The charity's research found 59% of employees think first aid should be taught in the work places as 59% wouldn't feel confident trying to save a life, 24% would do nothing and wait for an ambulance to arrive or hope that a passer-by knows first aid, 39% would try first aid even though they are not sure what to do and 28% say they'd know what first aid to do - but sadly their confidence is misplaced.
Sue Killen, CEO, St John Ambulance, said: ‘We believe that anyone who needs first aid should receive it and yet, as our latest research shows, that's not happening. This highlights that we can't rely on other people to have the skills - everyone should take the responsibility to learn first aid themselves. Armed with this knowledge we can all make the difference between a life lost and a life saved.'
While the majority (98%) agree that first aid saves lives, worrying numbers wouldn't have the correct basic knowledge to do this if confronted with a common emergency.
If someone were choking, only half (53%) would intervene with back blows - the correct procedure. Worryingly one in 10 (9%) would stick their fingers down his or her throat, which could push the obstruction further down.
For a middle-aged man with chest pains, one in 10 (9%) would put him in the recovery position while waiting for an ambulance which would not relieve the strain on the heart and may aggravate the condition, instead they should sit him in a comfortable position.
St John Ambulance has published free guides on first aid. To get your free, pocket-sized guide, text LIFE to 85010 or visit the St John Ambulance website for more information on the campaign www.sja.org.uk.
You can also get advice on your iPhone with the St John Ambulance first aid app, available through iTunes.
