A heroic Coffs Harbour truckie has been awarded the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award, after saving a woman’s life in January.
North Coast Towing driver Deon Atkins was presented with the coveted award at the National Trucking Industry Awards Dinner in Canberra last week, where his heroic conduct on the day was celebrated.
Deon was driving on the Pacific Highway on 17 January, when he saw an accident in the distance.
After arriving at the scene, Deon found the woman slumped across her steering wheel and he immediately began performing first-aid.
“I jumped out of my truck, opened her airway and kept her breathing until the ambulance arrived. I did what anyone with my training as an ex fire fighter and first aider would do,” he explained.
“I reached in through the driver’s window, which was smashed, and supporting her head and neck, lifted her up into her seat so I could get the airway open.”
NSW Ambulance Acting Inspector Jacinta Young, the responding paramedic on the day, says Deon’s swift action prevented the accident from resulting in a fatality.
“The actions of [Deon Atkins] saved her life. By simply opening up her airway and maintaining her head in the neutral position, we have no doubt he saved her life,” Young said.
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Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Andrew Moffatt says he’s continually amazed by the selfless efforts of the trucking community.
“Bridgestone takes great delight in presenting the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award in recognition of those who go well beyond the call of duty. It is astounding the lengths that these truck drivers go to driven by their instincts,” Moffatt said.
“Deon Atkins is another stand out of the trucking fraternity who doesn’t see himself as a hero, but has prevented the loss of a life through his quick thinking and direct actions.”
ATA chair Geoff Crouch extended his congratulations to Deon, applauding both the heroic driver and North Coast Towing for demonstrating a safety-first focus.
“Truck drivers like Deon Atkins and companies like North Coast Towing are a reminder of the benefit of having effective training and safety procedures in place,” Crouch said.
“Deon was able to call on his training, assess the situation and then perform the relevant actions – all while remaining calm and in control of the situation.
“North Coast Towing and Deon prove that all trucking companies, from small operators through to major fleets have a role to play in road safety.”
Owner of North Coast Towing Scott Waites says Deon, who has been with the company since 2016, is a model employee with a spotless driving record.
“Deon is a dedicated and reliable worker who often puts others before himself,” Waites said.