All riders must know the 3 steps: ASSESS THE RISK – SECURE THE SCENE – SIMPLE FIRST AID
Policy Aims: To ensure safety of other club riders/ other road users (including horses, riders, pedestrians and drivers of motorised vehicles) in the event of an accident /‘rider down’ incident during a formal club ride.
Relevance: All members should be aware of incident / accident safety. Ride Leaders, unless injured, to assume overall responsibility for ensuring rider and other road user safety in accordance with policy content based on British Cycling safety advice. Delegate tasks appropriate to skill mix and use clear unambiguous terms/ instruction.
1. Risk assessment:
First on scene, which may not be the ride leader if this is the bottom or top of a hill or split at a junction etc, to assess whether it is safe to approach the casualty re. oncoming traffic etc. Approach if/when safe and make a brief ‘rider responding verbally or not’ assessment. If the rider is not responding to verbal stimulus, and / or there is concern about a significant head, neck, spinal injury do not move the rider unless the peloton contains individuals with the relevant training and expertise to do so. If there is doubt do not move the patient until medical advice can be received.
If risk assessment results in concern, Call 999 or 112 if in Europe. Historically 112 has thought to be better for off-road UK assistance (MTB/CX) but is now not thought to be the case. Use ‘what3words’ app to provide exact location (this can be delegated to another team member whilst making the call)
2. Secure the Scene (making it safe for both casualty, other riders and road users):
Delegate a rider or member of the public to warn / divert traffic approaching the scene from ALL road approach routes. Ideally from at least 5m away to allow other road users time to slow down/ move out of the lane. A greater distance is important on faster roads akin to yellow triangle usage for motorists. If advised it is safe / safer to move the patient out of the road do so as directed by trained medical personnel.
3. Simple first aid measures:
a) STOP obvious major bleeding – firm pressure above or below a wound will reduce or stop bleeds from the major blood vessels ( arteries and veins). If unsure or not possible firm direct pressure over the wound itself with a clean(ish) item of clothing will help to reduce / stop bleeding. This can make a significant difference to outcome.
b) Prevent hypothermia: Use emergency survival blanket ( cooler spring/autumn and winter rides these should be carried by Ride Leaders in each group).
c) Prevent heat injury/ heatstroke: move to shade or use clothing/ other riders to shade the sun from injured rider.
d) Do not give food if suspicion of serious injury. Sips of water are acceptable if rider able but do not move head/neck/spine in order to do so unless spinal injury excluded in agreement with assisting medical team.
e) If limb deformity etc (broken ankle/ femur with or without associated wound) photographs of injuries on-scene can be helpful for ongoing medical care.
4. Re-evaluate situation frequently including who needs to know (family, ICE, n.o.k etc)