Nullarbor roadhouse workers served with life-saving skills

Remote roadhouse workers on the longest stretch of road in Australia are now better prepared to support incidents involving injury and trauma thanks to first aid training from St John WA. 

Eight participants from Cocklebiddy, Caiguna and Madura roadhouses on the Nullarbor Plain’s iconic 90 Mile Straight took part in the Provide First Aid Course with an additional module in managing major bleeding. 

With help typically hours away, these teams are often the first people on the scene for a variety of emergency situations including vehicle incidents. 

St John WA’s Training and Equipment Lead – Lower South, Taryn Mirdiyanto, arranged for first aid trainer, Janet Allen, to travel the 6.5 hours to Cocklebiddy from Esperance to train the group. 

“Because of their remote location, ambulances, hospitals and the Royal Flying Doctor Service are several hours away,” Taryn said. 

“Along with injuries the roadhouse workers might experience themselves, the highway is constantly busy, and vehicle accidents occur.   

“Heavy vehicles and caravans make up a large percentage and there is much greater risk with these accidents. 

“The roadhouse teams really enjoyed the first aid course and are really keen to do even more training with us in the future.” 

The first aid training was funded through St John WA’s Community Impact Fund, made possible by the generosity of donors.  

Every contribution supports local initiatives that help build safer, healthier and more prepared communities across Western Australia. 

“This training is a powerful example of our Community Impact Fund in action,” St John WA’s Social Sustainability Manager, Angelina Robins, said. 

“This group of remote roadhouse workers now have the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency which will make the Nullarbor a safer place for all.” 

Book a first aid course today. 

Learn more about St John WA’s Community Impact Fund.