The British Red Cross reports that only 41 per cent of people in the UK would feel confident to step in if someone is unresponsive and not breathing, according to an Opinium survey of 2,000 nationally representative UK adults carried out in August 20241. The charity published the figure alongside its first aid videos, which it says take five minutes to cover five basic skills1.
The charity states that in first aid emergencies of this kind every second counts and that even the most basic skills can make a difference1. It says that learning immediate first aid before professional medical help is available can provide life saving support in a crisis, reduce the severity of injuries and illnesses, prevent further harm or the condition worsening, and help keep family and neighbours safe1. It also says it only takes around a minute to learn a new first aid skill, but that in an emergency that minute could save a life1.
"Our research shows that only 41% of people in the UK would feel confident to step in if someone is unresponsive and not breathing*."
The survey details published with the figure are limited to the polling company, the month, the sample size and the description of the sample as nationally representative1. No breakdown by region, age group or previous training has been reported, and no margin of error or full data tables have been published alongside the figure1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Polling company | Opinium1 |
| Date | August 20241 |
| Sample | 2,000 UK adults, nationally representative1 |
| Finding | 41% confident to step in if someone is unresponsive and not breathing1 |
Why it matters for households
The figure concerns the most time critical first aid situation a household is likely to face: finding someone who is unresponsive and not breathing. The charity's position is that confidence among UK adults in this situation is low, and that basic skills taught in a short session can affect the outcome while professional help is on its way1. The British Red Cross offers free first aid workshops for adults aged 19 and over, which it describes as building the skills and confidence to help in a first aid emergency, and a free first aid app for learning and practising first aid1. It also publishes first aid videos covering a further 20 skills, including heart attacks, head injuries and diabetic emergencies1. The charity advises people to take five minutes to learn five basic skills with its first aid videos, and to book a free workshop or download the app to learn and practise1.
For households, the practical questions raised by the survey are what to do first at the scene and how to establish whether someone is breathing. The site's first aid hub sets out the basic skills, with dedicated pages on what to do first: danger, response, airway and breathing and on how to check if someone is breathing. For those who have started CPR, there is separate guidance on what to do if someone starts breathing during CPR.
What happens next
No further publication of the survey data, and no date for any follow-up survey, has been reported1. The British Red Cross continues to offer its free first aid videos, its free workshops for adults aged 19 and over, and its free first aid app1.
Sources (1)
- First aid videos | Learn first aid | British Red Cross, redcross.org.uk
