Truckers on a mission to improve outcomes in RTCs 18 July 2013

An initiative aimed at reducig road traffic collision casualties has been launched at a event attended by senior members of the emergency services and Shadow Minister for Transport Jim Fitzpatrick MP.

The scheme, dubbed Driver First Assist (DFA), aims to equip professional drivers with the tools they need to make a difference when faced with an RTC.

DFA's objective is to provide drivers with training in basic first aid techniques, and to instruct them on how to manage the scene prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

An estimated 46% of fatalities could be prevented if first aid assistance was available early at the scene of an RTC. Between 39% and 85% of deaths may be due to airway obstruction..

"We look forward to working in partnership with DFA to ensure the highest standard of first aid training is provided to all who participate," comments Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) chairman and CEO of West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Dr Anthony Marsh.

"Providing professional drivers, who are often first to witness or come across incidents, with basic life support training and the knowledge to know what to do, will ultimately mean patients get the care they need whilst emergency help is en route," he adds.

The initiative also has the support of the police, through the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers), the fire service, through CFOA (the Chief Fire Officers Association) and the ambulance service through AACE (the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives).

DFA is also supported by the NHS and senior traffic commissioner Beverley Bell.

Speaking at the launch event, founder of Driver First Assist David Higginbottom said: "Our vision is for hundreds – if not, ultimately, thousands – of trained drivers equipped to take action in the first critical moments after an RTC.

"Simple first aid techniques could do much to reduce casualties while the emergency services own ability to perform would be dramatically enhanced by receiving an onsite situation report the moment they arrive on scene," he aded.

A number of truck drivers have already taken part in the DFA training programme, following its first-phase launch at the CV Show 2013 in April.

The national launch of the campaign now allows all professional drivers, be they in a truck, bus, coach or car, to take part in the scheme.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Department for Transport

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