NatRoad has expanded access to its Truckie First Aid online course with the release of new Hindi and Arabic translations, enabling more truck drivers to gain the confidence to act quickly in a roadside emergency.
The free training program, developed in collaboration with St John Ambulance, already includes versions in Punjabi and Mandarin. 2,500 drivers have now completed it since launching in October 2023.
Expanding lifesaving skills across language communities
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says the expanded translations are essential for a workforce where many drivers speak English as a second language.
“Truck drivers are often first responders to road accidents when every second counts,” Clark says. “It’s vital we make this program accessible for drivers with English as a second language. That is why we have been proactive in arranging translations in common non-English languages.”
Clark says improving road safety remains a central focus for NatRoad.
“Truckie First Aid is one of the initiatives that will help us achieve that goal,” he says.
St John Ambulance backs wider access
St John Ambulance Australia Chief Operating Officer Adrian Watts says the translations will give more drivers the confidence to use their training when it matters.
“Expanding the translations will make it easier for drivers to complete the training and apply what they learn,” Watts says. “Empowering truckies from diverse backgrounds with first aid skills will lead to more lives being saved on the roads.”
Training already proving its value
NatRoad said that it has received positive feedback from drivers who have utilised the training in real-life emergencies.
One driver said the course helped them respond when a truck crashed into the back of their vehicle.
“The scenario I was confronted with was exactly like in the training clips,” the driver said. “It was amazing that four weeks later I remembered and used what was in your free course.”
Part of a wider heavy vehicle safety investment
The translations are funded through a $4.4 million investment from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Australian Government.
The 30-minute Truckie First Aid course covers CPR, defibrillator use, bleeding control and other essential skills that can prevent serious harm in the critical minutes before emergency services arrive.
Training is free and publicly available at truckiefirstaid.org.au.