Experts have sounded the alarm for more workplaces, including across the food and hospitality industry, to urgently invest in first aid training, with new research* finding one in two people (49%) would feel panicked if they came across a health emergency, due to lack of training.
The new data, released by England’s leading first aid charity, St John Ambulance, also revealed that more than a quarter of people surveyed (26%) said they had never learned any first aid.
Lisa Sharman, Head of Education & Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, shared her concerns: “The lack of first aid knowledge, combined with the panic that can set in during emergencies, is something no employer or employee should have to experience—whether at work, at home, or beyond.”
She added, “Investing in first aid training isn’t just about meeting workplace regulations—it’s about empowering people with the confidence, knowledge and skills that can save lives, anywhere.”
“When employees are trained to respond calmly and effectively, they can make a life-saving difference in critical moments, whether it’s for a colleague, a relative, or a stranger.”
“Providing this knowledge enhances the safety and well-being of everyone, not only in the workplace but in everyday life, offering peace of mind for businesses, employees, and the wider community.”
St John Ambulance specialises in one-day Emergency First Aid at Work training courses for workplaces across the food and hospitality industry, covering adult resuscitation (CPR), burns and scalds, choking, communication and casualty care, use of defibrillators, bleeding, seizures, shock, unresponsive adults and more.
St John Ambulance is urging all workplaces to take a day, to save a life, by investing in emergency first aid training and upskilling their workers.
St John Ambulance is also one of the most trusted providers for Emergency First Aid at Work, with organisations across England rating their training courses at 4.9 out of 5, based on more than 40,000 reviews*.
Responsible employers across England invest in Emergency First Aid at Work, and Mental Health First Aid training courses, both of which are offered by St John Ambulance.
For more information, and to book a First Aid at Work training course with St John Ambulance, visit https://www.sja.org.uk/courses/.