First aid: one in two people feel unsure

The Swiss population considers first aid to be important, but often feels unsure when it matters. These are the findings of a representative study conducted on behalf of the Swiss Red Cross and Helsana by the opinion research institute gfs.Bern. Around half of the population feels somewhat to very confident in dealing with emergencies, while 44% said they feel not very confident or not at all confident. One of the main reasons for this is the time that has elapsed since their training: although 49% have attended a first aid course at least once, this was usually many years ago – often when they were doing their driving test. Only 44% of the population regularly refreshes their first aid skills.

Emergencies can affect anyone

Around two-thirds of the Swiss population has been involved in a medical emergency at least once. Emergencies are just as likely to affect your nearest and dearest as they are to impact strangers. In addition, around one in five people have previously experienced a medical emergency themselves.

Major gaps in first aid knowledge

The study shows particularly clear deficits in terms of knowledge relating to specific interventions. Although the general public are broadly aware of the cornerstones of first aid, such as alerting the emergency services or recognising a defibrillator, there are significant uncertainties regarding their practical application. Only around half of the population feels confident in using a defibrillator, while one in five people would be more likely to seek support. People are also cautious when it comes to chest compressions: around 30% feel unsure or would hesitate to perform them. Digital tools can support first aid, but they are no substitute for hands-on practice. Respondents to the study agree that smartphones enable information to be accessed quickly. At the same time, however, some of the respondents also fear that this will lead to a more passive attitude in an emergency, with the emergency services more often only being alerted instead of help being actively provided.

Uncertainty is the core problem

The study’s findings suggest that uncertainty – not a lack of willingness to help – is the biggest obstacle. A lack of experience (38%) and the fear of making bad decisions (32%) were cited most often. 85% of respondents consider national information campaigns to be useful. Support for specific measures is even greater: mandatory courses in schools (94%) and the workplace (89%) and more defibrillators in public spaces (88%) meet with broad approval.

“The fact that around half of the population feels unsure and much of their knowledge is outdated clearly shows that we have to stay on track when it comes to training,” says Helsana CEO Roman Sonderegger. “I am delighted that we are able to contribute to this in our partnership with the Swiss Red Cross.”

“People need to practice their first aid skills regularly so that they can act calmly and correctly in an emergency,” says SRC Director Nora Kronig. “Together with the Red Cross rescue organisations, we are committed to strengthening this ability to act in the long term: doing so as early as possible, even in schools, and making this practical and accessible to all.” 

First aid skills as part of prevention

The study focuses on the ability to act in emergencies, making it clear that this is an important aspect of health literacy – and one that needs to be shored up. As a partner of the Swiss Red Cross, Helsana is committed to increasing the practical knowledge of first aid amongst the Swiss population. With their courses throughout Switzerland, the Red Cross rescue organisations in particular are making an indispensable contribution to this.

“Prevent drowning”: a commitment that saves lives. Especially in summer.

As of this year, Helsana has also been committed to drowning prevention as a partner of the Swiss Lifesaving Society (SLRG) and supporter of the “Prevent drowning” mission. The study shows that people feel particularly unsure when it comes to emergencies in the water. The general public has less of a clear idea of what to do here than in other emergencies. In addition, around three-quarters of respondents have never attended a course that covers how to respond in the event of a drowning incident. Under the auspices of this partnership, Helsana will be running projects and campaigns from this summer onwards to help people safely enjoy their time on, in and around the water. The next prevention campaign will be launched at the end of this week at more than 30 locations across Switzerland as part of the SLRG’s national prevention weekend. 

You can find the full study at: Final report «First aid in Switzerland»