Businesses challenged to put first aid on CSR agenda
St John Ambulance CEO, Sue Killen, wants
employers to recognise first aid as a vital element of
their corporate social responsibility, not just as a legal
tick box, but as a way of reducing the number of unnecessary
deaths.
The charity recently found that each year up to 150,000
people die in situations where first aid could have given them a
chance to live*. Up until now the magnitude of this
problem was not known.
Make a difference now
In response to the situation, St John Ambulance is
challenging UK businesses to take action by providing
first aid training to as many employees as possible as part of
their corporate and social responsibilities or as an employee
benefit.
'Many organisations have CSR policies or community initiatives
that tackle problems we face as a society, such as making their
practises more sustainable. It’s encouraging that businesses want
to prevent long-term effects on our environment but by also
training more people in first aid they can give staff the ability
to make an immediate difference between a life
saved and a life lost,' said Killen.
Valuing your employees
Companies are already required to train a minimum number of
staff in first aid.
'We are asking them to go further and train as many employees as
possible or at least help spread basic first aid knowledge within
the workplace. We can reduce the number of people dying
needlessly while employees feel empowered, cared for and
recognise the positive contribution their employer is making,'
said Killen.
Many businesses offer employees gym memberships or language lessons, but what could be more important that equipping your workforce with the skills to save a life?
Sue Killen
CEO, St John Ambulance
Research by St John Ambulance found that nearly two
thirds (59%) of people would like first aid training at
work, further justifying the argument that training should
be offered as an employee benefit.
Killen states that: 'First aid training helps to keep employees
safe, and provides them with life saving knowledge that
benefits not only their colleagues, but their families, friends and
community. What better legacy for an organisation to leave
than life itself, and the ability to preserve it.'
Boosting first aid awareness
St John Ambulance is reinforcing this message with a
trade advertising campaign which builds on the success of its
recent award-winning** national adverts. The charity plans
to introduce a national awards programme next year to recognise
businesses leading the way in first aid.
St John Ambulance can work with businesses to find a
solution that suits them and can offer in-house training
if needed. For a free needs assessment or to book a first aid
course, call 08447 70 48 01 or text ‘needs’ to 88008 or visit our
website.
* Using death registration data from the Office of National
Statistics, 2008 (for England and Wales), April 2010
** Cannes Lions Gold award for press/fundraising and