ICE

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF BIKE ACCIDENT

FOGBEE EMERGENCY NUMBERS

NOTICE: All bike accidents are different and providing a step-by-step guide is not reasonable.  On-site observation and feedback from the injured person takes precedence. It is important for someone not emotionally connected to the injured take charge.  Chaos can only make matters worse.

     1) Secure the area.  Make sure the injured person is out of danger from additional injury, due to traffic, other bicyclists, weather, animals, etc.

     2) Assess the injury.  CALMLY talk with the injured person.  Most likely done by someone not emotionally connected to the injured.

     • If s/he is coherent and alert, ask them to self-examine, i.e. what hurts, BEFORE moving anything.  The injured person (assuming not a minor) is competent to make decisions.  Ask what type of medical treatment they want.

     • If s/he acts confused, is not coherent, has lost consciousness (even for a few seconds), or is in obvious pain, call 911. DO NOT MOVE the person.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE his/her helmet. CALMLY reassure the injured that s/he should remain still until help arrives.   A calm reassuring voice can reduce potential of injured going into shock.

     • If s/he is unconscious and not breathing, call 911.  Stabilize the head, carefully tilt backward slightly, and check air way for obstructions.  Initiate CPR.

     • If s/he is bleeding excessively, call 911 and then apply pressure directly to the point of blood flow.

    3) Contact the authorities. Police or sheriff. (Sumner 615-452-2616)

    4) Provide critical information to EMTs and authorities. Name and emergency contacts for the injured, a description of the accident, and the behavior of the injured post-accident.  If injured agrees to be transported to an emergency center, find out where.

    5) Call the injured’s emergency contacts (click here for list). Tell them where they can find the injured, either at the accident site or at the emergency center.

    6) Get witness or participant comments/contact information.  Take photos of accident site and of any agent involved in the accident.  Get ID of any police report.


OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

     One of the most dangerous threats to an injured person is unnecessary movement. Moving an injured person can cause additional injury and pain, and may complicate the victim’s recovery. Generally, you shouldn’t move an injured person while treating them. If at all possible, wait for trained first responders so you don’t cause the victim more harm.

      However, there are certain circumstances where it becomes absolutely necessary to move an injured person away from the scene. 

      If someone has minor injuries or seems like they’re not hurt at all, they could most likely move themselves to safety.  But if they seem confused, complain of back or neck pain, have severe abdominal pain, or are bleeding, it’s best to wait for first responders.

     However, there are definitely times when the injured person needs to be moved to prevent further harm. These could include:

     • When they are faced with immediate danger, such as an unsafe accident scene or traffic hazards.

     • When you have to get to another person with more serious injuries, you may have to move a person with minor injuries to provide care to the seriously injured person.

     • When it’s necessary to give proper care. For example, if someone needed CPR, because CPR needs to be performed on a firm, flat surface.

CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF THIS PAGE PLUS 
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MOVE AN INJURED PERSON


WHAT CAN YOU DO IF INJURED

Try NOT TO MOVE yourself unless you are CERTAIN your injury is minor. Almost always, an injured person does not feel immediate pain and wants the injury to be minor.  Some seriously injured people have even wanted to continue the ride!

Seek Medical help.  If the situation necessitates a 911 call, ACCEPT IT. Except in obviously minor circumstances, get yourself checked out by competent medical professionals after an accident.

Make sure you have included an EMERGENCY telephone number on the FOGBEE membership list.  Also, enter an ICE number on your cell phone.

Purchase and wear and bicyclist ID tag containing critical telephone numbers and medical information.
   
 
DON'T BE AFRAID TO HELP

Applicable Tennessee Good Samaritan Act
TCA 63-6-218.

(a) This section shall be known and cited as the "Good Samaritan Law." 

(b) Any person, including those licensed to practice medicine and surgery and including any person licensed or certified to render service ancillary thereto, or any member of a volunteer first aid, rescue or emergency squad which provides emergency public first aid and rescue services, who in good faith: 


    (1) Renders emergency care at the scene of an accident, medical emergency and/or disaster, while en route from such scene to a medical facility and while assisting medical personnel at the receiving medical facility, to the victim or victims thereof without making any direct charge therefor; or 


    (2) Participates or assists in rendering emergency care to persons attending or participating in performances, exhibitions, banquets, sporting events, religious or other gatherings open to the general public, with or without an admission charge, whether or not such emergency care is made available as a service, planned in advance by the promoter of the event and/or any other person or association, shall not be liable to such victims or persons receiving emergency care for any civil damages as a result of any act or omission by such person in rendering the emergency care, or as a result of any act or failure to act to provide or arrange for further medical treatment or care for the injured person, except such damages as may result from the gross negligence of the person rendering such emergency care. 



ST JOHN'S AMBULANCE
The UK's leading first aid charity, provides these simple, life saving skills.  This link offers FREE downloadable apps for your smart-phone