10 Yetis Examples of Good and Bad Public Relations - Monday 17th September 2012

Sep 17th 2012

Good Monday everybody. Lloyd here with today's Good and Bad PR

Bad PR

Vanish get the vote for bad PR today as their washing machine capsules almost blind a child. The brightly coloured packets look appealing to children, who can mistake them for sweets. In this instance a 22-month-old bit into a capsule and the detergent sprayed him in the face, leaving him in hospital and on a drip. I appreciate that there's a need for unhealthy chemicals in cleaning substances, but maybe the packaging isn't the most sensible in a family kitchen. They do come in a childproof box and should be kept out of reach, but it's an image blow for Vanish as safety conscious stay at home mums may steer clear.

Good PR

Using something bad for good PR here, as St John's Ambulance highlights the importance of first aid training with a shocking advert showing a cancer sufferer pull through, only to choke to death at a barbecue. Screening it in the ad break for the popular ITV drama Downton Abbey ensured maximum coverage. It's certainly opened my eyes to the dangers of a lack of awareness in first aid as I'd be clueless and therefore helpless, which is the message they're trying to convey. I'm sure there'll be complaints from viewers but with the press coverage generated by this improving awareness, it's all an added bonus. Shocking, but important.