New roadshow brings the latest in road trauma response training to communities across WA
A simulated road crash featuring wrecked vehicles, paramedics and firefighters will be on show at St John WA’s new Volunteer Road Trauma Training and Show, supported by RAC.
Volunteer first responders in Albany, Broome, Kalgoorlie, Pinjarra, Narrogin, Geraldton and Perth are set to further strengthen their life-saving skills over the coming weeks, when St John WA’s new training roadshow comes to town.
The Volunteer Road Trauma Training and Show, supported by RAC, will see St John WA deliver the latest in road trauma response training directly to its regional volunteers, including new patient extrication techniques and life-saving trauma management skills such as tourniquets and chest seals.
Road deaths in regional WA are currently at a 10 year high, with regional communities continuing to be overrepresented when it comes to road trauma.
Higher speed limits, changing road conditions, long-distance travel, fatigue and wildlife can create extra hazards for country drivers.
St John WA’s volunteer ambulance officers are often the first responders to confronting road trauma scenes, making hands-on training more critical than ever before.
“When someone is seriously injured on the side of a road, the quality of care they receive in the first few minutes can make a significant difference,” Scott Fraser, St John WA’s Volunteer Education Manager, said.
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to bring training and knowledge to our 4000-plus volunteer ambulance officers across the state,
“Thanks to RAC’s support, we can bring that education directly to our volunteers, helping them understand, practice and confidently apply new trauma care principles, while ensuring they feel supported as they prepare for some of the most challenging incidents they may encounter in their communities.”
RAC Head of Communications, Rhys Heron said RAC is proud to partner with St John WA to help deliver this vital volunteer roadshow, to help make Western Australian roads safer for all.
“Our new partnership means the roadshow can reach even more regional places and equip more volunteers with the knowledge they need, to deliver lifesaving treatment when it’s needed most,” said Mr Heron.
“With our road trauma crisis continuing to escalate at an alarming rate, it’s never been more important to support our first responders so that they can respond to road trauma as safely and effectively as possible.”
The roadshow will also feature free events for the public, who are encouraged to come along and get an inside look at how road crash scenes are managed, meet their local volunteers and see Western Australia’s emergency services in action.
The initiative aligns with St John WA’s ‘Help WA Connect’ and ‘Help WA Respond’ impact pillars, strengthening the skills, confidence and capability of the volunteers who are often there when their communities need them most.
The Volunteer Road Trauma Training and Show is making its way across the state from 12 September to 7 November.
- ALBANY – 12 September
- BROOME – 20 September
- KALGOORLIE – 10 October
- PINJARRA – 24 October
- NARROGIN – 25 October
- GERALDTON – 31 October
- PERTH (BELMONT) – 7 November