Drivers to Become Life Savers: HGV Express Praises New Drive First Assist Scheme

ACTON, U.K. - May 21, 2013 - PRLog -- HGV Express has praised the new Drive First Assist course currently being trialled in the West Midlands. The scheme sees lorry drivers trained in life-saving skills, a prospect which allows them to provide valuable support to the emergency services. In addition, it could increase the employability of drivers in what is currently a very competitive industry.

With the government reporting an average of seven fatalities on the UK’s roads every day, ambulance drivers are only too aware that in the event of a road traffic collision every minute counts. By coaching lorry drivers, who are often first to witness or come across such incidents, in basic life support training and information on what to do while they’re awaiting the arrival of the emergency services, means that the victim ultimately receives the care that they need whilst professional medical attention is on its way.

It is thought that if the Drive First Assist scheme proves to be successful it could be rolled out across the United Kingdom. At the moment HGV drivers are learning these life-saving skills as part of a one day course put on by the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Central Motorways Police Group. The course, which covers scene management and first aid, should complement the training that drivers already receive as part of their HGV courses.

Tahir Mahmood, Manager of HGV training company HGV Express, thinks that this is a smart move for the industry: “At HGV Express, health and safety is considered an integral part of many courses, with many modules covering First Aid and emergency response. We’re all about up-skilling and I feel that
health and well-being are important areas for lorry drivers to consider. I think that anyone within the industry should partake in regular health checks and enjoy breaks from their vehicle. However in this case it appears that this qualification could be the difference between life and death for many motorists.”

Tahir believes that taking this course could also potentially help drivers increase their employability. “In today’s current work climate, getting a new job or contract is extremely competitive. It therefore helps to be able to offer something that your competitors don’t. As more people start to hear about this course it’s likely that they’ll want to employ drivers who have this skill. As such we would recommend that any drivers situated in areas where the training course is offered take the opportunity while they can. It’s the perfect way to give something back in your day to day life.”