This section covers information such as First Bike On Scene (FBOS) advising you what to do if you are the FBOS.
A Road Traffic collision could be one of the most traumatic situations that you will experience, and potentially one of the most dangerous. In all the actions that you take at the scene of an accident REMEMBER that your own safety is paramount. You should never put yourself at risk.
The following is a guide to dealing with an accident scene safely and efficiently:
Survey the scene
- Do not approach the scene of an accident unless it is safe to do so.
- Check for hazards – what could prove a potential danger? Look for leaking fuel, smoke or fire, hazardous chemicals etc.
- Find out what happened. Are there any witnesses? Try to gather as much information as you can.
- How many casualties are there, and what type of injuries do they have? Check for ‘wandering wounded’ or for pillions who may have been thrown well clear of the scene.
Do not put yourself at risk
- Warn approaching traffic by placing your bike up the road from the accident. If there are others at the scene, send them in both directions to warn oncoming traffic. If the incident is near to a bend consider warning traffic prior to them reaching the bend. At night or in poor visibility, if possible, use lights on undamaged bike or vehicle to illuminate the accident scene.
- Avoid chemicals off fuel spillages, battery acid and ensure nobody on scene is smoking. Apart from being an indicator of a potential fire, smoke at the scene of an accident may contain noxious or poisonous fumes. Minimise your exposure to smoke wherever possible.
- Watch out for sharp edges, broken glass on damaged vehicles and keep clear from fire. Fuel tanks are an obvious risk, but shocks, gas struts and suspension units can also explode in a fire. Airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners can go off at any time, causing additional injury so avoid leaning into a vehicle where the airbag has not obviously been activated and do not climb on or in unstable vehicles.
Essential Information for the Emergency Services
- Is it a motorway, A Road, or country lane? Are the vehicles in a dangerous position and presenting a risk to other road users?
- How many casualties are there, where are they and what is the nature of their injuries? If you do not have a mobile, where is the nearest phone to get help?
- Bystanders and witnesses could be used to warn traffic, call emergency services, assist at the scene as directed.
- Always ask for police and Ambulance services and if anyone is trapped, request Fire Brigade assistance as well. REMEMBER – wherever possible do not leave a casualty. If you are on your own at the scene of an accident, and you do not have a mobile phone, it may be necessary to leave the scene to call for ASSISTANCE.
- You should inform the Emergency Services of the following details- the location - the type and seriousness of the incident - number and type of casualties - any specific hazards which may be present at the scene - consider the route – is it blocked? Local knowledge may be of benefit here.
Treating the casualties
- You cannot effectively treat all the casualties at once. Assess the needs of the casualties. A ‘Top to Toe’ survey will create your priorities – such as a casualty needing immediate resuscitation.
- Use plastic gloves if you have them. They will protect you and your casualty from infection.
- Only move casualties if they are in immediate danger as a result of their current position i.e. in the middle of the road or near a chemically fuelled fire. When moving casualties, be aware of possible neck or back injuries. Only remove a helmet if the casualty has difficulty in breathing, is not breathing or is vomiting. Always follow the prescribed method. Remember it takes two people to correctly remove a full-face helmet. One is required to support the head and neck at all times, the other to lift and ease off the helmet.