PRESS RELEASE: Tour operator for blind and low-vision travellers team up with the Dave Winner Foundation to create inclusive CPR courses for vision-impaired Australians

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Cocky Guides is a leading provider of sensory adventures, supporting blind and low-vision Australians to explore and connect with communities at destinations all over Australia. When Founder James (Buck) McFarlane learned of the Dave Winner Foundation’s goal to empower one million Australians with life-saving skills through his local surf club, he thought this would be a great opportunity for his travellers to gain this skill.

Last night, three participants who were blind or low-vision took part in the Dave Winner Foundation’s free CPR course at Coledale RSL near Wollongong.

“As a patrolling lifesaver, I understand that traditional first aid training is typically rigid, and the accreditation process a barrier for many in the blind and low-vision community. I spoke to Dave about how he could make his CPR inclusive for vision-impaired participants,” said James.

Dave Winner of the foundation reckons, “The CPR component in a first aid course is very tactical and hands-on, so when Buck suggested making his foundation’s course inclusive for vision-impaired Australians, I knew I had to make some adaptions to present the course with a more descriptive script, which was easy to do and well received by all participants in the course .”

Charlie McConnell, a blind course participant, says, “Dave and his team delivered the course in a way that made me feel confident enough to take charge in a situation that requires CPR. I really like how Dave described finding the location to commence compressions on a patient and the extra time set aside to get to know a defibrillator by touch”.

Cocky Guides now has a goal of supporting more blind and low-vision participants to learn these life-saving skills by joining a free course with the Dave WInner Foundation in 2025. Subscribe to the Cocky Guides newsletter at www.cockyguides.com.au for regular updates.

Media Contacts:

Name: James (Buck) McFarlaneCompany: Cocky GuidesEmail: [email protected]Phone: 0403827666

Attachments:

December 12, 2024/by Reland Pigte

About Cocky Guides

ABOUT COCKY GUIDES Since launching on 15 August 2018, Cocky Guides have specialised in providing unique, multisensory adventures for the blind and low-vision community. More than 1,500 Australians have visited 70 destinations with Cocky Guides. Cocky Guides purpose is to inspire blind and low-vision Australians to access new destinations and experiences, and they were the recipient of the Gold Award for Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the prestigious 2023 NSW Tourism Awards and finalist in the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards. There are over 575,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision. Cocky Guides aims to be the leading support provider for innovation to connect communities and increase independence, plus social and community participation for blind and low-vision Australians. For more information, visit www.cockyguides.com.au ABOUT DAVE WINNER FOUNDATION The Winner Foundation, headquartered in Coalcliff, Australia, is dedicated to empowering one million Australians with life-saving skills. Our comprehensive programs and initiatives aim to equip individuals nationwide with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a difference in emergencies. From CPR training to first aid education, we are committed to fostering a community of safety-conscious citizens prepared to act swiftly and effectively when it matters most. Join us in our mission to save lives and create a safer, more resilient Australia. For more information, visit www.davewinnerfoundation.org

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