First aid true stories
Do you really need to learn first aid skills? How useful could they be in your day-to-day life? Read our true stories and see for yourself.
First aid true stories
Even the simplest first aid skills can make a difference, but did you know only one in 20 people would know what to do in a first aid emergency?
Taking a first aid course and learning basic first aid skills means you could one day help someone in need. Here are just some of the incredible stories shared with us by people who have put their first aid skills to use in everyday life to help others.
Want to submit your own story?
We love to hear how first aid skills have been used to help others. Your experience could inspire others to learn skills you've used in an emergency.
Read people's stories
Stephen’s story
“I remembered what to do because I had learned at first aid club.”
Because Stephen, aged eight, learned first aid at school, he was able to help a stranger who had collapsed on his street.
Leanne’s story
"How I helped my baby having a febrile seizure"
When Leanne spotted her baby having a febrile seizure, her first aid knowledge helped give her daughter the support she needed.
Vikki’s story
"I never want to hear that sound again."
Mum Vikki describes the terrifying moment her baby daughter got burned.
Tim’s story
"I knew I needed to remain calm."
Tim knew how to help when his colleague Tony was having a heart attack.
Gemma’s story
"She wasn't making any noise at all"
When two-year-old Seven choked on a plastic toy brick, her mum Gemma remembered what she’d learned from a British Red Cross video on Facebook and acted quickly.
Helen’s story
"Knowing first aid helped me save a motorcyclist’s life."
Helen' first aid knowledge saved a life when she helped a motorcyclist with a badly severed leg.
Claire’s story
"I had to lean her forward, not back."
When it comes to nosebleeds, a lot of people aren't sure what to do. Luckily, Claire did and was able to help her daughter.
Submit your own story
We love to hear from people who have helped in a first aid emergency. We share these stories in our first aid blog, on our social media channels, in our newsletters and sometimes in the media, as they help to spread the word about the importance of learning first aid. If you have a first aid story to share, please email us with the following details:
- your name
- telephone number
- brief details about what happened
Consent and privacy
By emailing us your details you agree that a member of the British Red Cross team can contact you regarding your first aid story. Your contact details will be stored securely for as long as your story is used (with your consent) or until you request not to be contacted further, after which your details will be deleted. Your contact details will not be shared with any third parties. To find out more how we use your personal data, please look at our privacy policy.
Book a first aid course
If you're inspired by these stories, you can explore first aid courses available for anyone who wants to learn simple skills needed to help.
Learn simple first aid skills
You can learn key skills to use in an emergency, just like the people in our stories. Our first aid advice is simple to learn and easy to remember.
Help communities cope in a crisis
Our free online resources and workshops teach lifesaving first aid and wellbeing skills to millions of people. Help us fund this important work by donating whatever you can.
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