First aid training with Autostrada Wielkopolska

You are witnessing a road accident, you see the victims, but don’t know how to help them? Each of us has a duty to help in a situation threatening the life or health of another human being. How should you react when witnessing a road accident? Autostrada Wielkopolska and the Wielkopolska Firefighters Foundation invite you to an innovative first aid training using virtual reality.

All drivers traveling on Autostrada Wielkopolska can take part in first aid training on Thursday 10th November at the Tulce Rest and Service Area (A2 km 177, in the direction of Świecko) from 10.00 until 15.00 hours. The training planned in a virtual environment using VR technology provides for practicing various situations, using a defibrillator in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest or instructing on the life corridor, acting in emergency situations on the motorway and much more.

The health and safety of travelers counts among our top priorities. Acting in emergency situations on the motorway differs slightly from behavior on other roads, which is why we continue our educational activities regarding safe traveling on the motorway. Providing first aid is mandatory in an emergency, and the ability to cope with such stressful situation is invaluable. Thanks to the trainings, we practice, consolidate and pass on new skills, increasing the confidence of drivers and encouraging proactive attitude in emergency situations – says Krzysztof Andrzejewski, member of the Management Board of Autostrada Wielkopolska.

Autostrada Wielkopolska is continuously working to increase road safety and improve drivers’ skills in terms of using motorways and expressways. Last year, AED defibrillators were installed in each of the 22 Rest and Service Areas of the A2 concession section. The Company has been developing this aspect and taking up further activities.

Innovative training in virtual reality

First aid training at the Tulce Rest and Service Area (approx. km 177 of A2 in the direction of Świecko) will be conducted by firefighters from the Wielkopolska Firefighters Foundation and the Kamionki Volunteer Fire Brigade. Participants in the training will use VR glasses and immersed in the virtual reality, under the supervision of a rescuer, will learn step by step the rules of providing assistance to an injured person in conditions reflecting a real life-threatening situation.

The training program covers the most important issues such as the rules of using the AED and properly performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At the same time, participants will have the opportunity not only to develop practical skills, but also to talk to firefighters and receive clear instructions on how to behave in emergency situations, get help on the motorway or create the so-called corridor of life.

Providing first aid is an important skill not only in crisis situations, but also in everyday life. Sudden cardiac arrest is just one of the situations we can witness in a public place. In such case an effective, quick reaction taken within a few minutes can really save someone’s life. First aid involves not only activities that directly increase the chances of survival of the injured person, but also a number of other practical skills impacting such person’s health, such as applying dressings, as well as skillful reporting of an emergency situation and calling for help. Meanwhile, according to statistics, nearly half of Poles admit that they would not be able to provide such assistance in case they witnessed an accident on the road. That is why we are glad to be involved again in promoting attitudes that increase road safety and, together with Autostrada Wielkopolska, encourage travelers to develop their skills during a break in their trip – says Krzysztof Smugała from the Wielkopolska Firefighters Foundation.

Each of us is obliged to provide help in a life or health emergency. May there be no such need, but if a misfortune occurs on the road, we had better be prepared and know how to act.