We all know the health benefits of riding a bicycle either as a recreational sport or going from place to place or to work, but unfortunately the statistics of bicycle-related accidents are still high due to the vulnerability of a cyclist. Motorcyclists wear protective leathers, helmets and safety equipment to reduce injury– cyclists are even more vulnerable as they wear little protection, except a cycle helmet which protects the skull and brain but no other areas. Even though cyclists can only reach low speeds whilst cycling, it is when someone collides with a speeding vehicle or a static obstacle do injuries occur – and these can be catastrophic.

In 2014, 21,287 cyclists were injured in reported road accidents, including 3540 who were killed or seriously injured at the scene, of which a 1/3 were children under the age under 16. (2015 figures haven’t been issued as of yet.) The Department of Transport have seen a sharp rise in cyclists fatalities, increasing 40% from the last 5 years.

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Unfortunately the current Government have no plans to introduce a law making it illegal to cycle without a helmet. At the moment it is a guidance that under 16’s wear a cycle helmet when using a bicycle. Hopefully it will be law soon that if you ride a bicycle you have to wear a cycle helmet, but this only protects the skull and brain.

Having a first aid knowledge on dealing with any injuries sustained whilst cycling can save lives. Be it if you are involved in an accident or come to the scene of an accident, having the knowledge of how to deal with a first aid event confidently and correctly will help to save lives, not only at a scene of accident but within your day-to-day life/work.

Our comprehensive “First Aid for Cyclists” 1-day first aid course is focused on dealing with a first aid casualty relating to cycling accidents, and also the mandatory first aid topics – eg. CPR, bleeding, burns etc.

These are just some of the following injuries that cyclists can have:-

  • Spinal injuries
  • Cuts, grazes and bleeding
  • Broken bones and/or dislocated bones
  • Possible cardiac arrest

All of these topics and more are covered on our first aid training for cyclists course.

During the 20 years of being a first aider, I have witnessed some terrible injuries occurred when somebody has cycled or made impact to a speeding vehicle. The first responder (ie. the first aider) can make a difference in promoting recovery and stopping the casualty from deteriorating.

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If you belong to a cycling group, or run a local cycling business or social club then it is advisable that you have one trained first aider with you if you are going on cycling trips. It is also a legal requirement for all businesses to meet HSE requirements (1981) to provide the necessary first aid equipment and training.

You might be asking how do you carry first aid kit when on a bicycle? There are now portable bum bag first aid kits which only cost around £3 to £5. This first aid kit would go around your waist and has all the necessary first aid equipment required for any event if something happens. Always remember to carry a mobile phone to contact the EMS – Emergency Medical Services – when required.

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We hope this hasn’t put you off cycling! Just remember always a wear a cycle helmet. Bones can be broken and fixed but your skull and brain can’t. The latest government statistics say that brain injury are being reduced year by year by simply wearing a cycle helmet – so please if you spend a sizable amount of money on a bicycle, invest in a good quality cycle helmet and some first aid training. Our First Aid for Cyclists course can be found here.

WE PROVIDE FIRST AID TRAINING COURSES FOR BUSINESSES, GROUPS AND CLUBS ACROSS BOURNEMOUTH, POOLE AND DORSET. CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS