On the 27th of September 2025, several Australian mosques and Islamic centres opened their doors for a different kind of gathering, one that could mean the difference between life and death.
The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) hosted it’s 5th annual National LifeSavers Program. One day each year; the organisation hosts free CPR training and other lifesaving skills like defibrillator use and how to manage choking incidents. The program is open to the general public.
The initiative is a cornerstone of AIMA’s mission to empower people with practical knowledge to save lives. This year, the program aimed to train 2,500 people, equipping men, women, and children from rural, regional, and metropolitan communities with the confidence to act in an emergency. By breaking down barriers of hesitancy that comes in real-life medical emergencies, AIMA hopes to create a culture where bystanders feel prepared to act immediately, including those with no prior medical training.
The program is not only a practical training initiative, but also, a vibrant example of community collaboration. Held within Islamic spaces, the event underscores the contributions of Muslim healthcare professionals to the country’s broader public health efforts. Importantly, the initiative welcomes people of all religions and beliefs!
Past programs have drawn strong national attention, with coverage from news outlets such as SBS World News. This year’s training was just as impactful, offering live CPR demonstrations and opportunities to hear directly from healthcare leaders and participants.
AIMA is solidifying its role as a vital force for health education and action across the nation. It encourages healthcare professionals and students to become members of the association, and offers free memberships for Muslim students. The package includes access to events, workshops, library resources, networking groups and more.
One of AIMA’s recent initiatives is a masterclass on the art of leading with a clear vision and purpose within the medical field. It aims to teach practitioners collaborative skills and the tools to work within challenging dynamics. The masterclass includes prophetic teachings into the lesson to integrate leadership with Islamic values.
The association’s efforts towards public health initiatives are inspired by a Quran verse: ‘Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity. (5:32)’ as mentioned in a video from the LifeSavers Program in action at the Lakemba Mosque.
Learn more about AIMA and their programs through their website or follow their social media @aima_med.
