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Road Safety Week 2021 (17-23 May) coincides with the UN Global Road Safety Week and this year’s theme is speed.

Though there are times we must urgently get to a patient who needs our help, we also respond to a number of accidents where speed is a contributing factor each year.

“Whoever you are, wherever you live, we’re all responsible when it comes to road safety. Remember to look out for other road users, slow down and drive to the environment – that includes roads, weather and acknowledging fatigue,” Nigel says.

Nigel explains that driving urgently under lights and siren is very different to normal driving, and all staff who drive ambulances go through appropriate training.

“The stakes are certainly greater and we need to afford the best level of training to our staff to keep them and other road users safe,” Nigel says.

At Wellington Free Ambulance, our driver training vehicle is state-of-the-art and to have it is a “huge advantage.”

“Not only is it a working emergency response vehicle, it provides learners with a chance to observe the driver during lessons as well as an ability to go over footage of their drive thanks to four cameras on the vehicle,” Nigel says.

“Everything is monitored and it’s the only training vehicle like it in New Zealand.”

Throughout the year, 60-70 people undertake training and reassessments.

Training varies depending on someone’s qualification.

First responders spend a weekend in the classroom and out on the road learning how to drive an ambulance in a non-urgent manner. Those on the frontline spend around three months under supervision from a mentor learning about urgent driving under lights and siren.

Wellington Free Ambulance is also part of the International Technical Rescue Association (ITRA).

“Being part of the ITRA is a big achievement and helps us continue to provide the best possible care whenever we’re needed. It also means we’re keeping pace and following a global standard when it comes to emergency ambulance driver training.”

When it comes to road safety, it’s about doing your part to ensure you’re driving safely, whilst being aware of those driving around you.

·         Always wear your seatbelt

·         Don’t speed

·         Don’t drink and drive

·         Drive to the conditions of the road

·         Share the driving if you can

For full details of the UN Global Road Safety Week, visit www.unroadsafetyweek.org.