Tag: British Red Cross

Edinburgh student takes on Red Cross challenge to support refugees

Farzan Dalal, a Design for Change student from Midlothian is running 22 miles to raise money for refugees this June.  

Edinburgh resident Farzan, age 30, has set himself the goal of covering 22 miles as part of the British Red Cross Miles for Refugees challenge, which is the equivalent of a journey across the English Channel. 

For the month of June, anyone can take on one of six distances that highlight the life-risking journeys refugees are forced to take to reach safety.  

Farzan, says he is taking part in Miles for Refugees for very personal reasons: “The refugee crisis is very close to my heart. People forced to leave everything they know to be home, in search of safety is heartbreaking but at the same time unfathomably courageous! 

“In my home country, as a queer person in a closeted society, I have experienced continuous inner conflict. A fear of rejection, and a constant effort to maintain a front that hides my queer identity.  

“It is exhausting, emotionally unfulfilling, and a looming fear for my safety.” 

Farzan, who moved to the UK just before the coronavirus pandemic, added: “My experience does not at all equate to people fleeing homelands on account of conflict, oppression or climate change., I am highly privileged to be moving countries at my will, but I can still empathise.  

“All I want is for more and more people to empathise and understand that home is not something we can take for granted. Some of us have to fight hard to find and make our own. Let us support and welcome those who need to do exactly that.” 

Alex Fraser, Director of Refugee Support & Restoring Family Links for the British Red Cross, said: “People who have had to leave their countries due to war, persecution, extreme famine or devastating natural disasters have experienced the worst things in life. We have seen just how heart-breaking these journeys have been for families arriving in the UK. 

 “The British Red Cross has been calling for a kinder, more compassionate asylum system to support people who have been forced to leave their home behind and take dangerous journeys. We believe every refugee matters. 

“A wave of people in the UK clearly care about people seeking refuge and asylum in the UK. Remarkably, we are seeing so many eager to help personally. By taking part in Miles for Refugees this June, you are showing the very best of humankind.” 

The money raised will go towards the charity’s work supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK.  

With more than 6 million people forced to leave their homes in Ukraine this year, and ongoing crises in Syria and Afghanistan and around the world, standing with refugees is more important than ever. 

British Red Cross teams are supporting people from Ukraine arriving at ports and airports in Scotland and throughout the UK.  

Staff and volunteers are providing support through things like food, water, hygiene items, nappies, a hot cup or tea or coffee, and essentials to help people keep in touch, like SIM cards, mobile phones and chargers.

A welcome pack with essential information available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, about life in the UK, and one-off cash sum, provided via a debit card, to help people buy what they need when they arrive. We are also providing people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, if and when they need them. 

To download our Spotify playlist created by some of the nation’s most loved celebrities in support of refugees, visit:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Tt81ffwh5w15fJS1caYZs?si=05aa3a20a21642e5&nd=1 

To sponsor Farzan, visit https://miles.redcross.org.uk/fundraising/farzans-miles-for-refugees-22-mile-challenge  

To sign up for Miles for Refugees visit miles.redcross.org.uk  

NHS Lothian RFU staff and patients take four million steps for Ukraine

NHS Lothian staff and patients at the Robert Fergusson Unit (RFU) have walked four million steps in under a month to raise money for Ukraine.

Four million steps is how many it would take to walk the distance between the RFU and Kyiv. A step challenge, rather than a distance challenge, ensured patients with limited mobility could also take part.

The RFU, based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, is a national NHS neuro-rehabilitation service for patients with acquired brain injury and associated behavioural disturbance.

Helen O’Leary, Occupational Therapist at the RFU, said: “Our staff and patients really wanted to do their bit to help the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

“Though some of our patients have a reduced ability to interact with the world, they are still aware of what goes on globally and are incredibly generous and kind.

“It’s so wonderful to see patients who wouldn’t otherwise be so active get up and walk around, and for such a good cause.”

The RFU team raised £2,358 in donations and £446 in Gift Aid, which will go to the British Red Cross to help provide aid to the people of Ukraine.

The team’s efforts have also resulted in improved long-term activity among both patients and staff. This is key to relieving stress and managing neurological conditions and some patients are continuing to count their steps even after they have reached their goal.

Unsung Heroes: National volunteering hub oversees 7,000 shifts in first year

Thousands of volunteers have been supporting efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic through the National Volunteer Co-ordination (NVC) hub established a year ago.

The NVC hub was established by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland last February. Run by the British Red Cross, it has so far provided more than 7,000 individual volunteer shifts over that period, totalling more 54,000 volunteering hours.

This has complemented the major contribution of community volunteering organised by third sector interfaces (TSIs), NHS volunteers and others across the country, towards the national COVID response effort over the past two years.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf met with volunteers in Edinburgh today who have helped carry out a range of roles, including support with  vaccination, community testing and shielding support, as well as shopping, prescription delivery and social contact.

https://youtu.be/G1wlaOFqS4M

Mr Yousaf said:  “Volunteers have played an essential role in helping to deal with the impact of the pandemic on communities all over Scotland – in many ways they are the unsung heroes of our collective effort.

“The contribution they make, from providing necessary support for shielders and maintaining vital human contact at the start of the pandemic, to assisting the roll-out of the vaccination campaign and handing out COVID test kits, has been pivotal to our collective response. They typify the incredible spirit we have seen throughout the pandemic from communities across Scotland and the individuals and organisations working within them.

“The creation of the NVC hub has ensured that volunteering support is targeted to areas where it is most needed – and participation levels have been remarkable.

“It has complemented the vital role played by a wide range of local community groups and individuals. We owe all volunteers a huge debt of gratitude for their efforts.”

And NHS volunteers have provided 52,000 volunteering hours to Health Boards across the country the last quarter of last year, alone.

Alan Stevenson, CEO, Volunteer Scotland:  “Volunteers have given enormous support to others throughout this pandemic and in doing so, mitigated some of its worst effects. 

“They’ve provided the response our society needed at that time, from being the first to react – delivering food, prescriptions and social connection – to helping provide successful national testing and vaccination programmes. As Volunteers address the long-lasting impact of COVID-19, largely for the most vulnerable in society, they will need our support and recognition.”

Anyone interested in volunteering or seeking assistance can contact the National Volunteer Co-ordination Hub.

Volunteers supporting vaccination roll-out across Scotland

Thousands of hours contributed to national programme

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has thanked volunteers who have now contributed more than 25,000 hours to help deliver the national vaccination programme.

Scotland’s NHS Boards have been supported to deliver the programme by the National Volunteer Coordination (NVC) Hub which deploys people to help at vaccination centres.

The NVC hub is operated by the British Red Cross with the support of a network of national and local voluntary sector organisations who identify and deploy suitable volunteers. It provides a central point of contact for NHS Boards and local authorities which they can use in addition to local volunteers to ensure the right resources are in place.

Among the activities the volunteers have helped with are meeting and greeting the members of the public and providing re-assurance, advice and practical assistance for those that want it. 

In addition to helping at vaccination clinics, volunteers have also been involved in supporting the community testing programme, including a team of 90 volunteers delivering testing kits to around 4,000 Glasgow households. 

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is fitting that during National Volunteers’ Week we acknowledge the huge contribution made by volunteers to our vaccination roll-out. I want to thank each and every one of them for giving up their time and helping to ensure the successful roll-out of the largest vaccination programme the country has ever seen.

“The hub being coordinated by the British Red Cross helps ensure we have people in the right place at the right time to make everything run as smoothly as possible.

“It is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams around the country that more than two million people in Scotland have now received both doses. I am grateful to them and all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccine.

“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. This is equally important for those receiving appointments for their second dose as these offer longer lasting protection against COVID-19.”

British Red Cross Community Reserve Volunteer David Hardacre said: “I had never volunteered before and signed up through the Scotland Cares site.  I have really enjoyed my time as a volunteer.

“It can be challenging at times hearing how difficult some folk are finding all this with Covid but it surprising what a chat and a friendly smile can do to lift their spirits.  I have helped with a few things, including the vaccination clinics, which is great. You really feel part of the team, the NHS staff are so helpful and calm.  I will continue to help so long as there is a need for me.”

British Red Cross Director, Scotland Marie Hayes said: “The response from the voluntary sector throughout the pandemic has been outstanding.  Thousands of individuals, many of whom have never volunteered before, have turned out to support the NHS and local authorities and, importantly, their communities as we collectively act to beat the Covid virus. 

“The tasks undertaken have been vary varied, some of these include; shopping and prescription collections, a friendly voice on the phone, marshalling at vaccination clinics, test kit distribution and collection etc. It has been quite remarkable to see so many come forward to help in whatever way they can. 

“The endeavours of the volunteers over the past months has without doubt helped reach those most in need during this pandemic and I have no doubt these act of human kindness, great or small, will continue until we finally see an end to the current situation.”

Information on volunteering

World of Books and Red Cross seek to reunite piece of World War 2 history with its owner

  • World of Books Group have discovered a moving and poignant hand-written letter from a British World War 2 soldier serving in Italy.
  • The note, written to thank a schoolgirl who had spent time knitting mittens for troops in the trenches, was found tucked away inside a book.
  • During the War, those on the home front were encouraged to knit comforts for serving soldiers, with widespread initiatives run by organisations such as the British Red Cross.
  • World of Books and the British Red Cross are now looking to reunite this piece of World War 2 history with its owner and discover more about the soldier who penned it.

On a winter’s day in February 1944 from Italy, a Lance Corporal named ‘John’ took to pen and paper to thank a schoolgirl in High Wycombe for her small yet valuable contribution to the war effort – knitting mittens for anonymous troops in the trenches.

76 years later, this piece of World War 2 history was rediscovered by World of Books, the UKs largest seller of used books and media, tucked away inside a book being prepared for resale.

The letter’s recipient, ‘Miss Pat’ of Hatters Lane Senior School in High Wycombe Buckinghamshire, would have been one of many civilians on the home front who were encouraged to do their bit to support the British War effort, according to the British Red Cross who were approached by the company for help – and who themselves ran a number of initiatives to get Britain knitting.

The British Red Cross has been helping people in crisis for 150 years, providing support to those who need it most, no matter who or where they are. During the First and Second World Wars, the organisation gave relief to sick and wounded members of the armed forces, prisoners of war and civilians.

It also connected the kindness of those at home to the war effort by publishing knitting patterns of essential items in the Joint War Organisation’s The Prisoner of War magazine. The magazines were for the families of prisoners of war and these patterns could have been used as part of a school project to send to ‘John’.

Items made through these types of activities are on display on the British Red Cross online exhibition, 150 voices. The exhibition was launched to mark the 150th anniversary and features 150 objects that recognise those who have played an important part in the history of the British Red Cross.

Now, World of Books and British Red Cross are teaming up to try and reunite this precious letter with its owner and to celebrate the small acts of kindness from home that provided such comfort to soldiers serving overseas.

Graham Bell, CEO of World of Books Group says: “Over 75 million used books come through our business each year, and we occasionally come across forgotten personal items tucked away inside them.

“It’s incredibly common for people to place memories inside books for safe keeping, whether it be family photographs or letters from loved ones. But this find is particularly poignant, especially as we approach Armistice Day – and is a first for World of Books. The letter undoubtedly holds great sentimental value. We’d love to reunite it with its owner or their family.

“As a circular economy business, we’re focused on finding used items new homes. In this case, it would be wonderful to bring this letter back full circle to its original owner.”

Mezebhin Adam, Curator at the British Red Cross said: “The letter is a lovely find and is a perfect first-hand example of how kindness can keep people connected during a crisis, something the British Red Cross has been doing for 150 years.

“During the Second World War, the British Red Cross encouraged people to knit comforts for sick and wounded soldiers and prisoners of war. We provided knitting patterns to those on the home front and we even have examples of some of the knitted items in our museum collection. The stories of these activities are always lovely to hear, especially from such a personal heartwarming letter.”

If you have any information that could help World of Books and the British Red Cross reunite this letter with its owner or their families, contact press@worldofbooks.com

UK Government announces emergency support for Beirut

Following yesterday’s explosion at Beirut Port, the UK has announced a package of emergency support to Lebanon.

Following Tuesday’s explosion at Beirut Port, which has left thousands injured and caused widespread destruction, the UK yesterday announced a package of emergency support to Lebanon.

The UK has offered to immediately deploy search and rescue experts with specially trained dogs to help find those caught up in the blast.

Following a call between the Hassan Diab, Prime Minister of Lebanon and the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, the UK has made up to £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding available to help people made homeless by the disaster.

The UK has also offered enhanced support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are central to the Government of Lebanon’s response, including tailored medical help, strategic air transport assistance, and engineering and communications support.

The UK has also offered to send an EMT advance clinical advisory team who could provide initial assessment and coordination with search and rescue teams. UK International Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) offer a rapid provision of internationally accredited public health, medical and surgical teams including both NHS and non NHS experts.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “This was a devastating explosion which has caused enormous suffering and damage. The UK is a long-standing friend of Lebanon and the Lebanese people, and will stand with them in their hour of need.

“We have offered immediate direct support including search and rescue, emergency medical assistance and up to £5m in humanitarian aid.

International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “We have all been shocked by the scenes of devastation and suffering in Beirut. My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy and who have lost loved ones.

The UK stands ready to support the people of Lebanon in their time of need and has offered to send medics and rescue workers to treat those who have been injured.

The damage caused by the blast, which measured 4.5 on the Richter scale and was felt as far away as Cyprus (150 miles from Beirut), is widespread and likely to have long-lasting consequences. Lebanon was already experiencing a major economic crisis and dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, as well as hosting over 1.5 million refugees from the war in neighbouring Syria.

The UK already works closely with Lebanon and this partnership is focused on managing the humanitarian, stability and security implications of the war in Syria.

Since the start of the Syria Crisis, DFID has allocated just under £700 million in humanitarian and development funding to Lebanon, including providing support for sanitation facilities, education for refugees and helped provide jobs for both Lebanese and Syrian communities.

British Red Cross launches Beirut Emergency Appeal

  • British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to save lives and support the recovery following yesterday’s devastating explosion in Beirut
  • It’s reported that at least 100 people have been killed and over 4,000 people are injured. These numbers are likely to continue to rise.
  • Lebanese Red Cross have been responding to the crisis since last night
  • Search and rescue teams from the Lebanese Red Cross are looking through the rubble and devastation to find anyone trapped
  • The Lebanese Red Cross has sent all of its emergency medical support to the scene, with more than 75 ambulances and over 375 emergency medical responders from across Lebanon rushing to the area to help evacuate and treat the injured
  • To donate to the British Red Cross Beirut Emergency Appeal: redcross.org.uk/Beirut

Today, the British Red Cross has launched the Beirut Emergency Appeal for anyone in the UK who would like to support the relief effort in Beirut, following the devastating explosion yesterday.

The funds raised will help the relief work on the ground being provided by the Lebanese Red Cross, who are responding to this emergency.

Search and rescue teams from the Lebanese Red Cross are looking through the rubble and devastation to find anyone trapped. All of Lebanese Red Cross’ emergency medical support has already been sent to the scene, with more than 75 ambulances and over 375 emergency medical responders from across Lebanon rushing to the area to help evacuate and treat the injured. This is crucial to get people to hospitals outside of Beirut for life-saving treatment.

First aid stations have been set up in and around Beirut to help people who have been injured and Lebanese Red Cross teams are helping patients who have been so badly injured.

People in Beirut are dealing with injuries, loss of loved ones and damaged homes. This comes at a time when Lebanon is experiencing an economic crisis, and the tragic and complex challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alexander Matheou, Executive Director of International, British Red Cross: “The situation in Beirut is very serious. Hospitals have been heavily damaged. Doctors are overwhelmed with the number of people needing medical help and are not able to treat everyone.

“Some people have had to be treated in the streets and the number of fatalities is likely to rise.  If you can, please donate to our Beirut Emergency Appeal to save lives right now and help people recover.”

To donate to the Beirut Emergency Appeal you can:

Tel number: 0300 023 0812

Web: redcross.org.uk/Beirut

Or search: ‘British Red Cross – Beirut Emergency Appeal

Red Cross celebrates 150th Birthday

Her Majesty The Queen, Patron, sends message of thanks to Red Cross volunteers and staff
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, President of the British Red Cross, introduces new online exhibition ‘150 voices’: www.redcross.org.uk/150voices.
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge pens letter to 150 nominated Red Cross staff and volunteers, paying tribute to her own family ties to the Red Cross
Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, Vice-President, telephones one of the charity’s longest-serving volunteers

The British Red Cross is 150 years old today. To mark the anniversary, members of the Royal Family have come together to recognise the work of the volunteers, staff, supporters and partners of the charity who have made a difference to the lives of millions of people who have faced crisis, both in the UK and overseas.

Today the Red Cross is responding to one of the most challenging humanitarian emergencies in modern history, showing the power of kindness as it supports the most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

Her Majesty the Queen, Patron of the Red Cross for 64 years, has sent a message to volunteers and staff to thank them for their dedicated work supporting some of the most vulnerable people here in the UK and overseas.

As the charity’s longest-serving Patron, The Queen has supported the British Red Cross across the decades; then Princess Elizabeth, one of her earliest visits was to a Red Cross hut caring for tuberculosis patients in 1951. On the 100th anniversary of the charity, Her Majesty hosted a Buckingham Palace Garden Party for Red Cross staff and volunteers.

As the charity’s President since 2003, The Prince of Wales has recorded an introduction to a new online exhibition, ‘150 voices’, as part of the anniversary.

The online exhibition showcases 150 objects from the British Red Cross museum and archives collection, which have been specially selected to highlight the role of the charity as it supported people during some of the darkest moments in the last century and a half.

Inspired by communities across the UK and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the exhibition includes objects such as a letter from Florence Nightingale, a WWI ambulance drivers’ cap and a food parcel distributed by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent during the Syria crisis.

In the online introduction, The Prince of Wales says: “I am proud to say that my family has played its own part in supporting the work of the British Red Cross throughout its history.

“As President, I have felt it to be of great importance to continue this close association and to help in whatever small way I can to support the extraordinary work of the Red Cross.

“The work of the Red Cross is as essential today as it has ever been, helping those in need both in the United Kingdom and around the world, strengthening our communities and supporting people to face the challenges of an ever-changing and unpredictable world.”

In 2018, His Royal Highness met Red Cross volunteers in the aftermath of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire. At the beginning of this year, The Prince also met with staff and volunteers while visiting the flood hit town of Pontypridd, South Wales following Storm Dennis.

Most recently, HRH thanked Red Cross staff and volunteers through a video message, for their continued work during coronavirus.

As part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, The Duchess of Cambridge has penned a letter to 150 nominated Red Cross staff and volunteers, which will be sent alongside a commemorative coin from the Royal Mint.

The Duchess has a special connection to the charity, with her own great-grandmother and grandmother having volunteered as Red Cross nurses.

As Vice-President of the British Red Cross, Princess Alexandra spoke to a recipient of The Duchess’s letter and one of the charity’s longest serving volunteers, Anne Taylor, 87.

Anne has been volunteering for 80 years, having joined the British Red Cross on the 1st January 1940, when she was just seven years old at the height of WWII. More recently, Anne has helped to run the Red Cross mobility aids service in Truro, Cornwall.

Anne said of her conversation with Princess Alexandra: “It was a real honour to have royalty talking to me on the phone and to be able to share a lovely conversation about some of the things I’ve done over the years with the British Red Cross.

“I couldn’t believe that she mentioned meeting me before. It was a very normal conversation, we spoke about my time as a volunteer and about normal things, such as family and everyday life. A real privilege.”

The Royal Family has a long history of supporting the work of the British Red Cross, dating back to 1870 when Queen Victoria became the first official Patron of the charity.

Mike Adamson, Chief Executive of the British Red Cross said: “We are very grateful to the Royal Family for their committed support to the British Red Cross throughout our long history and today as we mark our 150th anniversary.

“The British Red Cross has been helping people in crisis for 150 years; through two World Wars, working hand in hand with the NHS since its creation in 1948 and today in communities across the UK and overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Throughout our history it is the kindness of our volunteers, as well as the generosity of our supporters that has meant we can be there for people when they need us most, wherever they are and whomever they may be.”

Visit the 150 Voices online exhibition: www.redcross.org.uk/150voices

Letter: First aid should be compulsory throughout the UK, says campaigner Marina Fogle

Dear Editor, 

You never know how you would act in an emergency, yet our actions could save a life.

This is why I think it’s fantastic that, after 10 years of campaigning by the British Red Cross, it will be compulsory for first aid skills to be taught in all state schools in England from 2020. It’s an  impactful way to give young people the confidence they need to help someone.

As parents, Ben and I are so thrilled our children will be able to learn these important skills so that they never feel completely helpless in an emergency situation.

It’s also a relief knowing that if anything were to happen to them in the future, more people might be able to help.

So many women I know, especially those weaning their babies, are terrified of the possibility of their child choking. But children learning first aid could make all the difference if one of their younger siblings was choking at home.

This new legislation, however, is just for schools in England. At the moment teaching first aid in schools in the rest of the UK is optional.

We support the British Red Cross’s calls for it to become a compulsory part of the curriculum throughout the UK so all school children get the same chance to learn how to save a life.

Marina Fogle

Marina Fogle is a campaigner, co-founder of the Bump Class and host of The ParentHood podcast. She is married to British Red Cross Ambassador and TV adventurer Ben and mother to Ludo and Iona.

British Red Cross shares top first aid tips for new mums ahead of Mother’s Day

Tracey Taylor, First Aid Education expert at the British Red Cross, said: “Having a baby or toddler can be an anxious time for any new parent – from weaning and teething to encouraging little ones to explore the world around them. But by learning simple first aid skills, parents can feel confident that they can help in an emergency should they ever need to.

“Our research shows that three out of four parents don’t have the skills and confidence to help a choking baby. No parent wants to be in the situation where their baby is injured or ill and they don’t know what to do, but helping is easy when you know how.

“At the British Red Cross we believe that all mums and dads should be able to act in a first aid emergency. These are simple skills that could make all the difference.”

Key stats

Many parents don’t have the simple first aid skills that could save their child’s life in an emergency. From our research we found that:

  • 65% of parents wished they had learnt some first aid skills before having a baby[1].
  • Three out of four parents in the UK would not be able to help a baby who’s choking. Only 24% of mums and dads are confident and knowledgeable enough to help a choking baby*.
  • More than 40 per cent of parents who took their child to A&E went because they were worried and didn’t know what to do**.

How to help a baby who is choking

If a baby is choking, they won’t be able to cry, cough, make any noise or breathe.

1. Give back blows: hold them face down along your thigh with their head lower than their bottom. Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades up to five times.

  1. If back blows do not dislodge the object, give chest thrusts: turn them over so they are facing upwards and place two fingers in the middle of their chest, just below the nipples. Push sharply downwards up to five times.

3. Call 999 if the object does not dislodge. Continue with cycles of back blows and chest thrusts until the object dislodges.

How to help an unresponsive and breathing baby 

1.Check for breathing. Tilt their head back and look and feel for breaths by looking at their chest to see if it’s moving and feeling for breaths on your cheek. If they are breathing, move on to step two.

2.Hold the baby on their side with their head slightly tilted back, supported and lower than their bottom.

3.Call 999.

How to help a baby or child who has a burn

1. Cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes.

  1. After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.

  2. Always seek medical advice if a baby or child has been burned.

How to help a baby or child who is having a febrile seizure

Febrile seizures are caused by a fever or high temperature. When a baby has a febrile seizure they may arch their back, stiffen their body and have clenched fists. They may be red faced, hot to touch and sweating.

1. Protect them from injury, but do not restrain them.

2. Cool them by removing outer clothing and opening a window if the room is hot.

  1. When the seizure is over, help them to rest on their side with their head tilted back.

  • If the symptoms continue or it is their first seizure, seek medical advice.

    • How to help a baby or child with meningitis

    1. The baby or child may have flu-like symptoms, a headache and a high temperature. They may also complain of a stiff neck and be sensitive to light. At a later stage, a rash may form (that does not disappear when a glass is pressed against it)
    2. If you observe any of these symptoms, call 999. A baby or child with meningitis can deteriorate very quickly. It is potentially very serious and needs immediate attention.
    3. Give them constant reassurance while waiting for the ambulance.

    Life in the balance: Research shows just a 50:50 chance someone would be confident to save your life in an emergency

    Alarming new research released by the British Red Cross shows that there is just a 50:50 chance that someone would be confident enough to help you in a first aid emergency.

    Research conducted for World First Aid Day, with a sample of 2,004 UK adults, found there was a worrying lack in confidence amongst the British public when it comes to stepping in to help in a first aid emergency:

    • Whilst most of us (88%) would want someone to come to our aid, only half (50%) of UK adults would actually feel confident about helping.
    • The majority of those asked (70%) said that they would worry about making it worse or doing something wrong.
    • Most worryingly, just 4% of people knew the correct first aid skills, and said they were both confident and likely to help someone in three of the most life threatening scenarios*.

    Ahead of World First Aid Day on Saturday 8 September the British Red Cross is empowering the nation to learn five simple skills that could save a life. These include how to help someone who is: choking, bleeding heavily, unresponsive and breathing, unresponsive and not breathing and having a seizure.

    During a life-threatening emergency it is the actions of the first person on the scene that can mean the difference between life and death. Doing something is always better than nothing.

    When Joanna Mitchell’s husband suffered the first of two cardiac arrests on New Year’s Day, he became unresponsive and stopped breathing and it was her quick-thinking and first aid knowledge that saved his life.

    Joanna, 52, who has been with her husband Graham for almost 20 years, gave him chest compressions for 11 minutes before the ambulance crew arrived. Her actions kept his blood flowing to his vital organs keeping him alive until help arrived.

    Graham, 52, had been complaining that he didn’t feel well just moments before he collapsed on the floor.

    Joanna, from Herne Bay in Kent, said that everyone should know these vital skills, which could end up saving their loved ones or someone else’s.

    Joanna said: “My first thought was to run but then something kicked in because I had learned first aid and I knew what I had to do. I asked my daughter to call an ambulance and sent her outside to wait for it. She left the phone on speaker and the call handler supported me all the way, even when I thought there was no point continuing.

    “It was the most terrifying 11 minutes of my life, but if I needed to I would do it again. And not just for my husband, for anyone who needed it. Without this knowledge I would be a widow and my children would have lost their dad. I’ve made sure that all of my daughters know first aid skills.”

    Joe Mulligan Head of First Aid at the British Red Cross said: “We would all want someone to come to our aid if we were injured or ill, but the fact that so few people feel they have the knowledge and confidence to step in and help in the most serious first aid scenarios is concerning.

    “The actions of the first person on the scene of a life-threatening emergency are vital. In the same way that everyone knows to call 999, it’s so important that people have the skills to act before the ambulance arrives.

    “It’s normal to feel worried about the prospect of an emergency like this, but doing something is always better than doing nothing. Taking five minutes to learn these five simple skills will give you the confidence to act calmly, and could save someone’s life.”

    For World First Aid Day the British Red Cross is calling on the nation to be ready. Show your kindness, give us five minutes of your time and we’ll give you five simple skills that could save a life.

    Find out more at redcross.org.uk/firstaid.