NEWS COPY
Three in 10 British adults don’t know what number to dial if they need an ambulance, fire assistance or the police, according to a new study.
The research reveals that millions of Brits would be hopeless in the event of an emergency.
Almost seven in 10 don’t know their own blood type, 50 per cent have no idea how to put someone in the recovery position and four in 10 don’t know their way to the nearest hospital.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults also shows a lack of knowledge of basic tasks around the home like checking if the smoke alarm is working, what to do if the electricity goes off, and who to call if you smell gas.
Nearly half also think they would feel panicked, nervous and stressed in an emergency situation.
Gail Hunter, a spokesperson for leading fire and security company ADT, who commissioned the research said: “We are surprised by the findings of this research as householders should be prepared for emergencies that can take place at any time.
“Unfortunately, people don’t often think it could happen to them but ensuring that you and your family have safety precautions in place and basic knowledge of what to do if there is an emergency by visiting the NHS website, could help to save lives.”
The survey found a third of adults have no idea how to tell if the smoke alarm is working or not, while 41 per cent don’t know who to call in the event of a fire.
Worryingly, over half of those questioned don’t regularly check that their fire alarms are working while one in 10 think that testing them twice a year is enough.
Other safety measures around the home which bewilder many adults include what to do if a pipe bursts, where to find the stop cock to turn off the water and how to change a lightbulb or fuse in a plug.
The survey also found that medical hazards which would leave respondents completely puzzled include what do if someone had an allergic reaction or what to do if someone is choking.
While seven in 10 Britons have no idea what their own blood type is and so would be unable to inform a medical expert if needed, while 41 per cent don’t know their own National Insurance number.
The car is also a cause for confusion, as 68 per cent of people don’t know how to change a tyre, 58 per cent wouldn’t know what to do if they broke down and 52 per cent don’t know how to check oil levels.
Two thirds of those polled believe they are pretty savvy when it comes to their own basic safety, although 45 per cent don’t think they have the basic skills required to deal with a home fire, while 55 per cent feel unable to cope with a break in.
A health emergency would leave 64 per cent of adults in a pickle, while 58 per cent wouldn’t feel able to cope with a car or vehicle breakdown.
Gail Hunter of ADT added: ““Many fires could be prevented by being cautious. Taking care not to overload plug sockets, not leaving lit candles and cooking unattended are just a few simple measures that can be put in place to reduce the risk of fire.
“A round the clock monitored fire system, like the one offered by ADT, will alert the fire brigade immediately if a fire starts, which ensure peace of mind.”
“It is important that in the event of a fire you have a planned emergency escape route, you should also have a fully stocked first aid kit and be are able to perform basic first aid.
Most importantly make sure you keep emergency numbers in a safe place where you can access them quickly and easily. Research has shown the majority of fire deaths in London happen when there is a delay in people dialling 999. By putting all of these precautions in place you are ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones. “
COMMON SAFETY MEASURES WHICH BAFFLE BRITS
What to do if someone has an asthma attack 79 per cent
How to deal with an allergic reaction 77 per cent
Know your own blood type 69 per cent
How to change a tyre 68 per cent
How to do CPR 66 per cent
What to do if a pipe bursts / leaks 64 per cent
What to do if someone is choking 59 per cent
What to do if the car breaks down 58 per cent
Where to find the stop cock to turn off the water in the house 53 per cent
How to check the oil level in the car 52 per cent
How not to electrocute yourself when changing a lightbulb 52 per cent
How to change the fuse in a plug 51 per cent
What to do if you smell gas 51 per cent
What to do if the electricity cuts out 51 per cent
How to put someone in the recovery position 50 per cent
What to do if the chip pan sets fire 47 per cent
Where the fuse box is in your house 45 per cent
How to check for a pulse 45 per cent
How to get to the nearest hospital 42 per cent
Know your own National Insurance number 41 per cent
Who to call in the event of a fire 39 per cent
What number to dial to call for fire assistance 33 per cent
What number to dial to call an ambulance 30 per cent
What number to dial to call the police 29 per cent
How to check if the smoke alarm is working 27 per cent
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