A recent study by the University of Manchester highlights the importance of first aid training and the role the public could play in saving lives.
Commissioned by the Red Cross, the study found that nearly six out of every ten deaths could potentially be prevented if the public were trained in just the most basic first aid. Whilst 93% of people would call 999 if they came across an accident, only half of us would attempt to administer any first aid.
Joe Mulligan from the British Red Cross commented to Sky News “after calling 999 we want people to then do something in those crucial minutes before the ambulance arrives, every person needs to recognise that in an emergency, you are part of the ‘chain of survival’.
“Sadly in the majority of deaths we looked at, the simplest intervention could have helped keep someone alive until they got to hospital.
“For example something as simple as turning someone on their side and tilting their head back to keep their airway open – could be all it takes to make that difference between life and death in certain situations.”
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has called for more opportunities for people to learn first aid, either at school, through the driving test or more general public health initiatives. Last year, filibustering Tory MPs blocked a bill which would have required mandatory first aid training in schools through the national curriculum.
At Park City we champion the importance of First Aid and our open training courses are available to all, whether it is required by your employer or just for your own personal benefit. Contact us for more details of what we can offer and dates of our upcoming training courses.
