Biker Down - free course aimed at motorcyclists

If you were the first on the scene of an accident involving a biker, would you know what to do? Would you know who the most at risk is, how to protect the area or whether you should remove the helmet of a downed rider?

Volunteers from Staffordshire DocBike have launched a free course called Biker Down, which is run by bikers for bikers, designed to answer these uncertainties.

The three-hour course, aimed at motorcyclists of all ages and experience, uses the expertise of a specialist police officers, firefighter, doctors and paramedics.

It offers people the chance to learn practical skills to help avoid being in a collision, as well as essential casualty care and advice on what to do if they find themselves first on the scene of a collision where someone is injured.

Two courses will be held at Staffordshire Police HQ in Stafford:

• Saturday 18 September at 10am
• Sunday 26 September at 10am.

Sergeant Rob Gilligan, one of the DocBike volunteers who works for the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG), said: "Actions taken in the first few moments after an accident can be crucial in minimising injuries and can make a real difference to the lives of those involved. But there can be some uncertainty about what to do in these situations.

"The course offers advice from the emergency services on how to protect a casualty and other road users who have stopped to assist. There is advice on basic lifesaving skills such as CPR, airway management and helmet removal. Finally, it looks at ‘the thinking biker’ – how to become a safer rider."

For information on available dates or if you would like to host a Biker Down workshop email [email protected]