Motorcyclists from across South Yorkshire are being invited to take part in a free course that will teach them about being first on the scene of a collision. BikerDown! is a national scheme that was designed by a firefighter from Kent Fire and Rescue service who came across a collision while off duty on his motorbike.
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) delivers the two-hour course from Lifewise in Rotherham in collaboration with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP manager, said: “As a rider, you are more likely to filter through stationary traffic and be confronted with a collision, or come across an incident on remote country roads.
“As well as teaching basic first aid, BikerDown! helps riders to think about controlling the scene of a collision and how they can make a vital difference in those early stages.
“Although it is based on a collision involving a rider, the skills and knowledge are equally as useful if you come across any vehicle collision.”
The course, which involves both theoretical and practical elements, introduces the ACT principle as a starting point — assess, communicate, treat. It teaches riders to keep calm, carry out a dynamic risk assessment and prioritise their actions.
“We ask riders to think about who they would call first in an emergency situation, who they would tend to first and what signs and symptoms they should look for,” added Joanne.
“We do practical skills like putting someone in the recovery position, giving CPR, how to apply a tourniquet and how to remove a helmet safely.
“By the end of the session, we hope that riders will feel more confident about finding themselves in an emergency situation, potentially saving lives in the process.”
Sessions take place at Lifewise Centre in Hellaby from 6.30pm on the first Tuesday of every month. Sessions run from March to October and places must be booked in advance.
BikerDown! is open to individuals, both riders and pillions, groups of friends or riding clubs, up to a maximum of 12 attendees per session. If you would like to group book then please email enquiries@sysrp.co.uk. Everyone that completes the session will receive a certificate of attendance and a road-safety pack.
For more information about BikerDown! visit www.sysrp.co.uk/bikerdown.