Scots ‘too reliant on emergency services’

Scots have become “too dependent” on the emergency services, as more than three-quarters of people do not know how to administer first aid, a charity has claimed.

St Andrew’s First Aid is launching a super-hero-themed campaign to raise awareness about the importance of knowing what to do when someone is hurt.

Around 34,000 people are said to be admitted to hospital every year as a result of common accidents that require emergency attention, such as burns, falls and choking.

However, a survey revealed that 77 per cent of people lack the knowledge and confidence to administer basic first aid, and go straight for the telephone to dial 999. The charity said that while it takes just four minutes for choking to prove fatal without appropriate action, the target response time for an ambulance is twice as long, at eight minutes.

Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Research shows we have become too dependent on the emergency services and, as a result, are losing sight of the need for basic first aid skills.

“This is not only putting unnecessary pressure on our emergency services, but is also putting individuals at risk.

“There are many situations in which a delay in action or incorrect practice can cause more damage and even prove fatal. Choking and cardiac arrest require on-the-spot action for the best chance of success, but we’re finding few people are actually equipped with the potentially life-saving skills to come to the rescue.”

The charity claims a recent survey showed one in three parents unsure of how to treat a choking toddler, adding more than 50 per cent of those whose children had suffered a head injury did not know what to do.