Southland Express staff members took part in a "3 Steps for Life" community education programme led by paramedic Jenna Bradley last Friday.
She taught the team what to do if someone experienced a cardiac event.
Mrs Bradley said ambulance officers and paramedics were introducing the free one-hour sessions to businesses throughout the region.
Organisations and anyone interested on what to do during a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) event could take advantage of the programme which included how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), she said.
"The first step is to call 111. The second step is to start CPR and the third step is to attach and use a defibrillator."
Hato Hone St John community engagement co-ordinator Southland Tracy Kilkelly said the initiative was a great way for people to learn important skills that could make the difference.
She felt grateful for the volunteer work of the professionals who were engaging with the businesses.
"We are very fortunate to have three paramedics who signed up to do this volunteer role. They work around their days off."
Southland Express staff were thankful for the session because many had not done CPR lessons for some time and others had never been taught how to use a defibrillator. Staff were encouraged to use lifesaving apps including the Hato Hone St John CPR app, Abletech NZ AED Locations which helps to locate the closest defibrillator and the GoodSam mobile phone app that alerts trained volunteers to provide basic life support and first aid to a person prior to emergency services arriving.
Groups interested in booking the free "3 Steps for Life" session can call 0800 ST JOHN (0800 785-646).
