7 minute read
FIRST AID, FAMILY STYLE: a mother-son enterprise
BY SHARI HALL // PHOTO BY EMPIRE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
Have you ever wondered what you would do in a life-or-death situation? Would you know how to save the life of a loved one if the unthinkable happened?
Judy Bartlett, a seasoned paediatric registered nurse and the founder of Rapid Response First Aid and iCare Training, encounters these questions daily. For Judy, teaching first aid isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, a mission driven by the belief that the proper knowledge can be the difference between life and death for a family member, a friend or a neighbour.
FROM GRIEF TO EMPOWERMENT
Judy recalls an encounter she had with a young couple. They walked into her training centre, visibly anxious and burdened by a painful past. As they shared their story, Judy learned that they had lost their first child in a tragic pool drowning accident. A toy left by the pool gate held it open, and in a matter of minutes, their lives were forever changed. Despite the CPR instruction sign posted on their pool gate, panic had set in, and the couple found themselves unable to recall the steps needed to save their child. Their grief was compounded by the overwhelming guilt of feeling unprepared.
“Every day, they live with the ‘what ifs’,” Judy recalls. “They kept saying, ‘If only we had known what to do.’ That’s why they came to me—they’re expecting another child, and they want to make sure they’re ready. They want to know that if something happens, they can act.”
For Judy, this story is a poignant reminder of why first aid training is so critical. It’s not just about ticking a box or completing a requirement— it’s about empowerment, about giving people the confidence to act when it matters most. “The more you know, the less you panic,” Judy says. “That’s what I try to teach. I want people to walk away feeling prepared, feeling like they can make a difference.”
FROM CHAOS TO COLLABORATION: A FAMILY BUSINESS EVOLVES
Judy’s passion for teaching and commitment to making a difference have been the driving forces behind Rapid Response First Aid for over 15 years. However, with the addition of iCare Training nursing skills workshops, the business grew, and so did the challenges. Managing everything—from scheduling, training and accounts to marketing and logistics—became overwhelming, leaving Judy with little time to focus on what she loved most: her four children and live-in mother and connecting with people.
The turning point came when Judy’s son, Nicholas (Nick) Gerhard, joined the business. Fresh from a five-year stint teaching English in Slovakia, Nick brought with him a unique blend of skills and a fresh perspective. “When I came back, I saw how much Mum was juggling,” Nick recalls. “There were so many gaps—technologically and operationally. I wanted to help turn things around.”
After completing his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Nick immediately began overhauling outdated systems and streamlining operations. “Mum was still using a paper diary for bookings,” he laughs. “We’d have days when she thought five people were in a course, and fifteen would show up. Or worse, no one would show up at all. I knew we needed a better system.”
With Nick’s help, Rapid Response First Aid and iCare Training embraced the digital age. He implemented a cloud-based system that integrates everything from staff schedules to customer bookings, making the business more efficient and allowing them to offer an expanded range of courses, including Advanced Resuscitation and Occupational First Aid. The result was a more professional operation and a more responsive and adaptable business.
But the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Judy, who had managed on her own for so long, found it difficult to adjust to the new systems. “It was a big change,” she admits. “I’m used to doing things a certain way, and suddenly, everything was different. But I could see the benefits, and having Nick there to guide me made all the difference.”
Their partnership has brought the business to new heights. Together, they are working towards becoming a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), which would give them greater control over their course content and allow them to expand their offerings. “It’s a big step,” Nick says, “but it’s where we need to go if we want to grow.”
A SHARED VISION AND A COMMON GOAL
Beyond the practical changes and business goals, what truly sets Rapid Response First Aid apart is the bond that Judy and Nick share. Working together has deepened their relationship, allowing them to support each other in ways that go beyond the workplace. “It’s not just about business,” Judy says. “It’s about family. Having Nick involved means I have someone who understands my pressures and challenges. We’re in this together, and that makes all the difference.”
For Nick, working with his mum is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back, to show his appreciation for everything Judy has done. “Mum has always worked so hard,” he says. “I remember her being out late, running courses, doing everything to keep the business going. I want to help take some of that load off her shoulders. I want to get the business to a point where she can enjoy life outside of work.”
Their shared commitment to the business and to each other has created a unique work environment, one that blends professionalism with a deep sense of care and support. “There’s something special about working in a family business,” Judy reflects. “You’re not just working for a paycheck. You’re working towards a shared goal, something that matters to both of you. It’s about building something together, something that’s more than just a business.”
EMPOWERING FAMILIES ONE COURSE AT A TIME
Judy and Nick’s story powerfully reminds us of the impact that one family can have on a community. Through Rapid Response First Aid and iCare Training, they are not just teaching skills—they are empowering people to make a difference, to save lives, and to protect the ones they love.
“When we hear from people who say, ‘I learned something today that could save a life,’ it’s all worth it. That’s why we do this,” Nick says.
Their mutual commitment extends beyond their own business. Nick is also launching Skywind Falconry, a venture combining his love for birds of prey with his passion for education. “We’re hoping to offer educational demonstrations, forest experiences, and school programs,” he explains. “It’s a way to share my love of falconry and teach people about wildlife conservation.”
For Judy, the success of their business is measured in more than just financial terms. It’s about the lives they touch, the people they empower, and the community they serve. “I want to leave behind more than just a business,” she says. “I want to leave behind a sense of purpose, a legacy of love and compassion.”
As they look to the future, Judy and Nick are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether it’s expanding their training programs, growing Skywind Falconry, or simply enjoying the journey together, one thing is clear: the bond between mother and son is the heart of Rapid Response First Aid, and it’s what makes their story truly inspiring.
