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Five-minute bid to save lives on road
By In Gear
A campaign to save more road crash victims in the minutes immediately after an accident has been launched by the British Red Cross.

Entitled Cut Flowers, the campaign highlights the crucial role first aid can play in the aftermath of a crash.

The Red Cross is calling on people to spend just five minutes learning the basic but vital skills which could save a life. The charity pointed out that 55 per cent of deaths caused by road accidents occurred in the first few minutes after a crash before the emergency services arrived.

Up to 85 per cent of these deaths could be prevented if first aid was given, said the Red Cross.

TV personality Dr David Bull, who is a British Red Cross celebrity ambassador and who is backing the campaign, said: "It takes just five minutes to learn five simple first aid techniques, such as tilting back the victim's head to open the airway, which can be used at the scene of a road accident before an ambulance arrives.

"Anyone can learn these common-sense techniques whatever your age and you could save a life."

Those wishing to to take part in the campaign should log on to http://www.redcross.org.uk/firstaid.


8:23am Friday 9th September 2005