First we must know how to help

Aug 6 2007 by Jane Picken, Evening Chronicle

Natural disasters like flooding and the manmade catastrophes of terrorism are now recognised as ever-present threats to our lives, but millions of Britons lack any knowledge of potentially life-saving first aid skills. Health reporter JANE PICKEN finds out what you need to know

NEW research reveals only one in three people could perform the simplest of first aid techniques, while one in four admit they would panic when giving first aid.

The survey by the UK’s voluntary first aid providers – St John Ambulance, St Andrew’s Ambulance Association and the British Red Cross – found only a third of people say they could save someone by resuscitating them.

Joe Mulligan, head of first aid services for the British Red Cross, many of whose members provided help in flooded areas this summer, said: “All of us in voluntary organisations are saddened by the evidence that people don’t recognise basic first aid as key life skills which can save lives. This is despite the fact people are feeling more vulnerable because of the recent threats to our personal safety and natural disasters.

“Although the Good Samaritan approach still exists – two-thirds of people would stop if they saw someone in need of help – disturbingly the majority wouldn’t know what to do either to avert a tragedy or simply make someone more comfortable.”

Statistics by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents show we probably grossly underestimate the risk that we, or someone we know, will be involved in an accident or emergency.

Their figures reveal that every year in the UK more than 4,000 people die in accidents in the home, while three million more turn up at A&E departments seeking treatment.

Joe Mulligan added: “Summer is a time when people may be more at risk of accidents because they are not following their normal routine.

“They’re on holiday and perhaps doing more demanding physical, outdoor activities, or their children maybe have more freedom because they’re out of school.

“People should always have a first aid kit available in the home and while on holiday, as well as a working first aid knowledge.”

One of the best things we can do to be prepared is get a book such as The First Aid Manual (published by Dorling Kindersley, £12.99), which is endorsed by the leading first aid organisations.

First aid courses are also available.

For details, contact St John Ambulance on 08700 1049 50 or www.sja.org.uk

You can contact the British Red Cross on 0870 170 9222 or log on to www.redcross.org.uk/firstaid 

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Summer Hazards

• WASP or bee stings: If the sting is visible, scrape it off sideways with your fingernail or the blunt edge of a knife. Never use tweezers as you may end up injecting more poison into the wound. If possible, raise the affected part of the body and apply an ice pack. If the sting is to the throat or mouth there is a danger it could block the airway. To combat this, give them an ice cube to suck or a cold glass of water to drink.

If there’s any adverse reaction such as facial or neck swelling or difficulty breathing, call the emergency services.

• Jellyfish stings: While most jellyfish are not dangerous some tropical species can cause severe poisoning. If you see someone stung on a British beach encourage him/her to lie down. Then hold an ice pack or cold compress against the skin for 10 minutes to relieve pain and swelling, and if possible raise the affected part of the body.

If the incident happens abroad pour copious amounts of vinegar or seawater on the affected area. Keep the casualty still until help arrives.