Should truck drivers get first aid training?

Many experts have been recommending for years that all Truck Drivers should undergo First Aid training. In fact some companies do make it mandatory, especially for long haul drivers.

But what’s often overlooked is why knowing First Aid is so important for everyone, not just the truck driver.

Truckers - the de-facto 'first responders' in outback emergencies

Australia is a huge country. Many truckies take long journeys into very isolated places throughout our nation.

If there is an accident on an outback road, often a truck driver will be the first person to come across it, especially if it's in the middle of nowhere.

In these cases, where an ambulance or other medical help could be hours away, the skills and knowledge of a truck driver, if he has done first aid training, could be a literal lifesaver.

Knowing how to apply CPR, how to stop bleeding, how to handle someone who has a suspected neck or back injury, etc, etc these are all vital skills that truckies will have if they have done first aid training.

This is true whether the accident involves someone in a car, on a motorbike or even a fellow truckie.

Not just a first aid practitioner but also a first aid kit holder

Generally, truck drivers also carry first aid kits in their trucks as well. So not only is it helpful that a driver be trained in first aid, but the vital medical equipment they carry in their first aid kits can help dress injuries, wash harmful substances from people’s eyes, and so on.

This combination of the right skills and the right equipment being on site at the right time can literally be a matter of life and death for someone injured in the outback of Australia.

The person a truckie might help, could be themselves

Incredibly, if you think about it, knowing the skills of first aid can even help the truck driver themselves if they are in an accident. If the driver is injured in accident but still conscious, they can help any bystanders to assist themselves by explaining how to apply basic first aid techniques. The driver can also direct bystanders to locate the first aid kit in the truck and tell them how to use the contents.

All this is equally true, even if the accident happens on a busy freeway because the truck driver is already there on scene and can apply their knowledge of first aid and use their first aid kit while the ambulance is on its way.

Truckies can also be a vital emergency communication link

Most truck drivers also have CB radios. These can provide a vital communication link in an emergency if the accident happens outside of normal mobile phone coverage like somewhere in the outback.

We’ve also all seen videos of truckies using their trucks to protect people in broken down cars or after accidents. A huge semi-trailer with flashing lights parked behind two cars involved in an accident is a pretty good safety barrier on a freeway.

So truckies do an incredible job of keeping Australia moving. But with first aid training under their belt, and a first aid kit under their seat, they are often, quite literally our first responders out there on Australia’s lonely long distance roads.

If you need assistance organising first aid training for a fleet of truck drivers or need to book it for yourself, call us at Results First Aid training on 1300 661 065.

We do on-site training anywhere in Victoria for any group of 10 people or more. And we also offer Blended Training which lets you do most of the training online. It's convenient and a real time-saver.

Find out more or book now at https://www.resultsfirstaid.com/courses

Q. Is it mandatory for truck drivers to be trained in first aid?

A. It is NOT legal requirement for truck drivers to be trained in first aid. However many companies that employ truck drivers, such as large fleet operators, often ensure that their drivers are trained in first aid. Not just for helping other drivers out on the road but also for themselves too.

Q. Is first aid training or CPR certification required for heavy vehicle drivers?

A. No, it is not explicitly mandated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for standard heavy vehicle driver licensing. However, transport operators still hold a Primary Duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and general Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws to manage risks and ensure driver safety.

Q. Should I ensure my truck drivers are trained in first aid?

A. It can be a very smart move to train your truck drivers in first aid. Especially if you employ drivers on long routes. If they are involved in an accident out in the middle of nowhere their first aid training will help them survive and if they come across an accident they will know how to help?

Q. How can I book first aid training in Truganina for my fleet of truck drivers?

A. You can easily book first aid training in Truganina for your truck drivers simply by visiting this page. https://www.resultsfirstaid.com/courses We are conveniently located at 70 Foundation Rd. If you have more than 10 drivers or staff to train at the same time, we can come to you!

Q. Do Safe Work Australia regulations require first aid kits in commercial trucks?

A. Yes, absolutely. Under the Safe Work Australia model WHS Code of Practice, a truck cab is considered a workplace. If an employee travels or works out of a vehicle, employers must ensure a first aid kit is provided inside that vehicle.

Q. What specific items must be in a WHS-compliant commercial vehicle first aid kit?

A. A commercial vehicle kit must be equipped to handle roadside hazards. It should contain basic items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile dressings, eye wash, medical tape, shears, and nitrile gloves. Because Australian transport routes can be highly remote, adding a Snake & Spider Bite kit (with heavy crepe compression bandages) is strongly recommended.

Q. Where can I purchase approved roadside emergency first aid kits?

A. You can purchase the necessary first aid kits from us at Results First Aid. Simply visit our online store at https://www.resultsfirstaid.com/category/workplace

Q. Where can our drivers take a compliant or standard first aid and CPR course?

A. Drivers should complete nationally recognised training through an accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Standard workplace courses include HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid). This course is provided by Results First Aid. Book here at https://www.resultsfirstaid.com/courses

Q. What are the legal liabilities if a truck driver stops to help at a crash scene?

A. Truck drivers are protected from civil liability by Good Samaritan provisions embedded within each state and territory's Civil Liability Act (e.g., the Civil Liability Act 2002 in NSW). They cannot be sued for compensation as long as they act in good faith, without gross negligence, and within their level of training.

Q. What are the step-by-step first aid procedures drivers should follow while waiting for emergency services?

A. Australian protocols mandate following the standard DRSABCD Action Plan taught by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC):

• Danger: Ensure the area is safe. Activate hazard lights and position your three warning triangles down the road.

• Response: Check if the casualty is conscious.

• Send for help: Call Triple Zero (000) immediately and state your exact highway or route position.

• Airway: Clear and open the casualty's airway.

• Breathing: Check for normal breathing.

• CPR: If they are not breathing, start 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths.

• Defibrillation: Attach an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if one is accessible on-site.

• (Trauma Add-on): Put on gloves and apply firm pressure to control severe external bleeding.