Many people love riding motorcycles. Indeed, the activity evokes a sense of freedom and excitement along with the adrenaline rush. Professional motorcyclists are encouraged not to think of accidents and focus on the track. However, every biker must know some first-aid response techniques in case a fellow biker has an accident. Knowing these first-aid responses can go a long way in saving someone’s life.
Things To Do if a Fellow Biker Meets an Accident
Mentioned below are a few things to do if a fellow biker meets an accident:
1. Get to Safety First
When you see a fellow rider meet an accident, you might experience strong emotions. However, it is very important for you not to panic. Find a spot for your bike and park it safely. Make sure you do not block any oncoming traffic. Secondly, the most common thing bikers do during an accident is trying to save their bike. Understandably so, because for most motorcycle enthusiasts, bikes are very important. Therefore, one must stay calm and remember to move the biker from the crash scene and leave the bike behind. Do not try to retrieve the bike. Doing so can expose you to oncoming vehicles and put you at risk too.
2. Check on the Victim
Immediately after a crash, the victim might experience a sudden surge of adrenaline. The adrenaline rush can mask even serious pain or injuries. Therefore, the victim might not know if he is broken or injured. So, never move the injured immediately. Take utmost precautions before helping them. Please do not allow the victim to make sudden movements, as it can lead to further concussions.
3. Do Not Remove the Gear
Many times bikers try to remove their gear immediately after an accident. Doing so is not a good idea. Do not allow the victim to take off the gear, especially the helmet. Because of the adrenaline rush, many bikers might not feel the injury or pain. Therefore, the movement of removing gears might cause further complications. The only time you should remove the gear, such as the helmet, is if the rider is facing breathing difficulty.
4. Call Emergency Services
After assessing the situation, the most important thing to do is call emergency services. When you call for help, explain the victim’s condition and ask if there is any other way you could help. The emergency services would be different in different countries, so it is always wise to carry the emergency details before venturing into unknown territories.
There are several mobile apps and devices that automatically notify emergency services or contacts in the event of a motorcycle accident. Some apps even share details like trip records, GPS location, and personal medical information with emergency services. Some such mobile apps:
- BikerSOS
- Silent Beacon
- Collision Call
You can also ask the victim or search them for identification or emergency contacts.
5. Talk to the Victim
While you wait for the emergency services to arrive, make sure to communicate with the victim. After a crash, victims might go into physical or emotional shock. The symptoms of a physical shock can be rapid breathing, shaky hands, vomiting, and enlarged pupils. Emotional shock can freeze the person, or when the adrenaline begins to drop, they can experience trembling, confusion and emotional distress. Communication can bring them out of panic. Assure them that help is on the way and try to calm them.
6. Clear the Accident Scene
After calling the emergency services, while you wait for help, try to clear out the accident scene. It is common for people to gather and for traffic to stop near the accident site. Other people recording the incident might upset the victim. It may cause chaos and traffic jams and thus delay the ambulance. Therefore, try to reduce the chaos around the victim if you can. It also allows emergency services to reach the place quickly.
7. Gather Evidence
It might not sound like a first-aid response, but it can help the victim later during insurance or legal proceedings. Gather as much evidence as possible regarding the accident once the emergency services arrive and the victim is attended to. Note things you can do mentally. Take photos and videos of the situation, including the bike and any other vehicle or thing it collided with. Skidmarks, gravel, road signs, obstructions, etc., can be taken into account during insurance and legal undertakings.
8. Cooperate with the Police
At some point, the police may also ask you for a statement. Cooperate with the officers and answer all questions honestly. If you have gathered any evidence, you can hand it over to the police.
Conclusion
When you take your sports bike for a run, it’s important that you do not think of everything that could be wrong for you or your fellow riders. Investing in a sports bike with safety features like a BMW motorbike is always a smart decision. Whether you are riding a fancy BMW gsa 1250 with safety features or any other bike, knowing the above first aid responses can help save someone’s life. Make sure you stay calm and follow the steps to help them out.
