First aid: Only one in every two people feels confident enough to help in an emergency

In a medical emergency, you need to act quickly. You need to provide first aid to the sick or injured person and to bridge the gap until professional medical assistance arrives. First aid can prevent further damage to the person's health or even save their life.

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) and the Swiss health insruance company Helsana commissioned a representative study into the first aid reactions and skills of the Swiss population. The results of the study were analysed by Sotomo and show that although people are very willing to assist someone in an emergency, half of them do not have sufficient knowledge of first aid.

What once was learnt gets forgotten

This lack of confidence can cause people to be reluctant to help. One of the reasons for this is that the last time they attended a first aid course was often too long ago – about 15 years on average. And over time, they have forgotten a lot.

Markus Mader, SRC Director-General, says: "With its wide range of basic and advanced first aid training courses, the SRC and its rescue organizations make an important contribution to ensuring that every person in Switzerland can provide competent help in a medical emergency."

The majority of those interviewed who feel insecure in an emergency are convinced that regular refresher courses would make them more confident. There is great demand for first aid courses integrated into compulsory education. The majority of respondents also believe that even in the digital age, first-aid courses should be traditional, i.e. on-site and face-to-face. Surprisingly, the younger population feel the same way.

The SRC and Helsana are working together to ensure that everyone in Switzerland can provide first aid in an emergency. Dr Claudine Blaser, a member of the Helsana management board, says: "In partnership with the SRC, we want to raise awareness of the importance of first aid. Because, in the moment of truth, it's important to act quickly and prevent unnecessary suffering."

Prepared to help, despite Covid-19 rules

It is reassuring that three-quarters of the interviewees stated that in a medical emergency they would dial the correct number – 144 – to call an ambulance. And, although the Covid-19 measures have a firm grip on the everyday life of the Swiss population this year, a clear majority of people would not hesitate to provide first aid despite social distancing rules.