While safe-riding and following the rules of the road will protect you from most accidents, there is always a need to be trained on what to do if you or someone you are riding with gets in an accident. With this need in mind, the Road Guardians Program was started to assist and promote accident management. Their site reads:
The Road Guardians Program was created to support Motorcycle Trauma Training education as a critical element to outcomes should a crash occur. Road Guardians is a nationally branded program that supports Accident Scene Management’s Mission to Reduce Injuries and fatalities to Motorcyclists. The program provides Resources, Rewards and Recognition to those who are properly trained and properly licensed. We encourage motorcyclists to be “lifelong learners” by providing resources and opportunity as well.
What is Accident Scene Management?
“Accident Scene Management (ASM) is the leading international motorcycle trauma training organization.” The organization helps to train motorcyclists on first-response accident management. They teach everyone, from riders and bystanders to EMTs, how to minimize injury and reduce the risk of fatality after a crash. The following video gives a short overview of the training they provide.
The program’s statement of purpose and program outline are as follows.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Bystander Assistance Programs are to enhance the survival rate and reduce severity of injuries for the injured riders of all motorized vehicles. We expect to decrease the chance of rescuer injury due to inappropriate actions at the accident scene. We also expect to educate motorists how to protect themselves legally and financially should an accident occur.
P.A.C.T
This course will provide the participant with a heightened awareness of how to respond using the acronym PACT:
P = Prevent Further Injuries
A = Assess the Situation
C = Contact the EMS
T = Treat the Injured with the ABCSS of Trauma
A = Airway – Using the jaw thrust technique, lift the jaw to remove the tongue from the back of the throat, to allow a passageway for air.
B = Breathing – If the person does not breathe on their own, assist them with two breathes initially, then one breath every 6-8 seconds.
C = Circulation – In trauma, the loss of circulation is most likely from blood loss. In most cases, the heart is still working so the focus is on controlling blood loss vs chest compressions (which may cause a person to bleed out more quickly). Look for and treat external bleeding first!
S = Shock – Three kinds of shock are likely to be present: Neurogenic (Head Trauma), Hypovolemic (Blood Loss), and Psychogenic (Psychological) shock. Elevate uninjured legs and stay calm. Gather information from the injured person.
S = Spinal Immobilization – Minimize movement of the spine, especially the neck.
At Christensen & Hymas, we encourage all riders to be prepared to assist at the scene of a crash. If you have been injured and need help receiving the proper compensation you need, please contact us and we will do all we can to alleviate your financial suffering.
For information on how to become a member of the Road Guardian program or to sign up for an Accident Scene Management class, click here.