Drivers can learn first aid skills

The course launches as statistics reveal that 8 out of 10 professional drivers – who need training to meet an EU directive – could soon be risking their license if they don’t start soon.

St John Ambulance is urging drivers to include first aid in their training.

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), an EU directive, came into force in 2008/09 to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety.

It requires all PCV and LGV drivers to complete 35 hours of training, which can include first aid, every five years.

Yet 81 per cent of those required to carry out driver CPC training have not started.

If drivers are caught without proof of compliance after September 2013 (for PCVs) and September 2014 (for LGVs) then they face on-the-spot fines and an investigation which may lead to them losing their vocational license.

The new St John Ambulance professional drivers first aid course has been approved by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training which validates Driver CPC training.

The first aid training is practical and handles situations that drivers may face.

Lorry driver Kevin Sharland, 41, from Wakefield, attended the St John Ambulance Professional drivers first aid course last month.

He said: “This was by far the best CPC course I’ve been on

“It was very hands on and practical. We learnt how to deal with the types of injuries that we could easily encounter in our work on the road and the instructor was excellent and explained everything clearly.

“I would have no hesitation in going to someone’s assistance who’d been injured in a road accident now.”