Life-saving action leads to award

A quick acting Linfox driver has been named as a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian after saving a woman’s life on a Queensland motorway when she suffered a medical episode while driving.

Matthew Georga was carrying out his regular duties when a vehicle in front of him began swerving across lanes with its driver slumped over the wheel.

Mr Georga slowed his truck and created a buffer to the vehicle by blocking traffic behind him and until the car came to a stop after striking a barrier.

Along with another motorist, he then got the woman out of her car and proceeded to administer CPR until emergency services arrived and took her to hospital.

Mr Georga’s intervention and teamwork with the two other motorists who came to her aid are credited with saving the woman’s life.

Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Stephen Roche, says Mr Georga demonstrated incredible initiative and had safety at the forefront of his mind.

“Matthew Georga’s priority was the safety for other motorists and for the driver that day, and through his quick action, not only helped save the life of the driver but also reduced the risk of a much bigger incident,” Mr Roche said.

“We’re pleased to recognise Matthew as a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian for his prompt action in not just saving a life, but for the steps he actively took in making a dangerous situation a safer one.

“The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian accolade recognises those in the trucking industry that go out of their way to look out for others, and Matthew Georga is a worthy recipient of the title,” he added.

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According to ATA Chair, David Smith, this is another example of a selfless action from an unsung hero of the industry.

“Congratulations to Matthew Georga on becoming a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian,” Mr Smith said.

“Matthew’s story is another reminder of how dangerous our roads can be, and how critical it is to remain vigilant for our own safety, and the safety of other motorists.

“We’re thrilled to have partners in Bridgestone and Bandag who understand and see the importance in recognising the heroic efforts of drivers like Matthew Georga with the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian title.

If you know a Highway Guardian, you can nominate them here.