Motorcyclists travelled to Narrandera from Wagga, Albury and Sydney on the last Saturday of Motorcycle Awareness Month, October, to attend a first aid course developed specifically for motorcyclists.
Narrandera Shire Council hosted the course which was subsidised by the Local Government Road Safety Program. The course focus was on motorcycle related first aid trauma management and understanding how to confidently manage a crash scene.
“Motorcycle Awareness Month was an ideal time to hold the course,” said Narrandera Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer, Elizabeth Mudford.
“Motorcycle Awareness Month is aimed at educating drivers and riders to drive and ride safely and be aware of their surroundings. There have been posts on Council’s Facebook page throughout October with information aimed at both riders and drivers.”
“The First Aid for Motorcyclists course ensures that riders can manage a crash scene safely and provide emergency first aid immediately, influencing the outcome of a crash. Often motorcyclists
ride with others so it is likely they will be first on the scene of a motorcycle crash.”
Motorcycle riders are more exposed than vehicle drivers and risk serious injuries if they are in a crash. Last year 18 per cent of all road fatalities and 13 per cent of all road injuries were sustained by motorcyclists, a concerning statistic when you consider motorcycles only account for four per cent of motor vehicle registrations.
Over the five-year period 2013 to 2017, 323 motorcyclists were killed and more than 13,200 hospitalised from injuries sustained in crashes on NSW roads. In Narrandera Shire there were 13 crashes with 15 casualties over the same period.
“The content of the course was beneficial and will improve the safety of our group charity rides,” said Bernie Garvey, Black Dog Ride State Coordinator, who rode with a group from Albury on Saturday morning to attend the course.
“Take home messages included the importance of carrying a first aid kit including a CPR mask and a high visibility vest just in case; helmets and how they impact on first aid; and the importance of informing ride organisers or riding companions of existing health conditions.”
Michael Carroll, First Aid for Motorcyclists trainer commented, “There was a lot of discussion during the course. Participants took part in crash scenarios, collaborating and sharing ideas on how to best manage an incident. By completing the course these riders will be better placed to handle a crash situation.”
Most of the participants opted to complete the assessment for the nationally recognised qualification Provide Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (HLTAID001).
Narrandera Shire Council intends to offer the course in October biannually with Leeton Shire Council offering the course on alternate years.
