Statistics revealed in Parliament a couple of weeks ago, showing that 18 state schools do not have at least one first aider, are shocking. What is also shocking is that fact that 10 independent schools between them have more first aiders than 109 government schools.

From the figures tabled in Parliament it also emerged that one of the schools that does not have a single first aider is the National Sports School.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said that while several teachers have sat for first aid training, many do not practice first aid because they are afraid that they might get sued, since the law does not cover them if something goes wrong. The minister acknowledged that this was not the ideal situation and said the government plans to change the laws, making it easier for people to put their skills to practice in the event that someone is injured. One wonders, if no one is covered by the law, why independent schools have no shortage of first aiders, whereas government schools do.

In any case, the government seems to want to address the situation, and the Education Minister has also told this newspaper that the next step is to introduce mental health first aid - a commendable step which was welcomed by the Richmond Foundation.

But maybe the time has come for first aid to become a compulsory school subject. Fear of practicing first aid for being later sued in court could stem from a lack of confidence in one’s own skills. That could be tackled if first aid is taught in schools, at a young age, when the brain is like a dry sponge, absorbing information.

It is done in some European countries (such as in Norway, where 95% of the population is trained in first aid), and it would not be a bad idea to follow their example.

The suggestion is being borrowed from Professor Victor Sultana, whose son Robert died at a barbeque because none of those present were able to perform first aid. Professor Sultana used to provide free first aid lectures in the past, and participation was good, but was dismayed to learn that the skills he taught were rarely being put to use. 

Professor Sultana’s suggestion makes sense. First aid is a basic skill that people should be taught from a young age. Languages and math are important, but so is being able to save a person’s life.

If children learnt these skills it might also lead adults to follow suit. By making first aid part of the compulsory curriculum, with refresher courses and a fun way of teaching, children ought to become proficient in the art of delivering critical and timely medical assistance without hesitation. Many people tend not to think about the legal consequences when someone is in dire need of help – the ‘act now, think later’ situation. But a person who does not know how to give first aid will probably hold back from helping, and probably should too. This problem can be eliminated if first aid is second nature to that person, and this can only be done through proper and early education.

There have been instances where children trained in first aid rushed to help people who were in life or death situations. These children did not hesitate. They certainly did not stop to worry that they can be sued by the victim, or the victim’s family, if things went south. All children should possess the same skills. Employers, including the government, could also introduce mandatory first aid courses for all employees.