A ‘celebrity chef’ has teamed up with a well-known first-aid charity to raise awareness in the hospitality industry of the importance of life-saving knowledge.
Andrew Turner, executive head chef of Wilton at St. James, in London, and a regular on TV cookery shows, has pledged his support to St John Ambulance in its efforts in the hospitality sector to make first aid a priority– not just as a legal tick-box exercise but as an act of responsibility to protect staff and customers.
The charity says its research shows that 150,000 people die every year when first aid could have given them the chance to live – that’s equal to the number of people who die from cancer each year, or equivalent to just under 10 per cent of the hospitality industry’s workforce.
Commented Andrew: ‘I believe that first-aid training should be something that is offered to all employees, whether they are in the kitchen, front of house, or departments within the establishment. With these workers coming into contact with thousands of people every day, from customers and colleagues, to suppliers and contractors, it is vital for them to know how to respond in an emergency.
“It’s also important to recognise that it’s a skill that you may need to use on members of your family, friends, or community so it doesn’t just benefit the work environment.”
Andrew has done a HSE-approved first aid at work course and a first-aid refresher course to make sure he feels confident. This also goes for his staff, who are actively encouraged to learn first aid and take regular refresher courses. He is encouraging other businesses to take the same approach.
Sue Killen, CEO St John Ambulance, said: ‘We are delighted to have Andrew on board as an advocate for the importance of first aid in the hospitality industry. Too many people die needlessly every year when first aid could have given them the chance to live.
“With Andrew’s help we hope to encourage restaurants, hotels and bars to put first aid higher on their health and safety agendas.”
To find out more about first-aid courses, visit www.sja.org.uk
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