Debaets in action©Belga
The measure is intended to allow drivers to deal with the results of traffic accidents even while waiting for the arrival of first responders. “Whoever follows the training would be able to provide the emergency care necessary to the victim before the arrival of emergency services,” Debaets explained.
The first minutes after an accident involving serious injury are seen as crucial to the survival of the victim, and because of traffic disruption as a result of the accident itself, the arrival of emergency services is often delayed.
The costs of the training will be covered by the Region, she said. “We consider it an investment in road safety by everyone in Brussels and, by extension, the whole country,” she said.
According to the Red Cross, the measure would involve the training of some 20,000 people a year, and involve a theoretical training, which can be followed online, as well as a practical section lasting three hours. The test of the training will come into force on 1 November this year.
Alan Hope
The Brussels Times