Robert Johnston
Lead Instructor
I joined First Aid Safety 11 years ago, but my journey into first aid began much earlier in the leisure industry. I started my career as a pool lifeguard and later moved into teaching the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification in 2012. It was during this time that I realised how rewarding it is to help people develop the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency. That motivation has guided my work ever since.
With over 15 years of hands-on experience delivering adult and paediatric first aid, I have supported learners across a wide range of workplaces and sectors. My focus is always on making first aid training practical, engaging and easy to understand so people feel confident applying their skills when it matters.
What I enjoy most about my role is watching learners grow in confidence throughout the course. Many arrive feeling unsure, but there is always a moment when everything ‘clicks’, and they realise they are genuinely capable of saving a life.
One experience that has stayed with me was during a session at a private English school in Brighton. A former learner performed CPR just weeks after completing a session I had delivered a year prior. They said the training gave them the confidence to stay calm and take control of the situation until the medics arrived. The person thankfully survived - an incredible reminder of the real impact first aid training can have.
I hope all learners walk away from my first aid training with the courage to act when it matters most. Even small actions can make a big difference in an emergency. Outside of work, I love being outdoors, going for long walks and more recently, started weight training. I’m also a bit of a foodie, so I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes when time allows from my busy schedule and family life.
Professional qualifications
Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Sector with Assessing Modules
Safeguard Instructors Certificate
Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children Young People or Vulnerable Adults
Catastrophic Bleeding and Airway Management CPD