The recently appointed commissioner of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade has called on residents to be prepared for crisis situations.

"It is no longer acceptable to leave it up to others to become skilled in first aid and CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation),'' Irven Simmons told Hamilton Rotarians at their weekly luncheon meeting at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

"As caring individuals I will invite you to picture in your mind a young baby who has suffered a brain injury as a result of a car crash,'' he suggested.

"Can you also picture a young equestrian who has been thrown from her horse? Or picture also an elderly gentleman who has suddenly suffered a heart attack.

"In each of these scenarios picture yourself standing by, unable to assist with the needed care.

"I'm sure you will agree that for each of these scenarios the outcomes are quite bleak.'' But Mr. Simmons said the negative outcomes could be avoided by the presence of the Brigade or a trained member of the public.

"We strive to provide affordable training in first aid and CPR so that as many persons in the community as possible will be in compliance with health and safety regulations,'' he added.

And he also pointed out that the 900-year-old charity has more than 20,000 international members and has been in Bermuda since the 1800s.

"As a humane organisation we provide free injury control services at community events irrespective of race, creed, social class, or ability to pay,'' he said.

"As a proactive association we offer affordable injury prevention courses aimed at protecting our children.'' HEALTH HTH