Ron Frerichs

Reviving an old topic...

If we are not going to have a specific requirement for medical support, riders should have a way of knowing what to expect.

I suggest we add a requirement to race flyers that they specify what medical support will be provided....on-site first aid, on-site EMS, none, etc.

Ron

> From: mike.murray@obra.org
> To: obra@list.obra.org
> Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 10:23:37 -0700
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] First aid at bike races
>
> The multiple crashes at PIR this week raised some concerns. At all PIR
> events there is a hired first aid provider. Their job is to provide first
> aid to injured people and to triage the need to call EMS for transport.
> Occasionally there will be multiple riders who fall and will need attention
> simultaneously. At PIR there are lots of people who might wish to volunteer
> to help, many of them medical providers. Unfortunately this can lead to a
> chaotic scene. Sometimes the most helpful thing is keeping the scene clear
> of extra people. If you wish to volunteer to assist please do the following:
>
> 1) Identify the hired first aid person.
> 2) Identify yourself to the first aid provider and specify your level of
> training.
> 3) If they indicate that they need help assume the task that they direct you
> to.
> 4) If they indicate that there are enough people providing care to the
> injured, please help by keeping the scene clear.
>
> First aid arrangements are different at other OBRA events. Mt Tabor, most
> cross races and crits in the Portland area will be similar to PIR. Road
> races and mountain bike races are different. Some will have a hired
> provider and some will have volunteers. Occasionally organizers will depend
> on EMS. There is no requirement that there be a first aid provider. At
> large venue races, like road races and mountain bike races, if there is a
> first aid provider they can't be at all places at all times so they may not
> be able to get to the scene of crashes. EMS may be needed earlier.
> Everyone should be aware that at many road and mountain bike venues there is
> limited communication; radios have limited transmission, cell phones may not
> work. It is possible that response for an injury might take a long time.
> At these events it is more important that everyone helps each other.
>
> For those that want to volunteer to help with arranging first aid I welcome
> any assistance that you can provide. Please feel free to contact me.
>
> Mike Murray
>
>
>
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Mike Murray

The multiple crashes at PIR this week raised some concerns. At all PIR
events there is a hired first aid provider. Their job is to provide first
aid to injured people and to triage the need to call EMS for transport.
Occasionally there will be multiple riders who fall and will need attention
simultaneously. At PIR there are lots of people who might wish to volunteer
to help, many of them medical providers. Unfortunately this can lead to a
chaotic scene. Sometimes the most helpful thing is keeping the scene clear
of extra people. If you wish to volunteer to assist please do the following:

1) Identify the hired first aid person.
2) Identify yourself to the first aid provider and specify your level of
training.
3) If they indicate that they need help assume the task that they direct you
to.
4) If they indicate that there are enough people providing care to the
injured, please help by keeping the scene clear.

First aid arrangements are different at other OBRA events. Mt Tabor, most
cross races and crits in the Portland area will be similar to PIR. Road
races and mountain bike races are different. Some will have a hired
provider and some will have volunteers. Occasionally organizers will depend
on EMS. There is no requirement that there be a first aid provider. At
large venue races, like road races and mountain bike races, if there is a
first aid provider they can't be at all places at all times so they may not
be able to get to the scene of crashes. EMS may be needed earlier.
Everyone should be aware that at many road and mountain bike venues there is
limited communication; radios have limited transmission, cell phones may not
work. It is possible that response for an injury might take a long time.
At these events it is more important that everyone helps each other.

For those that want to volunteer to help with arranging first aid I welcome
any assistance that you can provide. Please feel free to contact me.

Mike Murray