafiz Aziz, Dr Beh Ching Yew, Mr Reshiwaran Jegatheswaran, Dr Imran Mahalil, Mr Hasan Akram Abdullah Zaid, Mr Ahmad Muizuddin Mohd Yaacob, Ms Sharmila Sooriyamurthi, and Mr Mohd Nor Zaidi Othman.

The workshop covered a comprehensive range of topics over two days. On the first day, participants were introduced to St. John Ambulance of Malaysia, first aid priorities, loss of consciousness, recovery position (skill session), respiratory problems, choking (skill session), wounds and bleeding, shock, dressing and bandaging (skill session), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (skill session), and an introduction to the Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

On the second day, the training focused on medical emergencies, bone and spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries, fracture management (skill session), lifting and handling of casualties (skill session), burns and scalds, poisoning, scenario-based practice, and final assessment, which included both theory and practical components. 

The theoretical segment also covered basic human anatomy in relation to CPR and AED, choking management, and CPR and AED techniques for adults (single-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios), as well as choking management for both adults and children.

Participants shared that the workshop significantly improved their confidence in handling emergencies.

Mr Muhammad Safri Basruddin said, “The training made me realise how quickly a simple incident can become serious. I now feel more confident to act immediately in an emergency rather than panic.”

Dr Beh Ching Yew added, “The hands-on CPR and AED sessions were particularly valuable. It was a practical experience that every staff member should have.”

Ms Sharmila Sooriyamurthi reflected, “The workshop was very engaging and well-structured. It gave me a clear understanding of how to respond effectively in different emergency situations.”