A call has been made for all drivers to receive mandatory first aid training so they know how to help in the event of a road collision.
The team at LeaseCar.uk want the Government to make first aid training compulsory when getting a driver’s licence.
It points to research which suggests up to 59% of deaths from injury may have been prevented if first aid had been given before medical emergency services arrived.
Despite this, just one in 20 adults in the UK know what to do in a first aid emergency, and only 5% say they would feel confident, knowledgeable and willing to help someone with a medical issue.
LeaseCar.uk says the skills learnt in first aid courses can help people treat casualties with life-threatening injuries and improve their chances of survival.
First aid training is already compulsory for motorists in other countries, and many learner drivers in Europe must show first aid knowledge for their theory tests.
Countries requiring first aid training as a condition of a licence include Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovenia.
To get a driver’s licence in Switzerland, motorists must attend an obligatory 10-hour first aid course split into different modules, followed by a practical assessment and written test.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “We believe that first aid training should be a requirement before getting behind the wheel to reduce deaths and help those with injuries on UK roads.
“It is extremely concerning that just 5% of the public would be willing to help someone bleeding heavily, unresponsive or not breathing.
“First aid can be crucial when responding to a car accident and the correct knowledge and skills can help save lives while waiting for ambulances.
“Whether the first aid training covers the basics or advanced emergencies, the skills learnt in courses can drastically improve the chance of survival.
“The UK should be following in the footsteps of other countries who have made first aid training mandatory to give the necessary help to drivers if they get into an accident.”
The Driving Licence (Mandatory First Aid Training) Bill was unveiled in the House of Commons in 2016 which would require all driving licence applicants to have had first aid training before undertaking a practical driving test.
However, there has been no progress or updates since.
Mr Alcock added: “It is disappointing that nothing came from the Mandatory First Aid Training Bill seven years ago, especially since over half of deaths from injury could be prevented with the first aid right training.
“That’s why we’re urging the government to seriously reconsider introducing first aid training for drivers to help anyone who experiences a road accident.”
We at Central Bedfordshire Council with Bedfordshire Road Safety Partnership run a young drivers course and have just introduced first aid into our courses. it will be interesting to get the feedback from attendees about this part of the course.
Joanne Glen, Chicksands, Shefford
+1
The DfT have just sent out invitations to a workshop on this subject on 5th June @2pm.
Keith Wheeler, Milton Keynes
0
I think this initiative has a lot going for it. As per the article, it’s already in a number of other countries, and having spoken with colleagues from across the emergency services, the benefits of having people immediately on the scene who have the training and confidence to provide initial assistance before the arrival of emergency services, could really make a difference.
Mark Armstrong, Dorset
+2
I recently had an email from the DfT Road Safety Education Forum Co-Chairs, about a first aid and collision scene management course that I run for horse riders, based on the national ‘Biker Down!’ course for motorcyclists. I did reply and sent some info, including a copy of the course. No response yet, but maybe things are moving on this?
Keith Wheeler, Milton Keynes
+3