We don’t challenge you to learn first aid; we challenge you not to!
Earlier this year the British Red Cross asked over 4,000 people who book or have completed a first aid at work course what motivated them to learn life saving skills and how they felt about it afterwards.
We were really pleased when the results of our Big Red Survey came in – more than 85 per cent of the people we asked said that they now feel happy about the fact that they can help people, with almost 40 per cent saying they feel generally more confident in themselves. But this got us thinking, if you can do something that makes you feel good, improves your self-esteem and means you can help colleagues, friends or family – why wouldn’t you learn first aid?
So we’re throwing down the gauntlet. Join our debate – tell us what you think about the need for first aid training in the workplace and, if you are up to the challenge, find a reason why you don’t think these skills are important to you and your business. We’re so sure that we will be able to change your mind that we may even invite you along to try one of our courses for free so that you can see for yourself.
Sound too good to be true? Well, there are only a limited number of courses available, so you will have to be really compelling in persuading us that you don’t think first aid skills are for you. Also, we’ll ask you at the end of the course if you have been convinced about the benefit of having first aid skills and if you would now be willing to pay for the training you have just received.
Why would we ask you to pay?
The Red Cross helps over a million people a year by providing services like care in the home, medical loans and emergency response. The money that we raise through training people on first aid at work courses helps to fund these projects so that nobody is refused help in a crisis.
Post your comments below to join our debate.
I’ve now been the appointed FAAW for my employer for more than 14 years and am sure to renew my training every time it is due. I don’t see this role as a ‘duty’ – although it is a part of my job. To me, it’s an essential skill that has come into play outside of work far more than the thankfully minor injuries and illnesses I have dealt with during working hours.
Amongst the many occasions I’ve used my Red Cross first aid training, probably the most memorable was a young boy on his pushbike who was hit by a car on a pedestrian crossing – lots of people had stopped to help, and a paramedic had been called and was on the way, but no-one actually knew what to do. Not only was no-one really tending to the young boy, they’d also left the poor young driver in her car alone and in a terrible state – irrespective of blame, she was still very distressed and also in need of assistance. The crowd were all standing around the young lad, but no-one had even thought to get down to his level on the pavement, hold his hand, cover him with a warm coat, or even find out his name, all of which could have been accomplished with no first aid skills at all. I was obviously able to do all of that and much more, thanks to the confidence I’d gained from my training. I sent someone to go and sit with and try to comfort the driver, and I was even able to stop a good samaritan from taking the bike home until after the paramedic had arrived and seen the extent of the damage so that he knew the levels of force involved. The paramedic asked me to stay and assist him until his ambulance based colleague arrived. The young boy recovered well from his leg injuries and was back at home the next day. And me – I was so pleased to have been able to do something real to help. I’ve no idea why anyone wouldn’t want to be able to do the same.
Thank you for sharing that story Shiz.
It is encouraging to know that the skills you have learnt and refreshed on Red Cross Training courses have empowered you to react positively in a crisis.
I think everyone should have some form of first aid training, even a little could help a lot. It’s a life skill and I think the current project of trying to get schools to do it is worthwhile. I think employers should be encouraged to let as many employees as possible to go on courses, even if they are not willing to pay for it, they should allow time off for persons to attend.
I think you will struggle to get an unbiased opinion on this one as many readers of this page will already be First Aid trained and will therefore sit in the ‘pro’ camp.
For:
Could save someones life
Can make someones condition better than it might otherwise have been by dealing with it promptly and correctly.
Against:
Risk of being sued
Raises expectations. (Telling me to go to my GP isn’t very helpful – I thought you were a trained First Aider!!)
Is First Aid an important skill, I believe so. Without these skills I would just be an onlooker like most people.
I have used my skills throughout my working life on injured co-workers and also I have used my skills on family and friends. The most important skill learnt is staying calm in a “situation” and if need be taking control.
All though now I am working in a place where my skills can only be used at the work place and not outside of that area. This place is a place where you have to turn the other way and let the authorities deal with the situation or let nature take its course, it is quite sad really, the fact that you have the knowledge to ease someones suffering but you have to walk away. It goes against my principles to do this but the consequences for not walking away could lead to severe fines, interment or in some cases, worse.
Since I have gained my First Aid skills, I have helped people, young and old and it makes me happy to know that I did my bit to help them.
I’ve been a first aider at work for 9 years most of the injuries are bumps and bruses, sprains and strains. However i got called from my lunch to see a senior manager who was unsteady on his feet after speaking and observing him i escorted him to A&E as he was having a stroke luckly he made a full recovery, During shift swap i had acall that someone had fallen over so i made my way to the area as i got their someone shout hes gone blue and not breathing another first aider (who was going home ) had started CPR but was getting tiried and stessed together we carried on with the CPR until 3 ambulances turned up and took over, this chap passed away 3 days later, on both of these their were at least 6 people hanging around wanting to help but couldn’t. They have all had some basic info and knowledge now .
everyone should be taught it starting at school in my opinion
It is great to hear such positive statements in support of first aid training, and well done to all of you who have been able to offer help to someone.
At the British Red Cross we believe there is no greater act of humanity than to save someone’s life and helping people to feel confident enough to step forward is a key focus for us. We truly believe it is better to act than not.
In terms of the potential risk of being sued – to date there has never been a successful case recorded against any first aider in the UK who has tried to help.
Thanks Baden
I have been doing first aid for almost 20 years, both as a volunteer with British Red Cross for a number of years and first aid at work. My view to people around me is I can help you if you have a problem, but who is going to help me. Please learn what to do in an emergency.
I attended a red cross first aid course yesterday and I am so glad I did. I have an 11 month old boy and had no idea the danger I’ve actually been putting him in with my lack of knowledge on this subject. I now feel so passionate about it that I am telling everyone I know to attend a first aid course, I’ve even written about it on my blog. I really hope more and more people undertake your courses. Thank you.
http://mission2mum.co.uk/2013/02/10/first-aid-with-the-red-cross-and-sure-start-centre-would-you-know-what-to-do/
just logged onto this site & seen the first aid comments about workplace training
as a senior citizen, where/how can we get onto a course?
Hi John
Thank you for your interest in first aid training.
You can obtain more information about our first aid for adult and everyday first aid courses here: www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/First-aid/First-aid-training. You can book a course online or over the phone on 0844 871 8000.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Jonathan