First aid training and accidents.

First aid training as provided by the St John Ambulance Brigade appeared to be related to reduced incidence of accidents at work. It was also related to heightened safety awareness in a community which was not, however, accompanied by changes in relevant behaviour. A model of factors affecting safety is discussed. In the comment following, Philip Powell draws attention to some risks of defective data and the faulty conclusions that inadequate information may lead to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]