EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/103

(2004/C 78 E/0103)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2320/03

by Christoph Konrad (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 July 2003)

Subject: First aid at the scene of an accident

The Commission recently drew attention to the enormous death toll on the roads in EU Member States and submitted an extensive road safety action programme. Against this background, on 20 June 2003 the Commission adopted a proposal for a directive which would make it compulsory, from July 2004, for all types of vehicles newly placed on the market to be fitted with seatbelts.

Therefore, the following questions:

1. According to the information at the Commission's disposal, would the situation be improved if all applicants for driving licences in the European Union were required to take a short course in emergency measures at the scene of an accident, which is already compulsory in Germany and Austria, for example? If so, will the Commission submit a legislative proposal to this effect in the foreseeable future?

2. Would a qualified first aid course, such as those which the St John's Ambulance Brigade offers to all driving licence-holders in Britain, considerably improve first aid in emergencies? If so, will the Commission submit a legislative proposal on the subject in the foreseeable future?

3. Are the existing rules on the contents of first aid kits for vehicles licensed in EU Member States and the applicant countries adequate? In connection with the requirement to keep a first aid kit in a vehicle, would a minimum level of instruction to ensure its proper use be appropriate? If so, will the Commission submit a legislative proposal on the subject in the foreseeable future?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(11 September 2003)

On 14 September 2000 the Commission adopted a Directive on driving licences which significantly raised the minimum requirements for driving tests. Several provisions of the Directive, which will enter into force on 1 October 2003, deal with the question of first aid. Accordingly, anyone wishing to obtain a driving licence must have a knowledge of the general rules specifying how drivers must behave in the event of an accident (setting warning devices and raising the alarm) and the measures they can take to assist road accident victims. Even stricter requirements apply to persons wishing to obtain a heavy goods vehicle or bus licence: they must have a knowledge of the measures to be taken after an accident or similar occurrence, including action such as evacuation of passengers and a basic knowledge of first aid.

The Commission would also draw the Honourable Member's attention to the proposed directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the initial qualification and periodic training of professional drivers (1). The list of subjects to be covered by the initial qualification and the periodic training includes assistance in the event of an accident and goes beyond what is required in order to obtain a driving licence. Individuals must be able to assess the situation, prevent further complications arising, summon assistance, assist casualties and give first aid, react in the event of fire and evacuate the occupants.

The Commission is of the opinion that these two Community acts meet the requirements, and is not planning any further legislation in this area.

It is for the Member States to decide whether vehicles should carry a first aid kit, and whether drivers should undergo special training. At present, there is nothing to suggest to the Commission that European legislation is warranted here. However, it does believe that several thousands of lives could be saved if the emergency services were able to arrive sooner at the scenes of accidents. It is therefore studying how the process of emergency service alert and intervention can be automated. In the meantime, the decision to provide the emergency services with information enabling them to locate emergency calls made using the 112 number is an important step forward (2).

(1) COM(2003) 296 final.

(2) This is required by Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services, OJ L 108, 24.4.2003, and referred to by the Commission recommendation of 25 July 2003.