Forum: Red Cross supports call to include first-aid training for learner drivers

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has long advocated for first-aid training to be incorporated into driver education, recognising that motorists are often among the first on the scene of a road emergency (Include first-aid training for learner drivers, Sept 1). This reflects our longstanding belief that first aid should be accessible to everyone so that members of the public can provide lifesaving assistance before professional help arrives. A safer road culture is one where drivers are prepared not only to drive safely but also to respond effectively when someone needs help. First-aid training equips drivers to assess a situation, call for emergency assistance and provide appropriate care while waiting for professional help. In emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking or severe bleeding, early intervention can make a critical difference. First-aid skills are not only relevant to road accidents. They can also be applied to emergencies at home, at work and in public spaces. In Singapore, where first aid is already taught in the community and at workplaces, incorporating it into driver education could be another practical way to build a more prepared and resilient population. The Singapore Red Cross Academy teaches individuals practical skills in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators. We are keen to explore partnerships with driving centres and ride-hailing platforms to make first-aid training more accessible to drivers and riders. Ultimately, equipping more people with the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency can strengthen our collective resilience and help save lives. Benjamin WilliamSecretary General/CEOSingapore Red Cross