Adventure Bike Rider Forum

I'm a qualified First Aid Instructor (not current) and I've always got a first aid kit with me of various sizes and dependant on where I am in the world.
If I'm travelling outside of Europe I also take a Sterile and Dental pack.
Over the years I've had to use my skills in a range of places and I'm glad I've got my skill set and kits etc.
One of the best courses I've attended was run by Hants Police and NHS, it was called First Bike On Scene and covered what a rider could do if out riding with a mate who has an accident. The course covered the basics from assessing the scene, calling for help and the basic ABCs of initial care.
What do you carry on your bike and would you be able to help a fellow rider if they needed it?

Good advice there Mark. It's surprising just how many people are unfortunately clueless when it comes to first aid and so just stand doing nothing when something happens.
Believe me, it's a good feeling when you can help someone in their moment of need.
Perhaps essential first aid should be part of the driving test?

You're correct when you say that most people just stand there.
I was in a shop last year when an elderly man fell and badly cut his head and hands. The two people working in the shop were useless, neither were trained first aiders. When I asked for their first aid kit, only one knew where it was. The only thing they knew how to do was how to call for an ambulance.
Just knowing how to immobilise and stop bleeding could help save someone. Also most people won't try CPR for fear of getting it wrong. How can you make someone worse, they're dead without it.

I carry a pair of latex gloves and a face-shield thing for resuss after that it's a phone and wait for the professionals. I was workplace first aider for a while as well as having done a couple of diving first aid courses so hopefully I know enough to cover the time until a pro can get to whatever I may come across but I agree that some level of training ought to be compulsory for everyone.

Owt is better than nowt (thumbs) - most untrained folk seem to think they'll get in trouble if they get it wrong but as I recall they're the most protected in law if they do have a go.

Harv

I'm a sailing instructor and therefore also first aid trained. The courses I attend are focused on a water based environment and not being able to get help for many hours or even days.

There is a lot of focus how to make somebody stable so they cannot get hurt any further. But the relevant part for us is a lot of time on head injuries. More people die on yachts from being hit on the head than any other cause and the ability to spot a serious injury is vital.

A person with a sore bump on the head one min can turn into a dead body in an hour..look at Michael Schumacher...fast intervention saved his life.

The one thing I always tell people on a boat is the louder a casualty screams the least hurt they are.... it's the ones who are quiet and still that you need to get to first!!

It very interesting stuff..and to those who think they don need it just read the next part as its true. On a course 5 years ago we all passed and set off home in different directions. One lady who was on our course came across a crash right in front of her...she used CPR that she had just learnt that very day to keep a man alive until the blue lights arrived. She saved his life..no doubt there.

Mike

I've done the IoM TT marshals incident management course where they do basic first aid plus the much more relevant part regarding when and how to remove a crash helmet.

If I'm away with luggage then there's a first aid kit with me but on a day to day basis I don't carry one.

To drive anything bigger than a 7.5 tonne lorry professionally you have to do 5 days of CPC training. One of those days was first aid, it was the most useful and interesting part of the whole course.

Before that I was one of the clueless at least I know now basic stuff and wouldn't worry about having a go. As has been said you can't make things worse if someone is going yo die.

If it were part of the driving test I'm sure lives woud be saved.

My first aid kit is a selection of things I know how to use. I'm pretty good in an emergency situation but haven't had what I would consider enough training. I always assume that the hurt person will be me so my kit is more about stopping bleeding more than anything else.

Tramadol and spare rizlas in mines

solves everything (thumbs)

I taught First aid for many years in St John's (ran a joint ambulance and nursing cadet division) and at work. Pleased to say more than 1 of the cadets (11-16 years old) used their training for real saving a life on more than one occasion. Been a number of years now but you don't forget the essentials. I am currently looking to refresh my Knowledge with a "Biker Off" course run by Kent Fire and Rescue.

As for gear I carry, not a lot really just for cuts and grazes as in normal bike or car 'First Aid Kits". To be honest the main problem with gear is you never have it when you need it. The essentials are:
1) A clear head and don't rush or panic.
2) "A-Airway" check the airway is clear and if not know how to get it clear.
3) "B-Bleeding" check for severe bleeding and if present get direct pressure on it quickly, getting the casualty lying down and elevating the bleeding part above the heart. If possible use something clean to cover the wound BUT infection can be treat later bleeding to death can't.
4) "C-Consciousness" check casualty is conscious, if not get into recovery position or if not able maintain a clear airway. (one of my 12 year old cadets did this for 20mins for someone trapped unconscious in a car until help arrived saving the driver's life).
5) As a bonus support casualty in the most comfortable position and don't move until expert help arrives.
Finally keep them warm, shock is a killer and is always there even with relatively minor injuries.

But well worth getting some basic training especially if you are doing activities off the beaton track where help may take time in coming.