Approximately 40 per cent of Londoners are not aware that choking can become fatal within minutes if no first aid is administered.
Research conducted by the health charity St John Ambulance uncovered this data, revealing that 41 per cent of residents in the capital do not understand how rapidly the condition can prove deadly without prompt intervention.
The charity released these findings as it began its annual Save a Life September campaign, which seeks to equip 500,000 individuals with vital emergency skills through complimentary practical demonstrations and digital resources.
Jordan Davison, community education partner at the organisation, explained that choking is frequently regarded as a minor occurrence, yet the outcomes can be catastrophic. He noted that tragically, too many deaths occur simply because those present lack the knowledge or assurance to take action. He urged people throughout September to invest a brief amount of time in acquiring these crucial first aid abilities.
Only a third of Greater London residents reported knowing how to assist someone who is choking by delivering back blows, while 32 per cent indicated they understood the abdominal thrust method.
As many as 37 per cent disclosed they had experienced choking severe enough to induce panic due to breathing difficulties.
Volunteers from St John Ambulance will deliver demonstrations throughout September covering how to aid someone who is choking, along with responses to cardiac arrest, severe blood loss, and defibrillator usage.
Since the initiative was revived in 2024, more than 800,000 individuals have undergone first aid instruction.
Mr Davison emphasised that through the charity’s instructional videos and public demonstrations, people can acquire straightforward, life-preserving abilities that may enable them to rescue a family member, companion, work colleague, or even a stranger. He stated that volunteers would be stationed in communities nationwide, placing first aid knowledge within reach of additional members of the public.