One in three in the South East do not know basic first aid, Red Cross finds
A survey conducted by the Red Cross found one in three people living in the South East of England did not know basic skills to save a life.
The worrying figures show one third of people surveyed in the South East of England do not know the basic steps to take if someone is in need of first aid.
In addition to this, the survey found fewer people were willing to perform first aid on a stranger.
This poses a danger to life when basic help could be given to someone in urgent need.
William Spencer, Community Product Manager at the Red Cross, said: "Look around you; who near you do you think could step in if you were ill? And likewise, do you have the skills to help someone in the street?"
"Everyone should have that knowledge but very few people have it."
In their survey, nearly nine respondents out of 10 replied 'yes' when asked if they thought everyone should know simple first aid.
"...it's the bag of frozen peas..."
To tackle this worrying issue, the Red Cross launched a free app 13 years ago to help educate the population of basic tips to help someone's life.
However, latest statistics show that 70% said they would be willing to help someone who was in that situation, compared to 82% of people polled in 2018.
Mr Spencer said: "You don't have to be a doctor, it's the bag of frozen peas and the tea towel. It's what you have around that could stop bleeding, for example."
The Red Cross is appealing for people to learn about what to do in case of emergency, and to download their app to find out more.