Fleets are being offered free training to help their drivers if they are first on the scene of a road traffic collision.
The training modules have been developed by National Highways in partnership with medical trauma specialists, emergency services and major fleets. The online course takes less than an hour to complete.
Evidence from Driver First Assist and British Red Cross suggests that around half of pre-hospital deaths could be prevented if bystanders delivered first aid at the scene of an incident while waiting for the emergency services. Research in Denmark into pre-hospital cardiac arrests found that 30-day survival rates were 2 ½ times higher when CPR was performed before an ambulance arrived.
In 2024, 1,931 people were killed or seriously injured on England’s motorways and major A roads.
“Feedback from fleets suggested we needed training that was easy for drivers to pick up. This isn’t a full first aid programme, but it’s enough to make a difference,” said Mark Cartwright, head of commercial vehicle incident prevention at National Highways. “We hope that fleets will buy into this. The bluelight services are aware and are supportive of the programme. The goal is simply to keep someone alive long enough for a trained paramedic to take over.”
The programme covers three 20-minute modules based around making the perfect 999 call, dealing with danger, protecting yourself and the scene, and providing basic first aid.
• Optimal 999 call procedures include precise location reporting and comprehensive incident assessment. The module incorporates modern location technologies such as What3Words to enhance emergency service response coordination.
• Dealing with danger teaches participants to assess and secure collision scenes while prioritising personal safety, victim welfare, and traffic management. This module emphasises supporting professional emergency responders upon their arrival while avoiding actions that could impede traffic flow or create additional hazards.
• For those willing to provide direct assistance, the final module covers basic first aid such as CPR administration, bleed control, and airway management techniques, along with signposting users to more comprehensive training should they wish to expand this aspect of their learning.
The programme is initially targeting van fleets but will also be available to company car and truck drivers.
