Royal Humane Society

The Royal Humane Society was founded in England in 1774 as the Society for the Recovery of Persons Apparently Drowned: founded (German society for the rescue of persons who are apparently drowned ). Purpose of the association was the effective public dissemination of first aid measures drowning and elicit the possibilities of resuscitation of drowned a suitable support.

The physician William Hawes (1736-1808), was famous in 1773 for his efforts to convince the public of the possibilities of reviving drowned by using accessories. For a year he paid out of pocket a bonus to those who brought him within a certain period of a secure out of the water lifeless body. Thomas Cogan (1736-1818), also a doctor, helped him. He had begun to be interested in the same subject during a stay in Amsterdam, where in 1767 a society was founded to save lives in accidents in the water.

In the summer of 1774 both around 15 friends brought to the founding meeting in the Chapter Coffee -house with the environment of the Saint Paul's Cathedral. The company is headquartered at London's Trafalgar Square has over 280 branch offices with equipment to save lives in the UK. The first branch is the "Receiving House " in London's Hyde Park, north of the Serpentine Lake, 1794 on one of George III. provided land had been built.

Boaters and sailors are encouraged swimmers to provide assistance, so-called "ice - men" are sent to various ice rinks in London in winter. The company will award cash and prizes to people who have rescued drowning or tried. In addition, it honors " all cases of extraordinary courage in rescue or rescue attempts Choking in mines, wells or silos " and forgives floating rates at public schools and for training measures on ships. Since 1813, the " Stanhope Gold Medal " for the greatest bravery of the year will be awarded. During the year 1905 843 persons were honored for saving drowning 947. The Company receives through the support of private individuals.