Steve Tait

Nationality: British

Years Instructing: 9 Years

EFR/ Medical Qualification:

Steve Tait is the T8 First Response Instructor Trainer and teaches both courses and oversees the T8FR instructors and course offering.  Steve initial stepped into the world of first response during his early career in the UK military and on leaving further developed his skills in the UK.  Since qualifying with EFR he has instructed over 700 individuals in Hong Kong, Macau and across the region including medical professionals, teachers, aviators, sports coaches, sailors, corporate professionals, adventure runners and a myriad of others.

Benjamin Chiu

Nationality: Australian / Hong Kong

Years Instructing: 3 Years

Ben is an Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority (AHPRA) registered paramedic with a Postgraduate Certificate Advanced in critical care and community care, a Bachelor of Paramedic Practice and BSc Sports Science Graduate.  He has over 4 years emergency care experience both in Australia and New Zealand. He is passionate about education and has been involved in the teaching and mentoring of new paramedics. He is now taking some time away from frontline ambulance work to focus his attention on medical school aspirations. Outside of his medical background Ben is also heavily involved in sports coaching and outdoor activities.

Doug Tahirali

Nationality: British

EFR/ Medical Qualification:

Doug Tahirali is one of the newest T8 EFR Instructors, but comes with a long history of medical and first aid experience.  Beginning with a degree in Physiotherapy in the 80’s, followed by 12 years on the Canadian Ski Patrol as Senior Instructor and Senior Examiner at many Patrol AGM’s.  He has spent many hours volunteering in trauma units in hospitals, broadening his knowledge well beyond Emergency First Response.  Doug has also spent many hours providing pitch side First Aid Care in numerous sports including Weekend Warriors up to Olympic level Athletes, he enjoys bringing real world experiences into his First Aid training for T8 First Response.

Nationality: Chinese

EFR/ Medical Qualification:

Vivian is currently a registered dentist practising in Hong Kong. She obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from The University of Hong Kong in 2018, followed by a Juris Doctor in 2020. Vivian is very passionate about educating the public on primary and secondary care and is now a qualified Emergency First Response Instructor at T8 First Response. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Vivian is bilingual and offers courses in both Cantonese and English. In her spare time, Vivian enjoys yoga, rock climbing and diving.

Veruska Cochrane

Nationality: South African

EFR/ Medical Qualification:

Veruska Cochrane, has a wealth of trauma experience working as a paramedic in South Africa after completion of her Diploma in Emergency Medical Care done via Mediclinic, South Africa.  She also has over 10 years volunteer experience working with children in her church ministry.  Veruska is a qualified firefighter and rope rescue (medical rescue).

Deon Van Rhyn

Nationality: South African

EFR/ Medical Qualification:

Deon van Rhyn is currently employed by Cathay Pacific as a pilot on the Boeing 777. He started his career in 2009 as an Air Traffic control Assistant. During this time he also trained to become a Commercial Pilot and Flight instructor. After 4 years of flight instruction, Deon further pursued his career to become an airline pilot at Cathay Pacific and currently resides in Hong Kong, giving part-time first aid instruction.