Accidents

[Colette]

On Sunday, I attended Breakfast Torque (annual bike-related event in Southern suburbs) and they had a demo of a common type of accident that occurs in the national park. It was quite effective with the bike crashing into a car and the rider rolling over the bonnet and onto the road.

They went through a number of things that you can do to assist the rider, including placing your bike in such a way as to protect the rider from further harm, not removing the rider's helmet (which I am sure we all know) and how even sitting next to the rider and talking to them whilst emergency services are doing their part, can be of help.

It made me think that I really ought to brush up on my first aid skills in one of the motorcycle-specific first aid courses St Johns run.

What other tips or actions would people here recommend if coming across a bike accident scene? I'm sure we have a lot of combined experience in this area!

[seiko1]

Get orf ya bike b4 you look to close at the injuries!
Saw a guy passout and drop his bike narrowly missing the already unconcious victim

[fireyrob]

placing your bike in such a way as to protect the rider from further harm

This small amount of advice is not just motorcyclist specific... A little much but hey Ive used it on and off the job.

If you can safely ensure the oncoming traffic get some for warning! Its useless if you go to help the victim and become another yourself!!! Even a fire truck with light flashing isnt obvious esp to bus drivers sometimes

Have the victim minimise any movement but ensure they are as comfortable as possible given the circumstances. Dont feed them or give them a drink...

Keep them talking and get some info if you can cause often emergency services can take some time in remote areas esp if the victim has serious injuries! Acronym SAMPLE (Signs / Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Prior illness or injury, Last meal, Events leading up to emergency) Not only does this give you something to talk about but may also give an indication to a current medical condition and subsequent line of treatment the ambo's may have to cater for!

[Colette]

Cheers Rob, that is a very helpful and informative reply!

I meant to add for those who were not aware (like myself), that if you are in need of emergency services and your mobile is out of range, you can dial 112 in place of 000.

[fireyrob]

Oh yeah forgot about 112... Its in my mobile under emergency international! The call centre is in Germany so be very specific and talk slowly otherwise who knows where they will transfer you!!! It runs off satellites so if it doesnt work straight away be patient and if at all possible in a remote area try to get to a clearing to help get through...

Another one we sometimes look for in a mobile of a victim is ICE In Case of Emergency. Its not necessarily great to ring home or mum etc first so stick the number of whom youd prefer contacted initially should you be the poor bugger needing help

[robracer]

Never new about the International number.... interesting

[waynemorgan]

Wow - I have ICE on my phone and knew about 112 but didn't know it was international - thanks firey!

I've been thinking about doing the St John's motorbike specific course - might make some enquiries as to where and when.

[Wattie]

apparently a phone even without a sim card can ring 112.

[6maniac]

I did a St. John's senior first-aid course a couple of years ago, so I'm due for a refresher. Anyone interested in a Sydney "group" course if we can organise it somewhere central ?

This one is motorcycle specific.....

http://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/tc_mfa.html

This one is more general and some workplaces will re-imburse the cost to certificate holders ( as in my case ).......

http://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/tc_sfar.html

[Colette]

Count me in for the bike specific course, Ron.

[6maniac]

Hmmmm ......... it would appear that I have just volunteered myself for this.

[waynemorgan]

Congrats for volunteering 6maniac

I'm keen on the motorbike specific one too

[6maniac]

OK .... I'll take it on.

I'll start a new thread titled " First Aid Course " so that people can indicate interest + location. And check other providers re: cost and group discounts. Have I forgotten anything ?

[Colette]

Ron, you're a legend!

[6maniac]

Ron, you're a legend!

Can I add that to my sig ?