The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has offered its support to a programme designed to ensure professional drivers have the necessary skills to offer first aid in an emergency.

Driver First Assist is an accredited course supported by all three UK emergency services and now it has the full backing of the RHA. It covers such areas as:

• How to provide accurate information to the emergency services en route
• How to keep others safe at the scene of a road traffic accident (RTA)
• How to provide life-saving first aid in an emergency

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett commented: "If accidents can be dealt with more speedily, the risk of traffic congestion will be reduced as will the road closures that inevitably result from a fatal RTA.

"It's easy to see why proper emergency training really can make the difference between life and death for the victim and the RHA is pleased to be part of, and promote this vital initiative."

With almost half a million heavy goods vehicle drivers operating across the UK, the accreditation of more professional drivers to be able to offer this essential first aid can go a long way towards helping those in need following an incident on the roads.

Indeed, the RHA revealed how a person can die from a blocked airway in as little as four minutes – delivering swift and effective first aid can therefore be imperative.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: "Providing life-saving first aid can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Ensuring more professional drivers have this ability can therefore only be a positive thing."