Magyar Suzuki and Hungarian Red Cross launch campaign to increase willingness to provide first aid

11 September, 2025

We know it is our moral and civic duty, yet there is still room for improvement in how we should provide first aid. Most people fear that their intervention might make matters worse, although experts say no medical degree is needed to save a life if we act with presence of mind.

While obtaining a driver’s licence requires learning the basics of first aid, very few people feel confident stepping in as bystanders at a road accident – this was revealed by a representative survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Magyar Suzuki . Of course, it is difficult to cope with the feeling that someone’s life may depend on us. The vast majority of respondents – more than 80 percent – believe that providing help is a moral and civic obligation. However, while two-thirds of the population know the basics of first aid, they are still unsure of what exactly to do; only one in five respondents said that, in the event of an accident, they would know the proper procedure for providing help. Among those who refreshed their first-aid knowledge in the past one or two years, the sense of preparedness and willingness to act was significantly higher than the average.

For unsure drivers, fear is the main obstacle. They are afraid of doing something wrong (46%), and explained their hesitation by referring to a lack of expertise (21%). One in five drivers is shocked by the sight itself and therefore does not – or would not – help. Why do we think a medical degree is necessary for first aid? Calling emergency services (112), securing the scene, and calming the injured person can greatly contribute to stabilising someone’s condition. There is no lower limit to helping – every small action can be valuable.

Realistic situations break down psychological barriers

Overcoming fear and gaining confidence can be achieved by refreshing one’s knowledge of basic first aid. Drivers would be open to this if such training were easily accessible and wouldn’t take much time (a total of 61 percent). Most people who participated in such training had the opportunity to do so at their workplace.

“For us, first aid is not just useful knowledge – it is a mission” – said Dávid Kovács, First Aid Programme Director of the Hungarian Red Cross. – “Our qualified instructors welcome applicants nationwide, and those interested can also meet us at numerous community events. Whether it is a training course or an educational session, the most important thing is the experience and acquiring practical skills. That is why we always provide opportunities to practise first-aid techniques, often involving trained role-players acting as injured persons. This way, participants in our programmes can learn much more than just recognising and, where possible, controlling physiological processes. In realistic scenarios participants can also practice the techniques of so-called psychological guidance – assessing a person’s condition through communication. In addition, they have the opportunity to experience firsthand the mental impact of sometimes frightening sights or environmental factors, such as the presence of a worried relative. Learn first aid – knowledge gives courage, and courage can save lives!”

Helping others can lead to a healthier outlook on life

However, it is important to recognise that an accident affects not only the person involved but also the helper. Half of those surveyed – who had already been in such a situation – felt strengthened by the realisation that helping is important. One in three drivers who witnessed the accident was shaken but glad to have played an active role; some were unsure whether they had done the right thing (4 percent), and some had a negative experience and have been afraid of such situations ever since (5 percent).

“Between ten and twenty percent of external witnesses and helpers in traffic accidents report anxiety and recurring negative memories, even weeks or months after the event. Overall, with expert assistance, this stress can be processed appropriately. At the same time, the experience of successful assistance – no matter how small the intervention – can have a distinctly positive effect. In addition to its obvious social value, it strengthens the helper’s sense of control over their environment and, according to reports, can lead in the long term to a fuller personality with a healthier outlook on life, something often noticed by their social circle,” said traffic psychologist Dávid Zerkovitz.

Magyar Suzuki has been focusing on aspects of road traffic where education and awareness-raising are needed for four years now. In its road-safety campaign entitled “Together on the Roads”, each year it draws attention to a topic where change is needed across society.

“We chose first aid as this year’s campaign topic because our research also confirmed that, while Hungarian drivers know their obligations, they often fail to act because of a sense of uncertainty. Together with our partners, we want to reduce the fear surrounding first aid, because helping others is not only an expected norm but can also be an uplifting experience that can turn an ordinary person into a hero,” said Zsuzsanna Bonnár-Csonka, Head of Corporate Communications of Magyar Suzuki.


What to do if first aid is needed?

• Secure the scene.

• Dial the emergency number (112).

• Attend to the injured person, depending on the situation.

• Regularly check your first aid kit and the expiration dates of its contents.

• If you feel the need, refresh your knowledge and attend a training session. This knowledge can be useful not only on the road but in all areas of life.

• For more information, visit the Together on the Roads – First Aid Can Save Lives page of Magyar Suzuki’s website or on the Hungarian Red Cross website.