Key points
- NatRoad has received funding from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), to translate its life-saving Truckie First Aid program into multiple languages, with roll-out to be completed in 2025.
- 1500 truck drivers have completed the course since it launched in October 2023, and those with English as a second language will soon be able to access the training more easily.
NatRoad and St John Ambulance partnered to create an innovative, online First Aid training program for truck drivers in October 2023. Since that time, over 1500 drivers have completed the free, online Truckie First Aid program. Now funding has been secured to translate Truckie First Aid into multiple languages to help even more drivers to develop life-saving first aid skills.
Supported by the Australian Government, the funding comes from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) as part of their Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).
The NHVR’s Acting Executive Director Corporate Affairs, Steve Smith, said NatRoad is one of 16 grantees that will receive funding as part of a $4.4 million investment towards HVSI projects.
“The delivery of NatRoad’s project will contribute towards making Australia’s roads safer for all users,” Mr Smith said.
Warren Clark, CEO of NatRoad, confirmed the importance of the program to NatRoad members.
“Every day there are thousands of trucks on our roads across the country, including regional and some very remote stretches of road. Truck drivers are often first on the scene of an accident, when every second counts.
“The NHVR funding will allow the online first aid training to be translated into multiple languages. This will make it easier for drivers with English as their second language to complete the training and be confident in what they learn, while reducing barriers to taking the course in the first place.
“I’d like to thank the NHVR for their support in extending this life-saving training to even more truck drivers.”
The program combines best practice training principles, with knowledge and skills drawn from the DRSABCD First Aid action plan, and makes them accessible through a free, online learning tool tailored to the audience.
St John Ambulance Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Watts, was involved in the development, and acknowledges the significance of the program.
“Courses like this allow us to get First Aid knowledge and skills into the hands of our Australian public in a practical way that relates to their daily work and lifestyle.”
Truckie First Aid is a free training that takes 30-40min, is available online to everyone, everywhere, even on your phone at a rest stop.
Visit truckiefirstaid.org.au
Media contact
Email: media@natroad.com.au
About NatRoad
NatRoad has a proud history dating back to 1948. NatRoad is the largest Australian road freight transport association, representing the interests of the $66 billion industry and its members.
With more than 50,000 companies employing over 200,000 people across the country, the road freight transport industry is one of Australia’s biggest economic drivers.
A not-for-profit association, NatRoad is 100% funded through membership fees and business partnerships. No funding is provided by government or unions.
