Huhne says "Learn First Aid and don't be a bystander"

5.06.55pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 25th May 2005

Chris Huhne, Eastleigh's new MP today joined with the British Red Cross to highlight the need for first aid skills to be taught throughout the constituency.

Mr Huhne met with members of the British Red Cross to be shown basic first aid techniques which can save lives as part of the 'Don't be a bystander' campaign.

Commenting Chris Huhne said: "This Red Cross campaign is an excellent initiative. People can take advantage of the resources available and learn the skills which can make the difference between life and death. Nobody need be a bystander at the scene of an accident.

"2005 is the Red Cross European Year of Road Safety and we must use this campaign to help reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads. In Hampshire as a whole 866 people were killed or seriously injured on our roads in 2003, and this figure included 21 children who were pedestrians.

"I, along with my Liberal Democrat colleagues, have called for practical measures such as creation of home zones in urban areas and quiet lanes on rural roads to help cut speeds and protect all road users. In these areas, priority would be given to pedestrians and cyclists, not motorists. Simple measures such as these could make a big difference in residential areas of Eastleigh.

"Providing children and adults with the knowledge to avoid accidents, and the skills to respond appropriately in the aftermath of an accident, is vital if we are to cut the number of people who are killed and injured on our roads.

"The Red Cross intend to bring their road show to the area this August and I would urge parents and children to make the most of the opportunity to pick up basic, but essential, skills."