Exclusive:Charity to build resilience force of 50,000 responders to rally in face of war, pandemic and climate crisis
St Andrew’s First Aid says more must be done to prepare Scotland for war, another pandemic, climate emergency and the knock-on effects of an under-pressure NHS.
Plans to train up a force of 50,000 first aid responders to build Scotland’s resilience in the face of major incidents have been revealed.
St Andrew’s First Aid (SAFA) wants to launch the country’s first ever National First Aid Academy to in response to threats from war, another pandemic, climate change and the consequences of “unprecedented pressure” on the NHS.
The charity believes that the systems and structures which were in place a generation ago are “long gone” and says there is “growing concern” that the country is “not as prepared and resilient as it needs to be”.
They plan to build a force to tackle looming dangers with 50,000 first aid responders, 250,000 people trained in life-saving skills they can use to support their communities and a further 5,000 volunteers, all in place within the next decade.
In a statement ‘Responding to Uncertain Times’ - which will be published on Monday - SAFA sets out the threats facing the country and says more must be done to prepare for them.
It warns that Scotland faces the future possibility of “being involved in armed conflict” with the potential for an international crisis to “have far-reaching impacts on everyday life, critical infrastructure, supply chains and public services”.
It states we must “strengthen societal preparedness and resilience” and advises: “Civilians would be advised to stockpile essentials (food, water, medicine, radios), while the armed forces and reserves would immediately mobilise for deployment.
“There would be an obvious knock-on impact to public services that may struggle to cope if the employees of our key agencies of government were drawn to support front line activities.
“It is questionable whether we have the local systems and infrastructure to mount a credible community response.”
The statement adds that health and social care services are “under unprecedented pressure” from NHS budget cuts, ageing equipment and waiting times adding that we must be “better prepared” for the next pandemic.
It says: “Post Covid-19, planning is now well underway to cope with the next pandemic which many predict may land within the next eight to ten years.”
SAFA’s plan also emphasises the importance of a climate strategy that shifts “from a reactive, haphazard approach” to a more coordinated one. It adds: “Across the country, climate-induced hazards, notably extreme heat and ongoing urban air pollution, are directly linked to many premature deaths annually.
“Rising sea levels and intense winter storms have led to record breaking flooding, threatening hundreds of thousands of properties and vital transport networks. And wildfires are now commonplace and decimate farmland, buildings and infrastructure. The cost to families, communities and national agencies is exponential.”
SAFA believes charities will play a vital part in responding and adds: “Scotland must strengthen its resilience capacity and capability.
“Voluntary aid societies have been neglected and do not have the volunteer numbers, resources and infrastructure to mount a national response.
“In essence, we are going to need more people who are ready to respond. Ready before the moment of need. Ready with the skills, confidence and awareness to prepare, respond and support others. Ready to strengthen their own communities while working alongside public agencies and the structures already in place.”
Chief Executive Derek Robertson said: “We recognise that communities across Scotland face a range of challenges, including climate-related events, pressures on health and social care services, economic hardship and the potential for international conflict.
“Our statement highlights the importance of ensuring people, communities and organisations have the skills, confidence and connections needed to adapt and respond when difficulties arise.”
A spokesperson for The Emergency Planning Society backed SAFA’s statement and added: “Recent years have shown that resilience is about more than responding to emergencies.
“It relies on strong relationships, capable communities and the skills needed to adapt and recover from challenges.
“The Emergency Planning Society welcomes St Andrew’s commitment to strengthening resilience across Scotland. Its focus on volunteering, preparedness and community capability is a positive contribution to Scotland’s resilience landscape, and we look forward to seeing its impact in communities across the country."
SAFA is Scotland’s largest workplace first aid training provider. Derek Robertson said: “Scotland has a proud history of people coming together to support one another in times of need. Across the country, communities, public services, voluntary organisations and businesses already make an enormous contribution to keeping people safe, well and connected.
“While first aid, and training for first aid, will always remain at the heart of what we do, our ambition is broader. We want to help more people develop the confidence, skills and connections needed to support themselves, those around them and their communities through whatever challenges the future may bring.
“By growing volunteering, strengthening community capability and encouraging more people to become active responders, we can help build communities that are better connected, better prepared and more able to cope with the challenges they may face.”
Mr Robertson added: “We do not seek to replace existing arrangements. Our role is to strengthen the space around them by helping more people develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to support their communities. The National First Aid Academy gives us the platform we will need to train and inspire communities.
“For 144 years, St Andrew’s First Aid has supported people when they needed help most. ‘Responding to Uncertain Times’ represents our commitment to continuing that work and playing an even greater role in strengthening resilience across Scotland for generations to come.
“Of course, the hard work starts now and we will work with all of our stakeholders and partners to develop the appropriate strategic plans and actions that will see us deliver this ambition.
“With plans in place, we will begin the process of recruiting volunteer Responders in 2027, and we will launch our fundraising campaign later this year so that the people of Scotland can get behind our efforts.”
St Andrew’s First Aid will formally launch its community responder recruitment campaign in 2027.
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