St John Ambulance, NatRoad launch first aid training for truckies

St John Ambulance and the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) have launched free online first aid training for all truck drivers that recognises their status as often being the first responder at an accident scene. The organisations are also making available a first aid kit at a discounted price, thanks to the support of a group of industry sponsors.

The training will be delivered via an online platform that will take participants through basic first aid training, with a certificate issued upon completion. The training will be accessed via a QR code which will be promoted in Prime Creative Media publications. The QR code will also be printed onto Written Work Diaries, thanks to the National Heavy Vehicle Register (NHVR).

NatRoad CEO Warren Clark thanked St John Ambulance, the NHVR and Prime Creative Media for their support of this initiative. “The partnership is a reminder that our entire industry has a stake in keeping people safe,” Clark said.

The training goes hand in hand with the specially adapted first aid kit provided by St Joh Ambulances and NatRoad. St John Ambulance Chief Executive Officer Brendan Maher said truck drivers are an important audience for training and first aid kits. “This first aid initiative recognises the important role of Australia’s truckies. 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,” Maher said.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said the partnership with St John Ambulance and NatRoad will help truck drivers around Australia become better equipped to deal with emergencies. “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,” Petroccitto said.

Image credit: iStock.com/davidf