Industry bodies have come together to provide drivers with training that could save a life
Drivers will soon be able to access free online first aid training as part of a collaboration between transport association NatRoad and St John Ambulance.
The two will combine to run the program which will see truckies awarded a first aid certificate upon its completion.
The program will be accessed through a QR code that will be promoted in Prime Creative Media publications.
St John Ambulance Australia CEO Brendan Maher recognises that truckies are often are first at the scene at accidents, and need easily available training.
“This First Aid initiative recognises the important role of Australia’s truckies,” Maher says.
“With accidents often occurring on regional or remote stretches of road, access to emergency medical care can take time.
“Having basic first aid skills that can be applied until help arrives, can save a life.”
In addition to the training program, the organisations will also supply first aid kits at a discounted price, making them available for all truckies.
Normally $264, the kit will be available to all drivers for $79 via the St John Ambulances ecommerce platform, supported by Ampol, Bridgestone, NTI and PACCAR & Dealer Industry Fund.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark gave his thanks for the initiative at the NatRoad annual conference on the Gold Coast.
“NatRoad’s thanks go not only to St John Ambulance but the NHVR and Prime Creative Media for their support of this important initiative,” he says.
“The partnership is a reminder that our entire industry has a stake in keeping people safe.”
Working in conjuction with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), all the relevant parties have been addressed to best deliver the training.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says that drivers will only benefit from the program.
“Thanks to this important partnership, truck drivers around Australia will be better equipped to deal with emergencies,” he says.
“Drivers are the ones out on the roads every day, so it’s incredibly important to see them better prepared for those times when they’re first on the scene of an accident.
“We’re all committed to making the roads a safer place, and having this training in place will hopefully save lives.”