Men and Motors - Motorcycle First Aid Advice
Posted Apr 23, 2015, 7:03 PM UTC
1211
Given one of the recent posts on here, I felt that we could do with thinking a bit more about first aid.
3
Agreed.
am poster
(Also I've looked any many, many first aid videos since)
1
Nice one dude, thanks for posting. We should all know basic first aid around here.
2
Timely. Makes me want to do a first responder course.
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Be prepared to learn. I've had to do a First Aid at Work course, and felt a bit out of my depth.
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I've done quite a lot of team medic / trauma first aid through the army, but I wouldn't have any experience with defibrillators or anything like that.
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Oh, well in that case, you'll find it easy. A friend of mine recently became a First Responder and they carry an AED. You just hook them up in the right place once you identify fibrillation and it does the rest for you. Even tells you when to continue CPR.
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#### Automated external defibrillator:
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layperson, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, certified first responder, and basic life support (BLS) level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes.
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Image ^(i) - An automated external defibrillator, open and ready for pads to be attached
^Interesting: ^Defibrillation ^| ^Life ^support ^| ^First ^aid ^| ^Certified ^first ^responder
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They're easy enough to use but training is still a very good idea. Simply knowing a few details will make their use safer and more effective. It also means that you don't make certain mistakes (for example making contact with the casualty when the machine is analysing heart rhythm). Also if you get training in their use you'll be a lot calmer if the time comes to use one for real. You can also start CPR before it tells you in some circumstances.
1
Just a few minor points to consider, with the disclaimer that I'm only FAAW qualified (if you can call it that) so take it with a pinch of salt.
Check the helmet the casualty's wearing first. If it's a full-face helmet, and you absolutely must, then remove the helmet as described - small rocking motions with another person stabilising the neck.
However if the helmet is a systems or modular helmet, you needn't remove the helmet in the first instance. You can usually assess breathing and perform CPR on a casualty if you lift the faceplate of the helmet away, minimising the potential for moving the casualty and causing further, or aggravating existing, injuries. If the faceplate is in the way or obstructing lifesaving techniques then remove the helmet as described.
Bear in mind systems helmets are much easier to remove with the faceplate is in the upright position, or at least isn't locked into the main body of the helmet.
Also, before taking a helmet off of a casualty examine the lower part of the helmet for any red tabs sticking out from between the cheek-pads, and the inner shell of the helmet. If present, these tabs are designed to allow you to more easily detach and remove the cheek-pads from the inside of the helmet, making it easier to remove a helmet from a casualty.
If they're not present, assess whether you can safely remove the cheek-pads anyway to help make removing the helmet a little easier. But don't delay performing lifesaving techniques when they are needed, in lieu of making removal of the helmet easier.
And NEVER, in the name of whatever you hold dear, move a casualties neck - or allow a casualty to move their neck - if you even remotely suspect that they might have a neck injury.
Any time there could have been a 10mph+ impact you have to consider spinal trauma is a very real possibility. You should treat the casualty as though they do have spinal trauma.
This video is quite good about talking about the specifics but really the general first aid techniques should be understood in greater detail prior to application. I cannot stress enough that seeking further medical training is an invaluable skill.
Another way it may be possible to maintain an airway without removing even a full face would be to pull the chin down and then put your thumbs below the lower mandible (on either side) and pull it forwards. This should allow the casualty an airway (their tongue will flop back but it won't be able to create a seal). If they've dislodged their teeth or part there of, this may not be effective. Someone must always support the head or neck and the spine should be kept in neutral alignment if possible.
Other points to consider. Cut the chin strap if you can. Two reasons, A its quicker than fiddling about with it and b it dissuades the helmet's reuse. This is current advice. No you're not going to get done for criminal damage as its very reasonable in the circumstances and the helmet has done its job at this point.
Don't throw the helmet. Keep it nearby and place it down gently. Try not to lose it. Its possible for medical professionals to gain information from it. The deformation of the EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner can tell them a lot about the impact.