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DOING something during an emergency is better than doing nothing, St John Ambulance's Martin Wells says.
But having formal first aid training is even better.
"First aid really does save lives," Mr Martin said.
"It builds a bridge from when the ambulance is called to when it arrives, it betters the patient's chance of survival."
Mr Martin said first aid was a "transferable skill" which would last a life-time.
He said St John Ambulance co-ordinated 38 courses a day across the state and celebrated teaching 100,000 Victorian children first aid skills during a free school program last month.
Vic First Aid director and trainer Frank Perri said the need to administer CPR often came unexpectedly.
"You tend to need to do CPR when you least expect it," he said.
"It's not hard to learn, it can be emotionally draining, but it can save lives.
"It's worthwhile knowing."
For more information about both organisations, visit www.stjohnvic.com.au or www.vicfirstaid.com