| First Aid Information In any motorcycle accident where the rider(s) has been thrown from the motorcycle, assume spinal injuries and treat the rider accordingly. Head injuries are a strong possibility even with DOT or Snell approved helmets. In any trauma situation monitor: airway management, blood loss, and shock. There is so much more. A word about helmet removal: DON'T! I know your first thought would be to make the downed rider more comfortable, but helmets should only be removed if you intend to perform CPR or if the helmet is impeding proper airway management. Otherwise, leave helmet removal to the experts. The helmet could be helping to prevent (further) spinal or head injuries. There is a lot of information out there on First Aid for motorcycles. Rather than attempt to re-invent the wheel, here are a few links for First Aid, including tips on what to pack in a first aid kit small enough to put in a saddle bag. As always, my advice is to take a First Aid course offered through the American Red Cross. You could save a life. Basic Emergency First Aid at the Roadside (Bike Safe) http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/bikesafe/firstaid/firstaid.html Motorcycle First Aid http://www.boldbikes.com/special/fe00spec.html Assembling A First Aid Kit http://www.wrc-online.com/mustangs/kit.htm More First Aid Kit http://www.hhjm.com/jff/ Active First Aid, Spinal Injuries http://www.parasolemt.com.au/afa/afa15.html First Aid For Neck/Spine Injury http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?pagetype=article&id=1315 |
American Red
Cross Snohomish County Chapter 2530 Lombard Ave Everett, WA 98201-3026 E-mail: mail@redcrosssnoco.org http://www.redcrosssnoco.org Phone: 425-252-4103
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