Certas Energy to equip 1,000 drivers with lifesaving skills

Certas Energy is collaborating with the not-for-profit, road safety initiative Driver First Assist to equip its drivers to provide potentially lifesaving support at the scene of a road traffic accident.

Evidence has shown that 50% of deaths occur before the arrival of the emergency services and every day, victims of road traffic accidents die needlessly, because those first at the scene lack the ability to administer basic first aid.

Over the next five years, Driver First Assist aims to train 1,000 Certas Energy employees to provide trauma first aid and the necessary skills to manage the scene of a road traffic collision.

The one-day course is the only one of its kind in the UK and is delivered by experienced professionals from the emergency services and transport industry.

Having undertaken the Driver First Assist course, Brian Worrall, director of corporate affairs at Certas Energy, commented: “Health and safety is at the heart of our operations and we’re proud to be working with Driver First Assist to give our drivers and other employees, the skills to manage potentially stressful or hazardous situations with confidence. 

"The training provided by Driver First Assist empowers other road users to provide lifesaving, first response support and some of our employees have already been able to put their learnings into practice. 

"Whilst it’s not possible to stop traffic accidents from happening entirely, with the help of Driver First Assist we can help make a difference and save lives.”

David Higginbottom, chief executive of Driver First Assist, said: “As a nation, we invest heavily in accident prevention but we need to do more to improve the response to road traffic collisions. 

"Every minute counts at the scene of an accident and from administering basic first aid to providing the critical information emergency services need to deploy the right resources, DFA members can make a real difference in these first crucial moments. 

“We’re delighted to be helping Certas Energy train its workforce in these lifesaving skills and we hope to see more transport and fleet operators get involved so that everyone on the roads can feel that little bit safer.”

The Driver First Assist training is delivered as part of the Certas Energy Driving Academy, which provides comprehensive and industry-leading training for all its LGV drivers and staff.