Post-crash
"An integrated post-crash response can mitigate the short and long-term effects of a crash.
The effectiveness of emergency medical and rescue operations is critical in reducing deaths and injuries resulting from road crashes."
- Austroads - Guide to Road Safety Part 6: Road Safety Audit
Road Trauma Response
Improving post-crash response reduces the impact of road crashes.
We know that when it comes to road trauma, time is an important factor. This is especially true in Western Australia where living (or travelling) in rural and remote areas can lead to delays in receiving medical attention after a crash.
One of the key ways WALGA's RoadWise can support improvements in road trauma response is to promote the uptake of first aid training by communities, statewide.
Our aim is to promote the need for more local volunteer ambulance officers and engage with Local Emergency Management Committees which take a community-focused, coordinated approach to the management of potential emergencies in their Local Government area.
How Can You Help?
There are a few ways you can contribute to improved post-crash response in your community:
- Complete first aid training, register for refresher training (if it's been more than 12 months since you completed your training) and promote the uptake of first aid training in your community or workplace
- Become a volunteer ambulance officer. Various other support roles are available across the state.
Other training providers may also deliver first aid training in your region.
More Information
Your Regional Road Safety Advisor can provide more information about the importance of post-crash response in preventing death and serious injuries.
The topic of road trauma can cause distress. If you have been affected by road trauma, Road Trauma Support WA is a specialist service that can assist anyone affected by road trauma, regardless of when the incident occurred or what level of involvement (direct or indirect) the person had.
Contact Road Trauma Support WA on 1300 004 814 or email admin@rtswa.org.au, and visit their website for support resources and more information; www.injurymatters.org.au/programs/road-trauma-support-wa/.