The old adage about not removing helmets and the reasons why are quickly dying. We are probably a couple of years from removing C-Collars and long boards from ambulances for the same reasons.
I defer to your many years of being a medic.
Statistically, half (or more) of the motorcycle accidents are still single-vehicle, i.e. going off the road, hitting an immovable object such a curb, car, deer etc. That's not denying that more folks today are distracted via texting and other "multitasking" duties and causing dangers for us guys/gals on two wheels. There's still a large risk in riding totally unrelated to the drivers around us.
Based on having ridden on many group rides, seeing horrific accidents and exchanging war stories about crashes...I have heard my batch of nightmares! I tend to group motorcycle accidents in two basic groups. There is the typical off-road riding crash on a paved or unpaved surface, where the rider has sustained abrasions, broken bones, acute dehydration, etc. but is able to get up (but may be dizzy) on his own effort. A basic first-aid course should help in this area. Related to this, The ride leader should be aware of any major health issues with riders in a group ride may helpful including if that person is diabetic etc...wearing a medical "dog-tag" or ID bracelet helps. I have the ICE feature programmed into my phone too.
The second type of accident is more serious in which the rider that has crashed is rendered unconsciousness. He could have trauma that involves serious bodily damage. This could perhaps involve the possibility of spinal cord and cervical neck damage. The solution is easy if you are on a major roadway region where paramedics are quick to respond. Again, I have been told by various medics to never move the unconscious victim nor to remove the helmet which could make spinal injuries worse. However, you have persuaded me otherwise.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QugMcZUf_rU"]Motorcycle First Aid Advice[/ame]
My daughter who was a lifeguard during the summer, took the
American First Cross first aid class. The course training lasted for several weeks. They covered a broad number of trauma scenarios that would be similar to that of riding a motorcycle. For basic accidents, having a well equipped first aid kit is essential. If one is far from the civilization, stopping the blood flow, cleaning the would, applying disinfectant, perhaps creating a temporary splint for broken bones and dealing with people who have fallen due to the slippery pool surface.
...if one is carrying a SPOT like device on the motorcycle the question arises, when do you activate the SOS beacon?
At least with the other PLD, they have a two-way texting feature so you can relay the specifics about the accident to first responders. I believe
BeemerlessBob was involved in an accident years ago while in New Mexico riding solo on his GS. He activated the SPOT device, but some confusion persisted about his actual location etc. Had he had the two-way texting feature enabled, he could have relayed critical information to the rescue team. I believe he was several days in a remote portion of New Mexico waiting for help. I believe he had broken ribs and other injuries.
...another war story from a TWTEX pie run a few years ago involved riding to the Bluebonnet Cafe with a group of fellow riders. During the ride on Highway 1431, a car bolted from the side and struck a gal on a cruiser I believe. Her leg was crushed. She was taken away by an ambulance. I never heard anymore until a few days later. There was a picture of her in the hospital after having undergone an amputation! She was amazing and had a very resilient personality, which helped a great with the trauma of losing a limb on friendly day ride. The medics responded quickly due to the proximity to Lake Vista. I don't know what I would have done if we were in a remote region. I think you were there at the time. The details are hazy to me since it was my first year of riding. That episode REALLY rattled my confidence.
With your very extensive experience as a medic, why don't you teach the class over a six pack of Coors Lite?
On a related note, with your field experience dealing with motorcycle wrecks etc, what might a good first aid consist of?
...a defibrillator plugged into my SAE plug is not an option.
RB