Red Cross Blogs

First aid should be a primary requirement

By Mark Cox
July 19, 2011 at 12:01 pm

Without wanting to sound pessimistic, it would seem we are not a nation particularly blessed with first aid knowledge. According to a recent Red Cross survey, a mere seven per cent of British adults know the first aid basics and would feel confident enough to act in an emergency situation. By anyone’s measure, these aren’t good odds.

However, there is reason to hope that – with the right encouragement – future generations might turn out to be a little better equipped to deal with sudden nasty situations.

New research shows that children as young as five are able to learn and remember simple first aid skills that could make a crucial difference in an emergency. That’s why the Red Cross recently launched a special first aid teaching package for primary schools.

It’s also why the why the Red Cross is calling for first aid education to become part of the school curriculum in primary schools. As the Red Cross’ Right Place, Right Time report highlights, almost a fifth of European countries have already made first aid education compulsory in schools. Britain is not one of them.

A vast majority of Britain’s teachers (83 per cent) and parents (98 per cent) want first aid in the curriculum. Measure that against the 18 per cent of UK primary schools actually offering pupils the chance to learn these skills.

As Joe Mulligan, head of first aid education, says, “It’s clear that parents and teachers are behind first aid in the classroom – and the response from young children to the Red Cross’ new teaching resource has been emphatic. What’s needed now is the political will to make this happen.”

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Tags: First aid, first aid tips, first aid training

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