Red Cross Survey Finds More than Two-thirds of Americans Experience a Summer Emergency
News Release: June 7, 2010

Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


As summer approaches, families can be prepared for emergencies by taking a Red Cross course

A new Red Cross survey shows that 68 percent of Americans have been involved in some kind of summer emergency, ranging from insect bites, heat stroke and broken bones to more life-threatening situations. One in every four people say they have been in a situation where someone needed CPR.

The survey1 of more than 1,000 adults found that Americans say they are most comfortable giving CPR to family members, friends and co-workers, with less than half very likely to perform CPR on a stranger. The survey showed that physical appearance was a significant factor when people are deciding to perform CPR on a stranger, and men with a disheveled or sloppy appearance were the least likely to receive assistance, with only half of respondents saying they would very likely try to give them CPR.

Americans plan to be very active this summer, as the survey found that more than 40 percent will go hiking or camping and almost 75 percent will go swimming. While people expect to be active, the Red Cross found that many were not confident they knew what to do in an emergency less than two-thirds felt confident helping a heat stroke victim and fewer than half could help someone with an allergic reaction to an insect or snake bite.

Previous Red Cross research found that nearly 90 percent of Americans say they want to be prepared for an emergency, but they don't know where to start or what to do.

"With so many people outdoors camping, hiking and swimming, it's important that someone in every household get trained in CPR and first aid skills," says John R. Hughes, executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross. "Learning these lifesaving skills is easier and more convenient than you might think, and Red Cross training can help people prevent and respond to life's emergencies - big or small.

"Your local Red Cross offers First aid, CPR/AED courses, teaches swimming and water safety skills and Lifeguard Training so families can stay safe while enjoying their fun in the sun and be prepared to handle emergency situations."

More information about Red Cross courses and a schedule of class times and locations can be found at www.redcrosslv.org or by calling 610-865-4400, ext. 247.


1 Details: Telephone survey of 1,018 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on March 26-29, 2010 conducted by Infogroup | ORC. Margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.


The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 70,000 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.