Anthony Gibbons grew up at Longford and coached Longford seniors to the long-awaited ‘89 premiership and he worked at the Longford meatworks for 20 plus years, but for the past two years he’s been driving trucks for Island Fresh Produce.
Like many truckies there’s been a lot of work and not a lot of self-care, so the opportunity to call in to Epping Forest Roadhouse and jump on to the Royal Flying Doctor Service health bus for a quick health check, was appreciated.
RFDS Tasmania has teamed up with the Tasmanian Transport Association (TTA) and Rural Alive and Well (RAW) to help roll out the Open Road program.
RFDS Tasmania physical health worker Lachlan Farrel was able to check Anthony’s heart and lung health, ask some key questions designed to flag any issues with health and wellbeing and give some advice on how to manage the long hours behind the wheel.
“I got the thumbs up so that’s one less worry!” he said as he exited the bus.
TOOA’s Roslyn Bonner was busy making sure drivers connected with the new service and she said the feedback was all positive with the truckies saying “thanks for looking after us”.
Smoking cessation nurse Chris Burt was also on hand to help anyone wanting to give up smoking and RAW mental health workers Adam Lette and David Milne were available for those drivers who simply needed to debrief or unload some worries before they went on their way.
Combined with a free, healthy snack courtesy Bonney Energy, there was no excuse not to take advantage of the check-up and 11 drivers were assessed during last Monday’s session.
Two were referred to a general practitioner for follow-up assessment.
The RFDS has a history of engagement with the Tasmanian transport industry, particularly through the fundraising efforts of the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association and its annual truck run and truck show