Could your first-aid skills save a life?

Two out of three people couldn't save a life in an emergency, new research from St John Ambulance reveals

A new study has found that the majority of us don't feel we could save a life in an emergency, with a quarter saying we'd helplessly do nothing while a life is on the line. In addition, according to the new research from St John Ambulance, those of us who would attempt first aid are likely to be acting in vain as in most cases we would administer the wrong procedure. Results show that nearly two-thirds (59%) wouldn't feel confident trying to save a life, a quarter (24%) would do nothing and wait for an ambulance to arrive or hope that a passer-by knows first aid, and around a third (39%) would try and do first aid even though they are not sure what to do. This research comes as the charity launched a hard-hitting campaign depicting common scenarios in which first aid could save a life: choking, heart attack, severe bleeding, an unconscious person who is breathing and one who is not breathing. St John Ambulance is offering a free pocket-sized guide featuring first aid skills that can help in these five situations. To get yours just text LIFE to 85010 or visit the St John Ambulance website for more information on the campaign www.sja.org.uk . Sue Killen, CEO, St John Ambulance says: 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 be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS