First Aid training isn’t just about giving employees another certificate to hang on the wall. In an emergency, it can make the difference between life and death.

The British Red Cross Lanarkshire Branch offers skilled and professional First Aid training at its base in Fullwood Estate, Burnbank Road, Hamilton. “We run courses, all of which are approved by the Health and Safety Executive, on pretty much a weekly basis and we can often arrange additional courses to suit companies, “says Donald Scott director of the Lanarkshire Branch.

In-house scenarios can also be set up to provide realistic training to suit a company’s particular working environment. It pays to take advantage of these courses with 30 million working days lost through accident, injury or illness at work each year in the UK.

Until this year, training was provided at the charity’s old home in Hamilton’s Auchingramont Road where it had been for 70 years - but this no longer fulfilled its needs.

With the help of property advice from South Lanarkshire Economic Development (SLED), the charity found new premises at an old electrical engineering workshop which had suffered serve water damage. “We had to strip everything right back and start again,” says Donald. Work was carried out with the help of a Property Improvement Grant and Social Inclusion Partnership funding accessed through SLED. The funding helped create a disabled entrance ramp and a lift.

The Lanarkshire Branch’s operations include a medical equipment loan service for those who are ill or disabled. There is also a transport and escort service for those who are older, frail or disabled to help them enjoy greater independence.

In addition, British Red Cross offers health and social care for vulnerable people in the community and an international tracing and message service for families separated by conflict or disaster. More details can be found at www.redcross.org.uk.

The charity is always on the look out for support from local firms and fundraiser Harry Baulch regularly organises fundraising events in Lanarkshire. “We are the world's largest voluntary aid agency and it doesn't do firms any harm to be associated with an organisation of this calibre,” says Harry.

Donald adds, “We are also grateful to businesses who give us their employees time as well. Some will give them time off in lieu if they do work for us.” For more information contact Harry on 01698 326398.

Business South Lanarkshire - Winter 2001

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