The NHS is facing a number of challenges, including underfunding, staff shortages, and increasing demands on its services. Some of these points include.

Funding shortages: Despite being a comprehensive healthcare system, the NHS has struggled to keep up with the increasing demand for its services due to a lack of funding. This has resulted in long waiting times for certain treatments and procedures.
An aging population: As people in the UK live longer, they are more likely to need medical treatment and care, which puts additional pressure on the NHS.
The COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has resulted in an increase in the number of patients requiring treatment and care, as well as a shortage of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
Staff shortages: The NHS has struggled to recruit and retain enough healthcare workers to meet the demands of the system. This has led to increased workload and stress for existing staff and has made it difficult to provide timely and effective care to patients.
Infrastructure challenges: The NHS has faced challenges in modernizing and upgrading its facilities, including outdated buildings and a lack of investment in new technology.

As a result, it is more important than ever that individuals have the knowledge and skills to provide first aid in their communities.

First aid is the initial care given to a person who is injured or suddenly becomes ill. It is designed to:

preserve life,
prevent the condition from worsening,
promote recovery

Knowing how to perform first aid can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation, and it is a skill that everyone should possess.

First aiders are so important because they can make a significant difference in the outcome of an emergency situation. They are often the first point of contact for individuals who are injured or become ill, and their actions can be critical in preserving life, preventing the condition from worsening, and promoting recovery.

First aiders are trained to assess the situation and provide appropriate care, such as administering first aid techniques, calling for additional help when needed, and providing comfort and support to the person in need. They can also provide valuable reassurance to other people at the scene of an emergency.

In many cases, first aiders are able to provide initial care that is sufficient until more advanced medical care is available. In other cases, they may be able to provide life-saving care that makes a critical difference in the outcome of the situation.

Overall, first aiders are an essential component of the healthcare system and play a crucial role in ensuring that people receive the care they need in an emergency.

There are many situations in which first aid can be critical, such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and heart attacks. By having the knowledge and ability to provide first aid, individuals can help to stabilise and support the individual until professional help is available. This not only benefits the person who is injured or ill, but it also helps to ease the burden on the NHS.

In addition to the physical benefits of first aid, it can also have a positive impact on an individual's mental health. Knowing how to provide first aid can give a sense of confidence and control in an otherwise chaotic situation, and it can also provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping others.

Overall, the importance of knowing first aid cannot be overstated. It is a valuable skill that can save lives, reduce the burden on the NHS, and provide personal fulfilment. Whether you are a parent, a student, a worker, or a member of the community, it is essential that you have the knowledge and ability to provide first aid when it is needed. So, it is always good to have some basic knowledge about first aid and how to provide it.

The BMA provide extensive information on difficulties currently faced by the NHS. You can read more about this here.