Not enough people taking first aid courses: Singapore Red Cross

According to the Singapore Red Cross, the number of people taking the various first aid courses - including the standard first aid, occupational first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses - has increased steadily over the years.

Last year, there were 8,187 participants, almost 1,000 more than in 2010. However, this is still not enough.

According to statistics last year, the likelihood of surviving an out-of-hospital heart attack in Singapore is 3 per cent, compared with cities such as Seattle, in the United States, where the rate is 30 per cent.

The Singapore Red Cross aims to ensure that every household here has at least one family member who is trained in first aid.

The fees for the courses at RCTC are between S$60 and S$420. Ms Faiszah Abdul Hamid, who heads RCTC, said: "Many (people) have yet to fully realise the importance of attending the courses."

She pointed out: "In an emergency, the brain stops functioning if it does not receive oxygen for more than four minutes... it is best to acquire first aid skills so that help can be delivered when and where it's needed most."

Singapore Red Cross also has a programme called the "First Aider On Wheels" where volunteers make their rounds on bicycles or roller blades - provide first aid coverage at East Coast Park on weekends and public holidays.

Those who wish to enquire about, or sign-up for, the first aid courses can do so by visiting www.redcross.org.sg and clicking on the Learn First Aid link.

SOURCE: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120514-0000006/The-crucial-few-seconds
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