New research released by the British Red Cross reveals that almost nine out of ten children surveyed in Wales (89 per cent) said learning how to save a life is one of the most important lessons they could learn.

The new research is being published to coincide with World First Aid Day and ahead of the Welsh Government’s new curriculum, which could include compulsory first aid lessons. The British Red Cross say this is a once in a generation opportunity to create a nation of lifesavers with compulsory first aid education across all schools in Wales.

The findings also showed there is vital need to provide first aid lessons in schools to support young people’s knowledge and confidence to step in during a first aid emergency.

• Almost a fifth of children (19 per cent) polled in Wales have experienced a situation where someone needed first aid.
• 58 per cent said they would feel helpless to act if they witnessed an accident and someone was injured.
• The poll also showed that more than half (53 per cent) would be most worried of doing something wrong if they had to help someone in a first aid emergency.
• Over nine out of ten children (94 per cent) agreed that knowing first aid skills would make them feel more confident to help in a first aid emergency.

An earlier study by the British Red Cross found that up to 59 per cent of deaths from injuries could be prevented if first aid had been given before the medical services arrived (1). The actions of the first person at the scene are vital – and can mean the difference between life and death.

In Wales, the British Red Cross has been campaigning for first aid education to be taught in all schools. Dafydd Beech, Education Manager for the British Red Cross said:

“The new school curriculum in Wales is a once in a generation chance for us to create a nation of life savers and we hope to see first aid on the curriculum in future.

“We teach thousands of young people every year, but we know that there are many, many more who lack the basic skills, knowledge and confidence to step in and save a life. Young people should have the knowledge, willingness and confidence to perform first aid in an emergency”.

After a first aid session earlier this year at Ysgol Acrefair near Wrexham, one Year 6 pupil said:

“I enjoyed the learning process and I am far more confident to help people in bad situations.”

Another pupil added:

“I think it’s really important to be able to help other people. It was easy and fun to learn.”

The British Red Cross are also relaunching their first aid mobile app so that everyone can have lifesaving skills at their fingertips.

Everyone can know the skills to save a life. Download the free British Red Cross app available for Apple via iTunes or Android via Google Play.