Cycle World magazine, August 2013
With the Giant Loop’s “Mojavis for Medics” program in full swing, our interest in first aid essentials has broadened ? as has our awareness of how poorly prepared and trained many of us are to repsond appropriately to fellow riders (or ourselves) in need of first aid. In the August issue of Cycle World magazine, this excellent article by editor-in-chief Mark Hoyer caught our attention. Hoyer details his experience with injuries he has witnessed during his rides and offers suggestions, based on his experience as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, for what to include in a motorcyclist’s first aid kit:
“The essentials: 1.?Four size-Large non-latex gloves; 2. Blunt-nose scissors to cut clothing/bandages (get the best you can afford ? they need to work); 3. Tweezers; 4. Sterile gauze pads (4×4 in.); 5. Roller bandage (3-in.-wide elastic/4-in.-wide stretchy gauze); 6. Antiseptic wipe/packets Neosporin; 7. Adhesive cloth or plastic tape; 8. Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes); 9. Surgical/compress dressing (big, absorbant, cuttable); 10. Tongue depressors (finger splints!); 11. CPR barrier (look for an Ambu Res-Cue Key CPR Mask); Tourniquet.”
And even more important than supplies:
“So, no matter where you ride, be prepared for medical emergencies. The three most important tools weigh nothing and take no luggage space: fitness, situational awareness and training. . . . Basic first-aid/CPR training should be your minimum standard, but EMT certification is even better.”
Kudos to Cycle World and Hoyer – we’re inspired to add first aid supplies, fitness, situational awareness and training to our adventure kit!
“Long-Ride Essentials – The Medical Question,” by Cycle World magazine’s editor-in-chief Mark Hoyer, August 2013