Arnold Clark supports St Andrew’s First Aid through vehicle donation

Arnold Clark has donated a long wheel base Transit van to St Andrew's First Aid to help them continue their charitable work.

Arnold Clark hands over a new van to St Andrew's First Aid

Arnold Clark has recently supported St Andrew’s First Aid through the donation of a long wheel base Transit van. The van will enable the charity to continue their invaluable work throughout the country.

Founded in 1882 to teach First Aid to the masses, the charity provided Scotland with its very first ambulance service. The charity now trains over 20,000 people every year across Scotland.

The team are often present at community gala days, shopping centres and large scale events such as T in the Park, the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden and the Burns an’ a’ that Festival. They provide first aid tutorials, emergency assistance at events and book space for their volunteers so they can tell the public about the vital work they undertake. During one CPR awareness event at intu Braehead shopping centre, the volunteers demonstrated CPR to over 250 shoppers, getting one step closer to creating a nation of lifesavers.

Volunteers teaching shoppers CPR.

Managing Director of Arnold Clark Eddie Hawthorne said,

‘We’re delighted to support this vital organisation and we’re confident our donated vehicle will help them to educate the public about the importance of First Aid and provide critical support at more events.’

The team are also looking forward to the annual First Aid Awards, which will take place on Friday 27th November at The Glasgow City Hotel. It’s a very prestigious black tie event that has been created to recognise individuals, volunteers and businesses that are leading the way in first aid.

One of their most recent ventures was the BandAge15 schools project. The team worked with four schools in deprived areas of Glasgow, teaching pupils a fully certified First Aid course and an added Peer Facilitation course. They trained over 400 pupils in first aid and created over 30 peer facilitators.

St Roch’s Secondary pupils graduating from the course.

Stuart Callison, CEO of St Andrew’s First Aid expressed his gratitude:

‘I would like to thank Arnold Clark for generously supporting St Andrew's First Aid. The vehicle they have donated will enable us reach more people across Scotland, especially those in rural and remote areas, and help us on our mission to create a nation of lifesavers.’

Volunteers working at the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Tips for dealing with a road accident

St Andrew’s First Aid also shared with us some tips for dealing with a road accident and making the incident area as safe as it can be. However, it’s important to ensure you do not put yourself or others in further danger.

Park safely – Park well clear of the incident site, set hazard flashing lights and put on a high visibility jacket or vest if you have one.
Make the accident scene visible – Set up a warning triangle or another vehicle with hazard lights at least 45 metres (49 yards) from the incident site in each direction. Bystanders can help with this while you assist the casualty. Ask helpers who are wearing high visibility clothes to warn other drivers to slow down.
Make vehicles safe – Switch off the ignition of any damaged vehicle and, if possible, disconnect the battery. Pull the supply cut-off on large diesel vehicles. This is normally found on the outside of the vehicle and will be marked.
Stabilise vehicles – If a vehicle is upright, apply the handbrake, put it in gear and/or place blocks in front of the wheels. If it’s on its side, do not attempt to correct it but perhaps try to prevent it from moving further if it is safe to do so.
Be aware of physical dangers – Look out for traffic and advise no one to smoke near the incident site.
Alert the emergency services – Make them aware of any damaged power lines, spilt fuel or any vehicles with Hazchem signs.