Moama based truck driver, Brett Hood became the latest highway hero honoured, becoming the fourth recipient for 2018 of the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian honour after saving a woman’s life through his prompt actions at a crash site in mid-October.
The McColl’s Transport driver was on a delivery to Brisbane when he came across a man laying by the side of the road outside of Warwick. Brett stopped to assist, oand discovered the man had lost control of his vehicle, ending up over an embankment injuring both occupants.
Brett immediately alerted emergency services and tended to the man’s girlfriend who was still trapped in the vehicle, applying pressure to a severe laceration on her leg in a bid to prevent blood loss before the ambulance arrived and she was subsequently airlifted to hospital.
Emergency services praised Brett’s efforts and believe the accident would have been a fatality without his intervention.
Brett was nominated for the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian Award by McColl’s Transport National Work Health & Safety Manager, Joe Boras, describing him as a model team member.
“Brett is an asset to our company. Our work requires flexibility of us all, due to changes in customers’ requirements that occur in the dairy industry, but Brett is one of those drivers that is happy to do any job anytime,” said Joe.
According to ATA Chairman, Geoff Crouch, Brett’s actions were well beyond the call of duty.
“Brett Hood displayed all the characteristics of a true hero. He was selfless in the way he came to the aid of the couple and saved the life of this woman. There is no doubt he deserves the title of Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian,” said Geoff. “It is stories like Brett’s that demonstrate the importance of first aid training and is another example of how the Australian trucking industry steps up in times of need.”
Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Stephen Roche, echoed Geoff’s thoughts.
“We take great pride in joining with the Australian Trucking Association in recognising incredible people such as Brett Hood. The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian award is our way of recognising his prompt, lifesaving actions,” said Stephen. “Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardians are a true asset to the trucking community and deserve to be praised for the way they respond to adversity.”
To nominate a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian, visit the ATA website.