TA2018: Selfless truckie lauded

Tow truck driver Deon Atkins has been named at the latest recipient of the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian award, after his quick and courageous actions saved the life of a woman seriously injured in a road traffic accident on the NSW Far North Coast earlier this year.

Mr Atkins was working on January 17 when he came upon the accident, and found a female driver slumped across the steering wheel of her car. His first aid training kicked in, his assistance later confirmed by an attending paramedic as crucial in saving the injured woman's life.

Emergency instincts
"I jumped out of my truck, opened her airway and kept her breathing until the ambulance arrived," he said.

"I did what anyone with my training as an ex fire fighter and first aider would do. I reached in through the driver's window, which was smashed, and – while supporting her head and neck – lifted her up into her seat so I could get the airway open."

According to NSW Ambulance Acting Inspector, Jacinta Young, Mr Atkins' quick thinking and training made all the difference.

"The actions of Deon Atkins save her life," she said.

"By simply opening up her airway and maintaining her head in the neutral position, we have no doubt he saved her life."

Official recognition
Mr Atkins was honoured on Friday, April 20, at the ATA's National Industry Awards dinner, held in Canberra at the culmination of the 2018 Trucking Australia conference. The award was presented to Mr Atkins by Geoff May, National Commercial Manager of Bridgestone Tyres Australia.

Scott Waites, owner of North Coast Towing, said Mr Atkins was a model employee who had only received compliments from customers and police alike since starting in the job in 2016.

Meanwhile ATA Chair, Geoff Crouch, said Mr Atkins' actions also served as a timely reminder of the importance of training.

"Truck drivers like Deon Atkins and companies like North Coast Towing are a reminder of the benefit of having effective training and safety procedures in place," he said.

"Deon was able to call on his training, assess the situation and then perform the relevant actions – all while remaining calm and in control of the situation.

"North Coast Towing and Deon prove that all trucking companies, from small operators through to major fleets, have a role to play in road safety."

Everyday heroes
The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian award recognises the heroic acts of truck drivers who go above and beyond the call of duty in carrying out their job. The award is held in perpetuity, so anyone named as a Highway Guardian will retain the title for life. The award's inception came in 2014 and it has been sponsored by Bridgestone Australia ever since.

Mr Atkins is the 11th recipient of the honour.