Meeting of the Parliament 27 November 2013
I apologise for the fact that I will have to leave the chamber before the end of the debate, because I have to convene another meeting elsewhere in the building.
I congratulate James Dornan on securing what I understand is his fifth members’ business debate since he was elected two and a half years ago. That in itself is some achievement in comparison with the 10 members’ business debates that I have secured in 10 years—perhaps the whips in his party look more favourably on him than those in mine do on me.
To be serious, James Dornan has again secured recognition of St Andrew’s first aid week. We marked the event last year and we are doing so again this evening. I make no criticism of that—indeed, I believe that such an important issue as first aid should be championed each year—but I apologise if I reiterate some of the points that I made in a previous debate.
This year’s debate focuses on the count me in campaign, which is a great initiative to raise the profile of first aid by recruiting 34,000 signatories to match the 34,000 people who are admitted to hospital each year as a result of household injuries or accidents who would not have required hospital treatment had others been around who had basic first aid training.
The point that is made in the motion is acutely relevant when we consider the pressure on our emergency services and the fact that the NHS constantly has to examine ways of making financial savings. If more individuals undertook training in first aid, that would alleviate some of the strains that are put on our front-line services.
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body offers first aid training and has an impressive record of providing first aid supplies on every floor and in every department in the Parliament building, as well as trained staff.
Last year, I spoke about an episode that happened when my son was a small boy—he almost choked on a golf tee. Fortunately, through my medical background as an anaesthetist, I recognised the symptoms of a blocked airway and knew exactly how to dislodge the object. I think that all people—particularly parents—should be aware of how to deal with situations such as the one that I have described. A knowledge of basic first aid procedures, such as how to stop bleeding, how to maintain an airway and how to position someone who is unconscious to ensure that they do not inhale vomit, can be life saving.
First aid is a vital skill. People can save lives by performing simple procedures, following certain guidelines and giving basic treatment until professional medical help arrives. Time and again we read and hear about people who have survived cardiac arrest because someone with the appropriate knowledge was present and able to maintain circulation and a clear airway until professional help arrived.
There is also an argument for extending basic first aid training to include conditions such as epilepsy so that people can deal with seizures, and simple advice such as not to restrain the person who is having the seizure, to remain calm and to encourage everyone around to do the same should be taught to many more people than it is at present. Although we should never be prescriptive, more widespread teaching of first aid in our schools would benefit all and act as a positive influence on young people throughout Scotland.
As we know, the culmination of St Andrew’s first aid week is the now annual Scottish first aid awards. Last year I said that one of my constituents, Phil Glennie from Braemar mountain rescue team, had been shortlisted for the private sector business award for his enthusiastic delivery of quality first aid instruction to a number of groups including the scouts and the girl guides and young people in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. In case members did not know, I am pleased to report that Phil Glennie won the award.
I wish all those who have been nominated for this year’s award the very best of luck and hope that, whether they win or not, they enjoy the awards event at the Sheraton hotel. I commend them and all first aiders for their tremendous work across Scotland and hope that the recognition of their achievements will encourage many more people to follow in their footsteps.
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