Half of the population at risk of panic in emergencies: experts sound the alarm for urgent workplace first aid training

Experts have sounded the alarm for more workplaces 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.

Only four in 10 people know the first aid skills needed to save someone bleeding out, suffering a cardiac arrest or choking.

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 covering adult resuscitation (CPR), burns and scalds, choking, communication and casualty care, use of defibrillators, bleeding, seizures, shock, unresponsive adults and more.

With greater moves toward hybrid working in recent years, many employers need to reassess their first aid needs. Some workplaces may now need more trained first aiders than in the past, with not all workers being in the same place at the same time.

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.

The St John Ambulance Emergency First Aid at Work training course is especially suited for nominated first aiders in smaller, low risk working environments, such as small offices.

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*.

Iain Ferguson, who was Head of Safety & Sustainability at London North Eastern Railway (LNER) understands firsthand the importance of empowering employees to respond to first aid emergencies.

Iain and his team installed 135 defibrillators across railway stations and trains, with St John Ambulance training their staff to feel comfortable using the equipment should they need to.

“The lifesaving machines were purchased from St John Ambulance – we wanted to ensure that we could intervene with any customers struggling with sudden cardiac arrest,” Iain said.

“The defibrillators were fitted on board because our trains spend a long time travelling between stations, and we wanted to ensure that we could intervene as early as possible, because every minute counts.”

“We had a passenger who was travelling with LNER, he had a massive cardiac event, and we were able to get to him really quickly.”

“My colleague called out on the radio, we were with him within 30 seconds and able to get that defibrillator to him within another 30 seconds.”

“We heard feedback a few days later that he was still in hospital but that he was alive, and I honestly believe that was down to having that defibrillator to him quickly and having people around that weren’t afraid to use it.”

“My team has risen to the challenge of embracing something that’s new, a little bit challenging, probably a little bit scary, and I’m really proud of them doing the hard work to make this a reality.”

“We are literally saving lives.”

St John Ambulance is calling on all employers to invest a day of their employees’ time, to join a one-day St John Ambulance training course and learn lifesaving skills.

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.