Fizzy Fish
23-09-07, 08:52 PM
A couple of months ago I did a 1-day FBOS (First Bike on Scene) training course, well today i actually had to use it when we came across a couple who had just been knocked off their bike.
As it later turned out, neither were seriously injured, but both were in pain and displaying symptoms of shock, and the female pillion was immobilised as she'd landed hard on her back.
The training made me feel confident about dealing with the situation and therefore much calmer and more able to consider the different things that were going on. I knew how to decide whether the girl's helmet needed removing, and if the situation deteriorated how to do this as safely as possible (tho thankfully didn't have to do so). And when the ambulance did arrive I was able to help the paramedics in terms of providing information and getting her strapped onto the board.
The reason I'm saying this is because it took me ages to do one of these courses, kept meaning to but didn't get round to it, etc. But to come across a scene like that, or worse if it's one of your riding buddies, and not know how to help would be really frustrating and in some cases literally could make the difference between life & death. If you've been thinking of doing one book it now - these courses really are worth it.
BTW in this situation, at the edge of town and relatively close to emergency services, it took the police 10 mins to arrive, and they didn't seem to know that much about first aid, esp re dealing with a biker. The ambulance took 15 mins, and a lot can happen in that time...
As it later turned out, neither were seriously injured, but both were in pain and displaying symptoms of shock, and the female pillion was immobilised as she'd landed hard on her back.
The training made me feel confident about dealing with the situation and therefore much calmer and more able to consider the different things that were going on. I knew how to decide whether the girl's helmet needed removing, and if the situation deteriorated how to do this as safely as possible (tho thankfully didn't have to do so). And when the ambulance did arrive I was able to help the paramedics in terms of providing information and getting her strapped onto the board.
The reason I'm saying this is because it took me ages to do one of these courses, kept meaning to but didn't get round to it, etc. But to come across a scene like that, or worse if it's one of your riding buddies, and not know how to help would be really frustrating and in some cases literally could make the difference between life & death. If you've been thinking of doing one book it now - these courses really are worth it.
BTW in this situation, at the edge of town and relatively close to emergency services, it took the police 10 mins to arrive, and they didn't seem to know that much about first aid, esp re dealing with a biker. The ambulance took 15 mins, and a lot can happen in that time...